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DEAR CATHIE—
WE ARE SENDING OUR CHILD TO A MONTESSORI SCHOOL TO LEARN HOW TO CONCENTRATE, AMONG OTHER THINGS. WE ALSO WANT TO ENCOURAGE HER TO CONCENTRATE AND FOCUS AT HOME. WE SEE IT IN SCHOOL MUCH MORE THAN WE DO AT HOME. ANY ADVICE TO HELP US WORK ON THIS IMPORTANT SKILL? — SOMEWHAT FRAZZLED PARENTS
It is not unusual for the school day to get the best part of your child’s concentration. That is when they are at their freshest, most rested, and are often putting their best selves forward. When they return home after a full (or even a partial) day at school, they have mostly used up their focus energy and have little left to give. Educators and psychologists say that this is often when children show their worst behavior, as it is safe to let their guard down in the place of unconditional love.
You can indeed foster concentration at home through both your home environment and when you interact with your child through your shared experiences. Within your home, be sure there is a quiet place for your child to play that minimizes noise or distractions. This can be as simple as a mat or a small table and chairs away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the family. Obviously, if your child is very young, you need to be sure you can see them to ensure their safety. Be certain that a group of activities are available to your child so that they can make individual choices without you.
Concentration develops when a child gets “lost in play” or is deeply engrossed in an activity of their own choosing. While it is positive to introduce your child to something new and offer new experiences, avoid doing so, as this can break their concentration on an activity previously chosen. It is constructive to offer suggestions as to the activities you place in their space and what you offer to them. Rotate those activities regularly as their interests and developmental level constantly are in flux. Be sure favorite activities are always available and maybe something new and interesting for a holiday or birthday. Talk to your child about what activity is calling to them now. New books, activity kits, and building materials can be part of the ongoing family discussion and can enter their space.
It is also appropriate to model concentration for your child by having them see you focused on tasks they can understand and to which they can relate. You can participate in shared experiences with your child that encourages concentration. Activities like peeling an entire potato, rolling, and cutting out cookies with a cookie cutter, making meatballs or emptying all the garbage cans in all of the rooms in your home build both motor skills and concentration, as well as helping your child contribute to the family. These activities also work on many other executive functioning skills that are important for all aspects of a successful school career and a successful life.
Concentration builds over time. Toddlers, Primary, Lower Elementary, and Secondary students will have ever-increasing concentration spans. Nevertheless, we can encourage through modeling ourselves, offering conducive spaces, and sharing experiences that require concentration (both new and repeated) that build concentration.
Cathie Perolman is a reading specialist, Elementary educator, author, consultant, and creator of educational materials.
For over three decades, she has dedicated her energies to improving reading for all youngsters. She is the author of Practical Special Needs for the Montessori Method: A Handbook for 3-6 Teachers and Homeschoolers (available through montessori.org). She is a regular contributor to Tomorrow’s Child and Montessori Leadership magazines.
Cathie holds a BS in Early Childhood Education and a MEd in Elementary Education, with a concentration in reading. She is credentialed as a Montessori teacher. Check out her new downloadable materials on her website cathieperolman.com.
