How to help your kids focus

With all the distractions present in technology, learning to focus is ever more difficult for children. Adults are not as affected by distractions because they have developed more inhibitory systems that allow them to override distractions. But for children learning to read, these inhibitory systems need a long time to develop.

One way to deal with frequent distractions when working with children, is to give them a strategy for “putting a pin in their thought” so they can talk about it after they’ve completed a certain segment of class work.

For example, supply the young reader with a token, or chip that they must put in a noticeable spot when they want to say something. This gives the them practice in delaying gratification, and at the same time they practice the self-discipline of focusing on their reading.

Children appreciate having a system that allows them the chance to talk about their own topic, knowing that there will be time for it.