TAKE-HOME STRATEGY

Supporting Focus and Attention at Home

Aerial view of child-sized shoes beside backpack

What It's About

Focus and Attention is about children being able to stay focused on a task. However, because of their age, they may still forget what they are expected to do or lose interest quickly. And that’s okay! 

The best way to help your child keep their Focus and Attention is to give them a choice in what they do, set clear expectations, and get them involved.

ACTIVITY CHOICE BOARD

Here are some ways you can support Focus and Attention at home. Keep in mind that you can change these activities to work for you and your child, based on their current abilities, interests, and what you have available at home. Make sure to use safe materials and watch your child closely during these activities.

Take a look, and try out your favorites!

First...Then

If a task has multiple steps, use “first/then” language. This lets your child know what will happen first and then what will happen after and reminds them what to do. “First get your coat, then stand by the door.”

Add a Twist

Make familiar tasks more challenging by adding a twist. For example, “You put that puzzle together fast! Would you like to try it again? This time we can do it upside down.”

Make it Fun!

Turn a routine or chore into a game! When tasks are fun, your child is more likely to focus on them. For example, “There are lots of toys on the floor. Let’s see who can get the red toys first!”

Book Talk

Let your child choose books to read, even if you read the same story multiple times! As you read, talk about the story and ask them questions to help them stay focused.

Mindful Moment

Call attention to the different sights and sounds around your neighborhood. Help your child focus on these things by pointing and talking about them, “I see a red bird in the tree. Look at it hopping on the branch.”

Expand Their Play

One of the best ways to help a child focus on a task is to build on their interests. During play, follow their lead. Show you are interested by getting on their level, talk about what you’re doing, and have fun!

Quick Cues for Supporting Focus and Attention

Some things you might do or say to help strengthen your child’s Focus and Attention

Explain What Will Happen

Talk about what will happen during your daily routine to help your child focus on the tasks.

This can sound like:

“Today we are shopping for milk and bread.”

“After lunch, we will look at books before we take a nap.”

“First, we need to put the dishes in the sink. Then, we can wipe the table.”

Promote Autonomy

Make activities relate to your child’s interests and experiences. Give them a choice when appropriate.

This can sound like:

“I know you love the dinosaurs and dump trucks. Let’s pull those off the shelf.”

“Which color marker do you want to use, red or blue?”

“You love playing with the cars. Should we try to build a road for them to drive on?”

Promote Active Engagement

Help your child get involved or think deeper about a task.

This can sound like:

“Uh-oh! Where did it go?”

“The truck is stuck. How can we get it out?”

“I wonder what will happen if we…”

Our Book Recommendations for Supporting Focus and Attention

Engaging stories that support Focus and Attention
All of Baby, Nose to Toes book pages

All of Baby, Nose to Toes

Written by Victoria Adler and illustrated by Hiroe Nakata, this book invites young children to actively participate to identify different body parts.

Have fun with it: 
Encourage your child to actively participate by moving their body parts as you read.

Illustration from the book Freedom Soup

Freedom Soup

Written by Tami Charles and illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara, this is the story of a little girl who learns about her family’s history while making soup with her grandmother.

Have fun with it: 
Help your child focus on the story by talking about the different ingredients they see, foods your family likes to eat, or recipes they want to make with you.

More Strategies

We’re creating a library of resources like these so families can quickly and easily promote children’s development at home. Be sure to see all the strategies we have available!

visit our take-home strategy library