Early years: Attention difficulties
Suggested strategies and links.
Strategies and approaches:
- Ensure that experiences and activities are suitable for the child e.g. the length / timing/ interests.
- Explore what motivates the child, and use their motivations to support them to maintain attention.
- Provide consistent structure and routines to the day/ session/task.
- Give clear simple directions.
- Provide adult support for the child away from distractions and demonstrate good “learning” role models.
- Think about potential reasons and identify any patterns.
- Record behaviour- but remember to analyse and review trends.
- Allow plenty of time for movement or frequent small concentration periods.
- Plan activities in small manageable chunks.
- Be aware of times of the day that may be more difficult.
- Provide calm/low arousal out spaces.
- Remember to consult with the child’s parent carers so they can share with you their perspective.