24 Jan Classroom and Lesson Modifications to Help Primary School Children Focus
Fostering focus in a primary school setting can be challenging, especially with young children who are still developing attention spans and self-regulation skills. However, several classroom modifications and lesson strategies can significantly improve focus, engagement, and learning outcomes. Here are effective approaches for supporting primary school children:
- Structured routines
Children thrive in environments with predictable routines. When they know what to expect, they feel more secure and can better focus on the task at hand.
Schedules: Visual timetable in the classroom. For younger children, use pictures or symbols. For both younger children and children who can read, colour codes can help to show the flow of the day. It is important to be aware of white space, and delineate clearly with borders. Together, this clarity reduces anxiety and helps children transition between activities smoothly.
Consistent transitions: Minimise disruptions by establishing clear signals for transitions (e.g., bell, song, visual cue). Predictable transitions help cue children’s mental preparation.
- Classroom layout and environment
The physical classroom setting plays a significant role in minimising distractions and promoting concentration.
Seating arrangement: Consider seating children who struggle with distractions away from windows, doors, or high-traffic areas, and nearer the front of the classroom if that is where teachers are teaching from.
Minimise visual clutter: Too many colourful posters or decorations can overstimulate children – this is easy to overdo, in an attempt to make classrooms look fun and attractive. Choose a few key visuals and keep the rest of the space simple. This reduces distractions and promotes a calm learning environment.
Use of lighting and colour: Soft lighting and cool tones (like blue or green) have been shown to improve focus. Consider natural light when possible. Be aware that fluorescent lighting can contribute to distractions.
- Clear instructions and short tasks
Breaking tasks into manageable, bite-sized pieces helps students focus on one thing at a time.
Simple, clear instructions: Provide concise, step-by-step instructions. Use visuals or written instructions alongside oral explanations to reinforce understanding.
Chunking: Break lessons into smaller segments (e.g., 10-minute tasks) followed by short breaks. This helps sustain attention and prevents cognitive overload.
Frequent check-ins: Regularly assess understanding during tasks. This keeps students engaged and also allows for early intervention if focus wanes.
- Interactive and Hands-On Learning
Incorporating interactive activities can boost engagement.
Movement breaks: Incorporate physical activity into lessons. For example, after a 15–20-minute sitting period, allow students to stand, stretch, or participate in a short game. Movement can help children refocus and improve attention span. If moving around the classroom is difficult, heavy work such as pushing themselves off their chairs with both hands, standing then sitting can be some ways to refocus children.
Hands-on materials: Use manipulatives. While digital resources attract children’s attention, hands-on manipulatives and physically moving around stimulate the brain in different ways, improving focus and retention.
- Behavioural strategies
Encouraging positive behaviours and providing consistent support can help students stay focused throughout the day.
Positive Reinforcement: Use praise, tokens, or stickers for focused behaviour. Establish a system of rewards to motivate children who may struggle with staying on task. Let children know that you have noticed them doing something well by using “I noticed that…” as an alternative to praise.
Clear expectations: Set clear, simple behavioural expectations and instruct in short sentences (less than 5 words). For example, “hands on desk” or “eyes on the board”. Refocusing the whole class: instruct the whole class to clap along to a short rhythm set by the teacher. Alternatively, instruct the class to move together by saying “hands on head” to the whole class (and a series of other body parts e.g. toes, shoulders if appropriate).
- Use of Technology
Well-integrated technology can enhance engagement and focus, especially if interactive and age-appropriate tools.
Educational apps and games: Use apps that encourage learning through fun, gamified content. These can support focused engagement, particularly for subjects like math or spelling.
Timers: Using a visual or auditory timer for tasks helps children manage time and understand the limits of each activity. For example, a 10-minute task with a timer may help children focus on finishing before the time is up. Time Timer is an especially good timer – you can purchase this as actual timers or use an app on a phone or tablet.
- Individualised support
Recognising that each child has unique needs is essential for maintaining focus in the classroom.
Sensory breaks: Provide children who struggle with focus (e.g., those with ADHD or sensory processing issues) with sensory breaks e.g. squeezing a stress ball, taking a walk, or deep breathing exercises. Children may be able to indicate they need a break by signalling the teacher with prearranged card, hand or verbal signals.
Flexible seating: Alternative seating options can help e.g., standing desks, cushions, or rocking chairs/stools
- Relaxation through breathing and visualisation
These activities can help children self-regulate and improve focus. It is best if the adults implementing these strategies are personally comfortable with these methods before implementing with the children.
Breathing exercises: Simple breathing exercises, such as “breathe in for 3 seconds, hold for 2, exhale for 3,” can calm the mind and body, helping children focus before or during tasks.
Guided imagery: Lead students in visualising a calm place (like a beach or forest) to help them centre themselves. This can be a great pre-lesson activity or a tool to refocus after a break.
In summary, by adapting the classroom environment, routines, lesson delivery, and behavioural expectations, teachers can create a space that nurtures focus and engagement. Small changes, like clear instructions, interactive learning, and sensory breaks, can go a long way in helping primary school children stay on task and thrive academically. By prioritising these modifications, educators can ensure that every child has the opportunity to focus, learn, and succeed.
If you would like to have a conversation further on how to navigate this, please contact us at Prosper Health Collective for further information on 6381 0071.
