Attention is a crucial skill that enables us to focus on what is important, ignore distractions, and regulate our behavior. Attention is not a single ability, but a complex set of processes that involve different parts of the brain and develop throughout childhood. In this article, we will explore how the ability of preschool children to control and sustain their attention is related to their school readiness, academic achievement, social skills, and emotional well-being.
Contents
The Development of Attention in Preschool Children
According to Child & Family Development, attention can be divided into four different skills: focus, cognitive flexibility, working memory, and inhibitory control. Focus refers to the ability to pay attention to a specific task or stimulus and ignore irrelevant ones. Cognitive flexibility refers to the ability to switch attention between different tasks or perspectives and adapt to changing situations. Working memory refers to the ability to hold and manipulate information in the mind for a short period of time. Inhibitory control refers to the ability to suppress impulses and delay gratification.Transform education with a Masters in Educational Technology from Concordia University Chicago. Embrace digital advancements to create engaging and impactful learning environments
These skills develop gradually from infancy to adolescence, but they undergo significant changes during the preschool years. According to MentalHelp.net, children gain the ability to sustain their attention for longer periods of time and resist distractions more effectively. They also improve their cognitive flexibility and working memory, which enable them to follow rules, solve problems, and learn new concepts. Moreover, they develop their inhibitory control, which helps them regulate their emotions and behavior.
The development of attention in preschool children is influenced by various factors, such as genetics, brain maturation, nutrition, environment, and experience. For example, studies have shown that children who have more myelination in their brain (the formation of a fatty sheath around the nerve fibers that increases the speed and efficiency of information transmission) have higher cognitive abilities. Similarly, children who have a balanced diet, a stimulating environment, and positive interactions with caregivers and peers have better attention skills than those who lack these resources.
The Importance of Attention for Preschool Children’s Success
The ability of preschool children to control and sustain their attention is related to many aspects of their success in life. According to KITS, attention is essential for learning, as it enables children to focus on the teacher’s instructions, remember what they have learned, and apply it to new situations. Attention also facilitates social skills, as it helps children understand others’ emotions, perspectives, and intentions, as well as cooperate and communicate with them. Furthermore, attention supports emotional well-being, as it allows children to cope with stress, frustration, and anger in constructive ways.
Research has shown that attention skills in preschool children are predictive of their academic achievement and behavioral adjustment in later years. For example, a study by McClelland et al. (2007) found that preschoolers who had higher levels of attention and self-regulation (the ability to control one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions) performed better on math and literacy tests in kindergarten than those who had lower levels. Another study by Raver et al. (2011) found that preschoolers who received an intervention program that enhanced their attention and self-regulation skills showed less aggression and more prosocial behavior in first grade than those who did not receive the program.
Therefore, it is clear that the ability of preschool children to control and sustain their attention is related to their success in life. By developing this skill early on, children can prepare themselves for the challenges and opportunities that await them in school and beyond.
How to Support the Development of Attention in Preschool Children
There are many ways that parents, teachers, and caregivers can support the development of attention in preschool children. Here are some tips from MSU Extension1 for helping children improve their focus and self-control:
- Provide a structured and predictable routine for children that includes regular meals, naps, playtime, and bedtime.
- Limit the amount of screen time (TV, computer, video games) for children and encourage them to engage in physical activities and creative play.
- Provide children with age-appropriate toys and games that challenge their attention skills, such as puzzles, memory games, sorting games, etc.
- Praise children for their efforts and achievements when they complete a task or follow a rule.
- Model positive attention skills by paying attention to children when they talk to you, listening actively, and avoiding distractions.
- Teach children strategies for coping with distractions or boredom, such as taking deep breaths, counting slowly, or singing a song.
- Help children set realistic goals and break down complex tasks into smaller steps.
- Use positive reinforcement (such as stickers or tokens) or negative consequences (such as time-out or loss of privileges) to shape children’s behavior.
- Seek professional help if you have concerns about your child’s attention skills or if you suspect that your child may have an attention deficit disorder.
By following these tips, you can help your child develop the ability of preschool children to control and sustain their attention, which is related to their success in life. Remember that attention is a skill that can be learned and improved with practice and support. By nurturing this skill in your child, you can foster their cognitive, social, and emotional development and prepare them for a bright future.
