BUILDING ATTENTION AND FOCUS IN PRIMARY SCHOOL AT PRIMARY 6

By Good School Learning Hub

Many parents today are worried about their child’s ability to focus. They notice their child getting distracted easily, losing concentration during homework, or struggling to sit still for extended periods. After more than 15 years of teaching primary school students, I can say that these concerns are extremely common. This article is meant to help parents understand what attention and focus really look like in children, and how they can be developed in realistic, age-appropriate ways.

Problem

A common concern among parents is the belief that their child “cannot focus”. Homework takes too long, revision sessions feel unproductive, and reminders are needed repeatedly. Over time, this can lead to frustration on both sides — parents feel anxious and tired, while children feel criticised or discouraged. The worry is not just about today’s homework, but about whether poor focus now will affect learning in the long term.

Details

In primary school, attention is still developing. Children are not naturally built to concentrate for long stretches, especially when tasks feel difficult or uninteresting. What we see consistently is that many children are able to focus — just not for as long as adults expect. Focus also fluctuates depending on tiredness, confidence, and emotional state. A child who appears distracted is often overwhelmed, unsure, or mentally fatigued rather than unwilling to learn.

Solutions

The most effective way to build attention is through structure and practice, not force. Short, focused study sessions with clear start and end times work far better than long periods of sitting at the table. Removing unnecessary distractions, keeping routines predictable, and breaking tasks into manageable parts help children stay engaged. Parents also support focus by acknowledging effort and progress, rather than only pointing out lapses in attention. Over time, these small, consistent practices strengthen a child’s ability to concentrate naturally.

Alternatives

Some parents try to address focus issues by constantly supervising their child or repeatedly reminding them to “pay attention”. Others give complete freedom, hoping focus will develop on its own. Both approaches can be counterproductive. Constant supervision may create dependence or resistance, while no structure at all can leave children unsure of expectations. A more balanced approach — guided practice with gradually increasing independence — allows focus to develop without unnecessary stress.

Further thoughts

 Building attention and focus is a gradual process, especially in the primary years. Children do not need perfect concentration to learn well; they need supportive environments that help them practise focusing bit by bit. Parents should not view distractibility as a failure, but as part of development. With patience, consistency, and realistic expectations, children can build stronger focus over time — and learning becomes less stressful for everyone involved.