There’s a unique challenge in keeping the attention of children aged 7 to 8. Their curiosity is boundless, but their concentration? Not so much.
Getting them to focus on something can feel a bit like herding cats. But, what if I told you there are exercises designed just for this?
Concentration exercises for kids can help them cruise through this “distracted” phase and develop the ability to focus. And guess what? I’ve got a list of seven such exercises right here.
So, let’s dive straight into these 7 concentration exercises specifically designed for children between 7 and 8 years old. Trust me, they’re as fun as they are effective!
1. Deep Breathing Exercises
Let’s talk about breathing. Sounds simple, right? After all, it’s something we do all day, every day, without even thinking about it. But when done consciously, deep breathing can be a powerful tool for improving concentration.
Deep breathing helps to calm the mind and reduce stress, two things that can greatly affect a child’s ability to concentrate. When the mind is calm and relaxed, it’s easier to focus.
One popular deep breathing exercise is the “4-7-8” technique. It involves breathing in for four seconds, holding the breath for seven seconds, and then exhaling for eight seconds.
While this might seem a bit challenging for younger kids, even simpler deep breathing exercises can have a positive impact. Something as simple as taking three deep breaths before starting a task can help clear the mind and boost focus.
When your little one is struggling to concentrate on their homework or any task at hand, try introducing them to deep breathing. It’s a quick and simple way to help them refocus their minds.
2. The Power of Puzzles
I still remember the first time I managed to complete a 100-piece puzzle. It was a picture of a beautiful landscape, full of vibrant colors and intricate details. I must have been around 7 or 8 at the time, and it felt like the biggest achievement.
Puzzle solving is more than just fitting pieces together to form a picture. It’s a test of patience, persistence, and most importantly, concentration.
The process of finding the right piece, figuring out where it fits, and slowly seeing the picture come together requires intense focus. It demands that you pay attention to details, remember shapes and colors, and stay committed to the task.
For children, solving puzzles can be a fun and engaging way to improve their concentration skills. It may be challenging at first, but with time and practice, they’ll find themselves focusing more and getting better at it.
So if you’re looking for a concentration exercise that’s both enjoyable and rewarding, puzzle solving is definitely worth considering. Plus, there’s that sweet sense of accomplishment when they finally place that last piece!
3. The Art of Coloring
Coloring might seem like a simple pastime, but it’s actually a powerful tool for improving concentration.
Handing a child a coloring book and some crayons is more than just a way to keep them occupied. It requires them to focus on staying within the lines, choose appropriate colors, and complete an entire picture – all tasks that boost their concentration.
But here’s the deal: it’s not about perfection. It’s about the process. Encourage your child to take their time and enjoy the activity, rather than rushing to finish.
Coloring can also be a calming activity, allowing children to relax while honing their focus. So next time you’re looking for a quiet indoor activity, consider breaking out the coloring books. Your child’s concentration will thank you!
4. The Classic Game of Memory
Remember the memory game we used to play as kids? It turns out, this classic game is a fantastic concentration exercise for children.
The rules are simple: you place cards face down and flip two at a time, trying to remember where each card is. The goal is to match pairs. Sounds simple, right? But trust me, it requires a good deal of focus and memory.
Playing this game regularly can significantly improve your child’s concentration and cognitive abilities. Moreover, it’s a fun way to spend some quality time together.
You can even make it more interesting by using cards with their favorite cartoon characters or animals. Why not give it a try? Your child will have fun, and their concentration skills will get a welcome boost!
5. The Joy of Reading
There’s something truly magical about losing yourself in a good book. And it’s this magic that can help your child improve their concentration.
Reading demands focus and attention. It’s a journey that transports your child into a different world where they meet new characters and explore unfamiliar places. But to embark on this journey, they need to concentrate on the words, follow the story, and understand the plot.
But here’s what’s really important: let your child choose the books they want to read. A comic book, a fairy tale, or an adventure story, their interest in the content will naturally boost their concentration.
Reading is more than just an academic skill; it’s a lifelong love that has the power to shape minds and broaden horizons. And along the way, it does wonders for focus and concentration.
6. The Unexpected Benefit of Free Play
You might think that structured activities are the best way to improve concentration. But free play can be just as effective.
Free play, where children engage in unstructured activities of their own choosing, encourages creativity, independence, and surprisingly, focus.
When children engage in free play, they often become deeply absorbed in their activities, whether it’s building a sandcastle, playing with dolls, or creating a superhero story. This absorption is a form of concentration.
Final Thoughts: It’s a Journey
Navigating the path of childhood development is indeed a journey, filled with its own unique challenges and rewards.
One such challenge is fostering concentration in children. But as we’ve explored in this article, there are numerous exercises that can help enhance this skill.
It’s not just about the end goal but also about the journey. Each child is unique, and their journey to improved concentration will be too.
Whether it’s through mindful breathing, engaging puzzles, or immersive reading, you’re not only helping your child to concentrate better; you’re also creating lasting memories and nurturing a lifelong love for learning.
The renowned educator Maria Montessori once said, “The greatest sign of success for a teacher… is to be able to say, ‘The children are now working as if I did not exist.'”
In the end, it’s these shared experiences that shape your child’s growth and development, making every step of this journey worth it.
