Children are unique and yet we expect them to all fit “in the box” at school, doing the same activities and having breaks at the same time.  Just as their personalities, strengths and attributes differ, so do the different types of activities that will help them improve focus and concentration.

It all has to do with understanding their sensory thresholds and knowing which type of activity to use with every child. Here are examples of 5 basic techniques that you can use:

1. Keep the classroom visually tidy, calm and organized. This will ensure that there are few distractions from a visual point of view, for the detail orientated children.
2. Do movement exercises such as chair push-ups or stretching at their desk every 20 min. The children who love movement will get what they need so that it’s easier for them to sit still for longer periods.
3. Include clay, washing peg activities or other arts and crafts between breaks so that children who fidget a lot, can get the movement that they need by using their hands.
4. Use group discussions on a daily basis so that the “talkers” can get their words out. You can even let them do short entertainment activities in front of the class.
5. Last but not least: for those highly energetic little ones, give them work that entails movement against resistance, such as sweeping the classroom floor, wiping the black board or even washing a window. These children might also benefit from walking long distances such as taking a book to the library etc.

 

Let’s get creative and think “out of the box”.  Let’s see and treat each and every child in a unique way that will allow them to flourish and reach their full potential – at school and in their everyday lives.