You can help improve their focus by making small changes to their environment and activities.
Movement breaks whenever they appear sluggish or figity, and before and after sitting activities:
- Marching on the spot
- Arm windmills
- Jumping Jacks
- Jumping up and down
- Chair push-ups
- Regular changes of position
- Encourage younger children to march from one activity to another. The motion and energy they use can help to focus them
- Running errands
- Carrying books
- Stacking chairs
- Animal walks (weight bearing)
- Sensory circuit
- Push/pull activities
- Use of playground equipment e.g. monkey bars, climbing frame
- Also visit the sensory processing page for more advice
Calming activities to help focus:
If your child is struggling to stay focused, try these activities to help them focus:
- Placing your hands on their shoulders or head with safe, firm pressure to help them slow down
- Giving them chewy or crunchy food to help them focus and organise themselves. This can help them stay calm and focus during school work too
- Giving them a thick drink, like a smoothie or yoghurt, to drink through a straw or sports bottle to help them calm down
- Allowing them to fiddle with a small object, like an eraser or paperclip, to help keep them focused during listening activities
- Wrap up in blanket (hotdog game)
- Squash with bean bags or cushions
- Encourage engagement in a fine motor activity eg: doing a puzzle, threading beads
- Breathing exercises
- Time in a quite space or den to reduce sensory input
- Theraputty
- Deep pressure (massage)
- Listening to calming music
- Gentle rocking
Changes to the environment to help focus:
- Check that there’s enough natural light
- Check for bright, reflective colours in the room as these can be distracting
- Make sure the room or desk is clutter free and tidy
- Check the room temperature and make sure there is fresh air circulating
- Keep distracting noise to a minimum although background music can sometimes be helpful
- Prompt them to keep eye contact with the person they’re talking or listening to
- Make sure you’re changing your tone of voice to keep their attention when they’re listening
- Seating – check positioning, size of furniture, position in class, try a move n sit cushion
- Use clear concise language and instructions.