How can we help children concentrate?

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We often hear that children's concentration isn't what it used to be. In a society saturated with stimuli - incessant notifications, omnipresent screens, multiplication of information - their attention seems to be sorely tested. But is it really difficult for them to maintain their attention on a task for any length of time?

If we observe children in a suitable environment, such as a Montessori classroom, we see that they can remain absorbed for very long minutes on the same activity. They repeat, refine their gestures, look for solutions and develop a natural concentration.

So are children really less focused than they used to be? Or is it the environment that doesn't encourage their ability to focus on a task? In this article, we'll explore the difference between attention and concentration, and see how active pedagogy like that proposed by Maria Montessori, helps children develop their concentration for better learning and self-fulfillment.
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Attention and concentration: what's the difference?

But let's start with a little lexical study. While the notions of attention and concentration are related, they are not synonymous.
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Attention: a selection process

Attention is the brain's ability to select and filter relevant information from a stream of stimuli. It is a passive or active, sorting process that enables the mind to focus on a specific element while ignoring distractions.
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There are several types of attention:

• Selective attention allows you to focus on a specific task while ignoring distractions (e.g. listening to a teacher in class despite ambient noise).
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• Divided attention comes into play to manage several tasks at once (e.g. cooking while talking on the phone).
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• Sustained attention is mobilized to maintain one's attention over a long period of time (e.g., following a film or lecture, performing a task that requires precision, reflection, etc.).
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• Alternating attention is mobilized when there is a need to move quickly from one task to another (e.g., answering an email in the middle of work and quickly returning to the main task).
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Concentration: a state of deep, stable commitment

Concentration, on the other hand, is an advanced form of sustained attention. It involves voluntary and intense commitment to a task, without distraction from other stimuli. It's the ability to maintain mental effort and perseverance on a specific task without being distracted.

She asks:

• an active commitment, a conscious intention, a voluntary effort to focus on a task;
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• internal motivation: the more pleasure and meaning a child finds in an activity, the more he or she will concentrate;
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• progressive training to develop it.

Concentration can be enhanced by techniques such as meditation, time management and a calm environment. It is essential for complex tasks requiring in-depth reasoning, such as reading, solving mathematical problems or writing.
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Why is this distinction important?

A child may have good attention, i.e. be able to pick up information quickly, but have difficulty concentrating on a task for long.

In an environment rich in distractions (e.g. screens, notifications), attention is constantly called upon, preventing us from entering a state of deep concentration.

Improving concentration involves specific strategies, such as reducing distractions, planning breaks, engaging in activities requiring prolonged mental effort...
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Why is concentration essential to a child's development?

Concentration plays a fundamental role in a child's overall development. Learning to focus their attention on a task not only helps them acquire knowledge, but also strengthens their memory, thinking and problem-solving skills.

Maria Montessori spoke of a " phenomenon of concentration so absolute and profound that it totally isolates the subject from his environment, however rich it may be in stimulants " (excerpt from Maria Montessori's 1936 lecture in Paris). When a child is immersed in a task of his own choosing, he refines his motor skills, develops his logical thinking and nurtures his self-esteem. But for this concentration to take hold, the child needs a structured, calm environment adapted to his or her level of development.

Maria Montessori gave several examples of situations in which she had observed a child doing an activity over and over again (42 times with cylinder blocks for one of the examples given at the conference), even while the other children were singing in the classroom, for example. She observes that this phenomenon always recurs under the same circumstances, i.e. with the same material:

• which offers conditions of accuracy and control;
• which requires rhythmic exercise of the hand.

It's under these conditions that concentration occurs, "the isolation of the age from the rest of the world" as Maria Montessori wrote. At the same age, between 3 and 5, she observed that a conventional toy did not provoke the same response.

Today, neuroscience research has shown that concentration promotes brain plasticity. The latter is essential for learning and the development of cognitive skills. Every time a child concentrates, neuronal connections are strengthened. These facilitate the acquisition and memorization of new knowledge.

Children are naturally capable of deep concentration, but this can only flourish in the right environment. When adults respect their rhythm and offer activities adapted to their stage of development, children engage with enthusiasm and consistency.

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Why does Montessori teaching help children to concentrate?

Maria Montessori designed an educational framework that nurtures and reinforces children's natural concentration. A Montessori environment is designed to minimize distractions and encourage focus. It enables children to immerse themselves fully in their learning. And we see this every day in our bilingual kindergarten classes in Paris, Clichy and Marseille, where we apply the Montessori pedagogy. We continue this approach in elementary and junior high schools, through an active pedagogy based on the results of neuroscience research and children's well-being.
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Three key elements help develop children's concentration:
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1 - A structured, soothing environment

In a Montessori classroom or environment, we can observe :

• an orderly space, where everything is organized to avoid unnecessary distractions, with in particular the division into 5 learning areas in the Montessori 3-6 years atmosphere;
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• a calm and respectful climate, with limited noise and no interruption of the work carried out by the children;
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• independent activities, which the child chooses and can repeat at will.
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2 - Material designed to capture attention and encourage repetition

Montessori materials are more than just learning aids: they are scientifically designed to captivate the child's attention and stimulate his or her logical mind. Each object has a precise, direct purpose and responds to a specific developmental need.

Rather than imposing abstract learning, Montessori pedagogy proposes a sensory, concrete approach that encourages intuitive understanding. Children explore on their own and assimilate concepts naturally. For example, to understand the difference between rough and smooth, he or she will manipulate specially designed tactile tablets, rather than listening to a simple verbal explanation.

But what is it that makes Montessori materials so conducive to concentration? In fact, this material, designed down to the last millimeter, with precise direct and indirect objectives, and which Marie Montessori describes as scientific, offers :

• A work of accuracy, which the child needs so much.
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• Self-correction enables children to see for themselves if they've made a mistake, and thus remain autonomous: this avoids constant adult intervention and enables them to assess themselves, which develops their perseverance.
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• A progressive approach, since the activities are designed to progress in difficulty, without rushing the child. Each material is a logical step towards more complex learning.
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• Simplicity and aesthetics: this equipment is deliberately uncluttered, harmonious and designed in materials such as wood, metal and fabric. It naturally attracts the child's attention. The design of Montessori materials limits unnecessary distractions and encourages concentration.

Thanks to these features, Montessori materials become an invitation to explore. It enables the child to remain absorbed in a task. In this way, it promotes quality learning.
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3 - Autonomy: freedom of choice and respect for rhythm

Maria Montessori insisted on this essential point: autonomy is the driving force behind concentration. When children can act on their own, choose their activities and repeat them freely, they become totally immersed in their work.

In a Montessori environment,
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• The child chooses his activity freely: by selecting a task that interests him, he commits himself enthusiastically and devotes his full attention to it.
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• He works at his own pace: with no outside pressure or interruptions, the child can stay focused for as long as he feels he needs to.
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• He repeats a task as many times as he likes: this repetition is essential to anchor deep learning and boost self-confidence.

By letting the child decide, experiment and repeat, we enable him or her to develop long-lasting, effective concentration. Thus, in a Montessori setting, the child's attention is not forced: it is awakened naturally by curiosity and personal interest.

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How can we avoid breaking a child's natural concentration?

Concentration is a fragile ability, particularly in young children. Yet in many educational environments, it is often interrupted involuntarily, which can prevent children from developing their attention over time. Maria Montessori emphasized the importance of letting children get on with their work, without unnecessary intervention.

Here are some mistakes that can hinder concentration:

• Interrupting a child in the middle of an activity: when a child is absorbed in a task, suddenly asking him to move on breaks his natural momentum. Repeated interruption can even discourage him from entering a state of prolonged concentration in the future.
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• Artificially limiting the time devoted to a task: some children need more time than others to fully immerse themselves in a task. Forcing them to change activities too soon can prevent deep learning and frustrate their natural curiosity.
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• Offering unsuitable activities: materials that are too simple or too complex can prevent children from concentrating. If the activity doesn't correspond to the child's stage of development, he'll either get bored or quickly become discouraged.
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How can we improve children's everyday concentration?

Developing concentration in children is not just a matter for school: it's a process that needs to be cultivated day after day, at home and in the classroom. Here are a few simple, effective principles and practices, inspired by Montessori pedagogy, to help your child concentrate better, at home or in the classroom.
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• Creating a calm, orderly environment
  Visual and auditory clutter is a major source of distraction. In a Montessori classroom, every object has its own place, helping children to concentrate without the distraction of too many stimuli. To further reduce auditory distractions, noise-cancelling headphones can be provided for the more sensitive. At home, you can also set upan uncluttered workspace for your child, with few visible objects, to foster a climate conducive to attention.
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• Encourage manual and sensory activities and repetition
  Maria Montessori observed that children like to repeat a task several times, until they feel fully competent. Let your child redo a puzzle, draw letters or stack cubes as often as needed. This voluntary repetition solidifies learning and improves concentration.
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• Allow free time to choose an activity and explore
  A child concentrates more naturally on a task that he has chosen himself. Rather than constantly imposing exercises and overloading him with too many directed activities, give him the freedom to explore what interests him. This strengthens his intrinsic motivation and attention span.
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• Offer tasks adapted to his age and interests
  A child concentrates more easily on an activity that he enjoys and that is at his level. Observe his interests and adapt the tasks proposed to suit his development.
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• Learning to recognize moments of concentration
  Value the moments when your child is absorbed in a task. Tell him what you observe: "I see you're really concentrating on this drawing, you're paying attention to the details." This boosts his self-esteem and makes him want to return to that state of deep concentration.
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• Encourage regular breaks
  Concentration strengthens with periods of rest.
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How can I help my children concentrate at home?

You don't have to set up a Montessori environment in your home, but you can offer your child activities that will encourage concentration. In addition to puzzles, construction games and artistic activities, try practical life activities using materials you're sure to have at home. And suggest that your child:
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• slip small pieces of straw through the hole in a smoothie glass lid;
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• screwing and unscrewing the lid of this glass, but also bolts of different sizes, lids of different containers;
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• opening and closing boxes with different systems;
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• buttoning and unbuttoning a garment; opening and closing a zipper;
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• decant rice, dried beans with a spoon or small milk jug;
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• pour water into a jar, into glasses;
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• cleaning a mirror, polishing a metal object, shining shoes;
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• hang laundry with pegs; etc.

Intervene as little as possible and you'll see how well your child concentrates.

Contrary to popular belief, children have a natural ability to concentrate, but it needs to be encouraged in the right environment. Montessori pedagogy, by leaving children free to choose, repeat and explore at their own pace, is an excellent way of developing this skill.

By applying these principles at school and at home, you'll help your child to concentrate better, learn more effectively and become more independent.

Need an educational environment that respects children's rhythms? Discover the bilingual Montessori classes at Esclaibes Schools, where development and concentration are at the heart of learning! Contact us now!

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