Engage your preschooler's senses to increase attention span, focus PDF Print E-mail
Paying attention to the teacher and the work of the class is a necessary skill for success in school. Young children naturally have short attention spans, but they can increase, especially with adult encouragement.

Here are some ways to get your child to tune in:

* Ask! For many children all it takes is this: "Madelyn, I need to talk to you. Will you please put the ball down and look at me?"
* Make noise. Clapping your hands or whistling will get your child to look up.
* Gesture. When your child is looking at you, use your hands to gesture to the place where you want her to direct her attention.
* Add a prop. If your child will listen better to a hand puppet, doll or stuffed animal "doing the talking," by all means use one.
* Use touch. Rubbing or patting your child's back may help her sit five more minutes for a story. Gently squeezing her hand or putting your arm around her may keep her from fidgeting.

Keep in mind that most preschoolers can only sit still for about 15 to 20 minutes before they need a new activity.

Reprinted with permission from the September 2009 issue of Parents make the difference!® (Early Childhood Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2009 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc. Source: Lorraine O. Moore, Inclusion Strategies for Young Children: A Resource Guide for Teachers, Child Care Providers, and Parents, ISBN: 978-1-4129-7108-9 (Corwin Press, www.corwinpress.com).