TOPIC 03PRACTICAL MONTESSORI PARENT INSIGHT

Concentration

“My child doesn't concentrate!”

This is one of those concerns that can make parents feel they need to do more. And end up falling for buying more activities, puzzles, flashcards and educational toys. However, concentration doesn't necessarily grow because we keep giving children things to concentrate on.

Sometimes it grows because we stop interrupting the concentration that is already there. Notice your child when they are doing something they have chosen themselves. Perhaps they are transferring water between two cups or maybe simply opening and closing a box. Similarly, watching ants, building a tower, trying to fit something together or even sorting socks and looking through a book for the tenth time.

If they are deeply involved and reasonably safe, resist the urge to praise, question or redirect them every few minutes. You don't need to say: “Wow! What are you making?”, “How many did you put there?”, “Can you show Mama?”. Sometimes the most helpful response is simply to let the work continue.

Create a concentration-friendly home (You don't need a silent house. Instead, try):

•keeping a small number of toys accessible rather than everything at once
•allowing your child to finish an activity before moving on
•avoiding unnecessary interruptions
•giving them uninterrupted time every day
•choosing simple, open-ended materials
•reducing background television and constant digital stimulation

And when your child loses interest after two minutes? That's okay too. Concentration develops gradually. We protect it before we expect it.