Attention is defined as the ability to keep the mind on something and the ability to concentrate. Skills often include careful observation or listening. The ability for a student to sustain attention, motivation, language, and sensory intervention. Children with autism, ADHD, intellectual disabilities, executive functioning disorders, and Cri du Chat have difficulty sustaining attention over a long period of time.
Strategies they may provide to be useful include:
- Eye Contact
- Repeat instructions
- Provide frequent breaks
- Use in a leadership role.
- Provide choices in test-taking
- Ongoing prompting.
The following are articles on ways to improve concentration and attention:
4 concentration activities for students – Getting Smart
7 in-class activities to improve concentration in children-TEACH
10 Games to boost attention and focus– Heart-Mind Online
Attention Activities– The OT Toolbox
Activities that help develop attention skills– Boise Speech and Hearing Clinic
Attention and Concentration– Kidsense
Brain training activities– Our Journey Westward
Pay attention: Ten steps to improving attention and concentration- ADHD Center
The attention games: Catching focus through fun– Additude
Using play to increase attention– Miss Jaime OT