Do you ever feel like your child’s energy resembles a pinball machine? Is their concentration bouncing from one interest to another faster than you can follow? Or are you wondering how to help a child with ADHD focus in school? You’re certainly not alone. Parents like you and I share the puzzle of finding effective focusing techniques for kids with ADHD that have been proven to yield results and dramatically improve focus in school. This blog post is your resource for exploring these ideas. We’ll discuss neuroscience-based strategies, incorporate expert insights and on-the-ground experiences, and give you practical tips to apply today.
Table of Contents
Creating a Productive Space
When it comes to helping a child with ADHD focus in school, one of the first strategies is to create a conducive environment. I’ve always found it fascinating that a change in environment can remarkably influence behavior in kids. Just like an artist’s creative flow is often inspired by their surroundings, a child’s concentration can be boosted by environmental changes.
Narrowing their line of sight can work wonders. This might involve facing their desk away from the window, which I know might deprive them of scenic views, but it also minimizes potential distractions. Similarly, clearing the desk space can provide a sense of calm and focus – there’s truth in the saying, “When your space is organized, your mind is organized.”
Read more: How Do I Get My ADHD Child To Focus?
Working away from other people is also good, specifically if your child gets easily distracted by movements and sounds. And, we know the bane of concentration in today’s digital age—it’s the smartphone! Encourage your kids to turn them off, or put them on silent and out of sight during study hours. The old saying “out of sight, out of mind” applies marvellously here.
Start a Thought Dump
Given the rate at which children with ADHD can generate new thoughts, it’s no surprise their minds can get overcrowded, making it harder to focus. I recommend starting a “thought dump.” It enhances focus and serves as a treasure trove of their creative ideas. A simple notebook will do the trick, allowing them to jot down or sketch out their thoughts as they come, thereby emptying their mind to focus on the task at hand.
Work Towards Clarity
I can’t stress enough how critical clarity is for kids with ADHD. It serves two purposes – it simplifies tasks for them and motivates them to stick to it until completion. Using organization tools and writing notes can help them break complex tasks into manageable parts. You might be surprised how a complex math problem turns less intimidating once divided into smaller sub-problems. Similarly, a long history chapter becomes more palatable when divided into sections, each to be tackled separately.
Another solid focusing technique for ADHD involves setting deadlines. It might sound a bit stern, but deadlines create a sense of urgency and can actually work to enhance focus. Just remember to make them realistic and relatively stress-free.
Employing Human Connect
Isolation doesn’t always help in focusing. The ‘buddy system’ works exceedingly well in enhancing focus in kids with ADHD. By working with someone they trust, they can share their progress, which creates a sense of accountability. This person can be you, a responsible sibling, or even a study buddy.
The Power of Movement
Kids with ADHD have energy in abundance! So, how about using this to an advantage? Encouraging regular exercise can be an effective strategy. Not only does it make them spend their surplus energy, but multiple studies also show that physical activity boosts the brain’s dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels. These brain chemicals affect focus and attention, which are in short supply in kids with ADHD.
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Harnessing Limitations
Every superpower comes with its limitations. Acknowledging these limitations and using them as a compass to navigate is important. Kids with ADHD often have a shorter attention span, and that’s okay. Teach them to recognize these limits and take breaks accordingly. You can use methods like the Pomodoro Technique, where they work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. This method can be incredibly effective, turning the short attention span into an advantage.
Read more: Focus Exercises for Kids
Setting Goals
Lastly, setting short-term and long-term goals can help your kids focus. Whether it’s finishing a chapter of a book or scoring well on the next test, having a target to work towards can keep them motivated. Most significantly, it gives them a sense of accomplishment when they succeed, boosting their self-esteem and confidence.
Incorporating these focusing techniques for ADHD in your child’s routine might not bring about an immediate transformation, but it could certainly set them on a path toward better concentration and focus.
Try Goally For Your Child With ADHD
Goally is an excellent option for many families that have a child with ADHD. Use game play as a points-based motivator for your kiddo with ADHD, help them learn emotional regulation skills, and watch them grow! It’s simple to set up and has an expert-informed design.
As we apply these techniques with patience and persistence, our aim isn’t to fix our kids or make them conform to what is labeled ‘normal.’ Instead, it’s about empowering them to harness their unique energy and turn potential distractions into opportunities for creativity and growth. Here’s to our extraordinary kids and their brilliant neurodivergent minds because, after all, every mind is a universe in itself.
FAQ about Focusing Techniques for ADHD
What are some effective focusing techniques for individuals with ADHD? Effective techniques include breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps and using timers to work in short, focused bursts followed by short breaks. These strategies help maintain attention and reduce overwhelm. How can technology assist people with ADHD in staying focused? Technology tools like apps for time management, reminders, and blocking distracting websites can support individuals with ADHD in maintaining focus on tasks and managing their time more effectively. What role does physical exercise play in improving focus for those with ADHD? Regular physical exercise is beneficial for individuals with ADHD as it enhances neurotransmitter activity in the brain, which can improve attention span, reduce impulsivity, and foster a better mood, aiding in overall focus and concentration. Can dietary changes impact focus in individuals with ADHD? Yes, certain dietary changes, such as reducing sugar intake and increasing omega-3 fatty acids, have been shown to potentially improve focus and cognitive function in people with ADHD, though individual responses may vary.
This post was originally published on 04/05/2023. It was updated on 02/07/2024.
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