10 Practical Exercises to Improve Children’s Concentration

Elementary school children often struggle with concentration. In today’s world filled with digital distractions, games, and entertainment, it’s easy for them to lose focus. The good news is that concentration is a skill—and like a muscle, it can be strengthened with practice. In this article, using both analysis and real-life stories, we introduce 10 practical exercises to improve children’s focus.

Why Do Children Have Short Attention Spans?

A child’s natural attention span is shorter than that of an adult. For example, a 7-year-old may only be able to focus on one task for about 10 minutes. The following factors make concentration even more difficult:

• Excessive use of phones and tablets

• Fatigue from lack of sleep

• Disorganized daily routines

• Anxiety or worry

That’s why lifestyle adjustments are just as important as practical exercises.

Real Story: “My Son Could Only Sit with His Book for 5 Minutes”

Mrs. Rafiei, mother of a 9-year-old boy, says:
“Every time he sat down for homework, after 5 minutes he’d say he was bored. When we added small focus exercises like puzzles and memory games to his routine, he gradually managed to spend 20 minutes writing. Even his teacher said he made great progress.”

This shows that concentration grows like a muscle—with practice.

10 Practical Exercises to Strengthen Focus in Children

1. Puzzle Games
Puzzles encourage attention to detail and naturally build focus. Start with simple puzzles and increase difficulty over time.

2. Spot the Difference
Looking for small differences in similar pictures trains the child to observe carefully and pay attention to details.

3. Deep Breathing Exercises
Teaching children to take a few deep breaths before studying helps them calm down and focus better.

4. Reverse Storytelling
Ask the child to retell a story they’ve heard or read. This strengthens both memory and concentration.

5. Timer Challenge
Set a timer for 10 minutes and ask the child to focus on one task. Gradually increase the time as they improve.

6. Detailed Drawing
Have the child carefully copy a picture. This enhances attention to detail.

7. “Sound of Silence” Game
Ask the child to sit still for a few minutes and focus only on surrounding sounds. A simple but powerful focus exercise.

8. Simple Yoga or Stretching
Child-friendly yoga or even 5 minutes of stretching improves body control and mental focus.

9. Board Games
Games like chess or dominoes are fun while also strengthening focus and planning skills.

10. Daily To-Do List
Encourage your child to write down daily tasks. This builds mental organization and attention to responsibilities.

Scientific Insight: Focus and the Child’s Brain

Neuroscience studies show that focus is linked to the prefrontal cortex, which continues to develop into adolescence. Daily short and playful exercises can strengthen this brain region. Psychologists recommend keeping activities short and enjoyable so children don’t feel pressured.

Extra Tips for Parents

• Encourage instead of punishing; focus doesn’t grow through pressure.

• Provide a quiet, distraction-free study environment.

• Healthy foods (like nuts and fruits) directly support concentration.

• Sufficient sleep is one of the most important conditions for strong focus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do mobile games improve children’s focus?
Some games may strengthen quick responses, but excessive use reduces long-term concentration.

How long is normal focus time for a child?
Roughly their age multiplied by 2. For example, an 8-year-old can usually focus for about 15 minutes.

What if my child doesn’t enjoy the exercises?
Turn them into fun games and use small rewards for motivation.

Does ADHD cause lack of focus?
Yes, but not all inattentive children have ADHD. If in doubt, consult a specialist.

Children’s concentration improves with small, consistent exercises. The key is patience and turning practice into an enjoyable experience. This way, children learn to manage their own minds and succeed more at school.