Ellen Notbohm

As adults, one of the laziest verbal shortcuts we use is admonishing our children to “pay attention!” What we really mean is that we want them to focus on listening to information we are giving them verbally or demonstrating for them. There is no money exchanged, no pay involved, and for children with some language-based learning differences, the phrase can be completely meaningless. When the child then fails to “pay attention,” we interpret it as non-compliance, rather than as our own failure to communicate in a meaningful manner.

“Paying attention” requires the ability to focus and concentrate on a finite task. This may not come naturally to a child, but the skills required to do so can be taught. When both you and the child understand how his brain processes language and sensory input, you will be able to help him implement strategies to improve his concentration skills.

Read the full text of my article “Teaching Concentration Skills” in the September-October 2009 issue of Children’s Voice.