Quick Wins for Better Focus in Class or Practice
If you’ve ever watched a kid stare blankly at a worksheet or spin in circles during a warm-up drill, you know that focus doesn’t always come easily. And the truth is, attention is something we build—not something we can just demand.
The good news? Focus can be strengthened through simple, practical strategies that help kids reset their brains and bodies. These quick wins don’t take a ton of time, but they do make a big difference—especially when used consistently at home, in the classroom, or on the field.
Applied Hope Tip #1: Use Brain Breaks to Reboot Attention
When kids hit a wall, forcing them to “just pay attention” rarely works. Brain breaks give their minds a reset so they can come back more focused and ready to go. And yes, they can be fun and functional.
How to Do It for Different Ages:
Toddlers/Preschoolers: Try simple movement games like “Simon Says,” jumping like animals, or dancing for 30 seconds between tasks.
School-age kids: Use a timer and let them do 1 minute of high-energy movement (jumping jacks, jogging in place) followed by a few deep breaths before getting back to work.
Teens: Encourage a short walk, stretching, or even standing to reset posture and blood flow. For in-class breaks, a quick “two rounds of box breathing” (inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4) can calm and refocus their brains.
Why It Works:
Brain breaks activate different areas of the brain and help regulate the nervous system. That reset can improve attention, reduce frustration, and increase productivity—without needing a full break or major transition.
Applied Hope Tip #2: Set the Scene for Focus
Environment matters. Kids are more likely to stay focused when the space around them is set up for success. That doesn’t mean complete silence or rigid rules—it means knowing what helps that child settle in and engage.
How to Do It for Different Ages:
Toddlers/Preschoolers: Keep learning or play areas simple and clutter-free. Offer one activity at a time and use phrases like, “First we finish this puzzle, then we’ll get the blocks.”
School-age kids: Create a routine before starting a task. For example, “grab a pencil, clear your space, take two breaths, and start.” Predictability builds mental readiness.
Teens: Help them learn what works for them—music or no music? Desk or floor? They can even experiment and reflect: “Did that help you focus better, or was it distracting?” Empowering them to notice what works builds self-awareness and ownership.
Why It Works:
Kids thrive in environments that feel manageable and predictable. Setting a clear stage for focus—physically and mentally—helps them transition more easily into learning or practicing, especially when distractions are everywhere.
A Finishing Touch
Focus isn’t about forcing attention—it’s about creating the conditions for it. When we give kids tools to move, breathe, and reset their environment, we’re not just getting them through a task—we’re teaching them how to manage their minds and bodies.
Try it today: Add a short brain break into homework time or prep the space before practice. These small shifts can lead to big gains in attention, confidence, and overall engagement.
Because when kids learn how to find their focus, they’re a lot more likely to keep it.