Dr. Kawthar Hameed Abdullah
Ed.D Educational Psychology & Special Education
Poor concentration can impact heavily both at school and at home, therefore it is important to address this as soon as possible.
What do concentration and memory entail?
Concentration is the ability to focus and sustain your attention on a task at will. Memory however, is the ability to recall, retain and elicit information that has happened in the past. Both concentration and memory have many aspects, for example, memory involves short term (recent) memory, long term (years) memory, and working memory (used whilst completing math), whereas concentration contains sustained attention, multitasking, and focused attention (ignoring any distractions in the background like cars, chatter, etc.).
In terms of childhood development and the importance of the ability to concentrate and remember information, these abilities are critical to engaging in school, learning, and competing at the same level as their peers. Poor concentration or attention can lead to bad behavior in school, whereas poor memory results in the child struggling to retain information covered in previous classes, and consequently, both of these result in their learning being impaired. Of course, there is a huge link between concentration and memory, if you can't concentrate long enough to focus on the information it is impossible to correctly recall this information later on.
What are Concentration and Memory Games?
Concentration and memory games are activities that require the child to use their concentration skills and/or memory skills. Some examples include word searches, card games, coloring on one task for a timed period, scrabble, and various other games. The theory is that by using the same set of skills required for school work during sessions that involve memory and concentration games, the child will develop and improve these particular skills; learning how to maintain focus on a task, and remember information, and transferring these schools into day to day life both at home and in school.
Problems that May Require Concentration and Memory Games
Below is a list of some examples that may indicate poor concentration or memory:
Often forgetting school items
Forgets events/who's picking them up
Unable to remain focused on one task
Struggles to cope with distractions/ noisy environments
Often distracted once focused on a task
Shouts or disrupts class
Struggles to understand social rules (waiting turn to speak etc)
This is not an exclusive list, and concentration and memory difficulties can go unnoticed. If you start to realize that your child is struggling to maintain a routine or concentrate during lessons, a professional will be able to help.
Appropriate Conditions for Concentration and Memory Games Therapy
Below is a list of conditions that lend themselves to poor concentration and memory, due to the nature of the condition:
Dyslexia
Autism
Acquired head injury
Multiple sclerosis (child)
Attention deficit disorder (ADD) or Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Dyspraxia
However, most young children have not been diagnosed with a condition, and if you feel that your child is struggling with concentrating or remembering information then concentration therapy may be suitable for them.
Benefits of Concentration and Memory games
Improved attention span
Improved concentration
Better quality work
Able to follow instructions easier
Short term memory improvement
Forgetfulness reduced
Able to focus for longer periods
Retains information better
Concentration Therapy can be an effective treatment to improve your child's concentration and memory.
If you think your child is struggling to maintain their concentration and would like to speak to one of our team please email us at info@kawtharhameed.com or connect with us on What's App: +968 943 81300
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