Concentration

LEVELS OF CONCENTRATION/ATTENTION

On average we could say that optimum concentration would be 1 minute for every year of life. So a five year old would be 5 minutes and a 12 year old 12 minutes etc. The are variables however - level of interest, level of distractions. Most adults would probably lose concentration after about 20 minutes.

What Affects Concentration?

Level of interest

Lack of sleep

Poor nutrition

Depression

Negative feelings about work

Anxiety

Distractions (auditory and visual)

Negative feelings about self

Stress

Poor time management

Medication

What can we do to support concentration?

  • Improve at the environment - less distractions

  • Ensure young people are nourished

  • Make the information interesting (include visuals!)

  • Allow them to focus on one task at a time

  • Offer regular learning breaks

  • Allow time to share worries