Activities to Improve Attention Span in Preschoolers

According to the National Network for Child Care, a preschooler is a child between the ages of 3 and 5. Preschoolers are no longer toddlers, yet not quite old enough to start kindergarten. Preschoolers are known to be curious and eager, and usually learn through socialization, play and routine. However, without guidance and structured activities, parents and teachers may find that young children have a short attention span. There are several activities available that will help preschoolers learn to concentrate and focus, which in turn will help them improve their attention span.

  1. Recorded Stories

    • Have your preschooler listen to a recorded story. When finished, ask your child to repeat the story. According to Arkansas Tech University, this technique will help children work on and improve their attention span and listening skills. For preschoolers, Arkansas Tech University suggests choosing nursery rhymes or age-appropriate short stories.

    Routine

    • According to Growing Families International, one of the oldest and largest parenting ministries, children's attention spans are best developed if they have a structured environment and routine. Have a set schedule in place daily, which consists of determining a time each day for reading, eating, napping and other activities. Per Growing Families International, children without a set schedule run the risk of being labeled as having a short attention span.

    Independent Playtime

    • Your child will need focusing skills before starting school, and Growing Families International suggests that independent playtime will not only help your child with focusing skills, but also increase attention span. Choose a set time and place for your preschooler to have independent playtime. Select challenging yet age-appropriate toys and books for your preschooler to play with. This will allow your child to concentrate on the things she has, and what can be done with them. According to Growing Families International, be certain that your child is alone yet supervised during independent playtime for up an hour. Even though you will be supervising independent play, be careful not to distract your child with any of your own activities such as phone calls or television.

    Creative Arts

    • According to Arkansas Tech University, getting children involved in art projects such as painting, sketching and drawing will help not only with creativity, but with attention span as well. This works because your preschooler will be focusing on this activity for an extended period of time. Choose age-appropriate preschool arts and crafts such as finger paints, coloring books, play dough and hand art.

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