7 Practical Techniques to Improve Attention and Reduce Frustration at School
For many children, staying focused in the classroom can be challenging. With constant distractions, demanding schedules, and competing priorities, the ability to focus on the task at hand often takes intentional effort and specific strategies that work. When children develop tools to improve attention, they’re better equipped to manage stress and anxiety, tackle challenging tasks, and build stronger cognitive ability.
Here are 7 practical techniques that parents and educators can use to help children stay focused, reduce frustration, and encourage meaningful engagement in school this year.
1. Recognizing Strengths and Weaknesses
Improving attention starts with understanding your child’s individual strengths and weaknesses. Every child processes information differently, and identifying where they excel versus where they struggle allows for more tailored strategies. For example, some students are highly visual learners, while others process better through auditory or hands-on methods.
Encourage your child to work within their strengths whenever possible, while also offering extra support in areas where they feel easily distracted or overwhelmed.
2. Break Learning into Manageable Chunks
Focusing for long stretches of time can feel overwhelming for children, especially at school. Dividing work into smaller segments over a set period of time makes tasks more manageable and less intimidating. For example, using the “20-10 method” (20 minutes of focused work followed by a 10-minute break) can help students stay engaged and reduce stress.
Timers, checklists, and visual cues can also help children develop better awareness of how long they need to stay focused on the task at hand.
3. Practice Mindfulness and Deep Breathing
Practicing mindfulness is one of the most effective ways to manage stress and anxiety while improving focus. Deep breathing exercises help regulate the nervous system, allowing kids to calm their minds and refocus when feeling distracted or frustrated.
Simple strategies include:
Taking three deep breaths before starting a challenging task
Using short guided mindfulness exercises between classes
Pausing to reset when feeling overwhelmed
These techniques give children quick tools to regulate emotions and improve cognitive ability during stressful moments.
4. Encourage Healthy Habits That Promote Positive Focus
Staying focused in school isn’t just about what happens in the classroom—it also relies on lifestyle habits. Encourage students to:
Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
Eat balanced, nutritious meals to support energy and concentration
Incorporate physical movement throughout the day
Limit distractions like excessive screen time or noisy study environments
Healthy daily habits directly impact a student’s ability to stay engaged and improve attention over time.
5. Build Strategies That Work for Challenging Tasks
When children face challenging tasks, frustration can quickly set in. Breaking assignments into smaller steps, setting clear goals, and celebrating progress along the way can help. Encourage your kids to:
Ask for help when needed
Use visual organizers to map out tasks
Prioritize based on importance and difficulty
These techniques allow children to stay focused while gradually building confidence and independence.
6. Foster Open Communication and Support
Creating a supportive environment between children, teachers, and family members is key. Encourage open conversations about what’s working and what isn’t, and validate the frustrations that come with feeling easily distracted. Teachers can help by providing flexible options, while parents can support routines that promote concentration at home.
7. Building the Foundation for Long-Term Success
Improving attention takes practice, patience, and tools designed to meet children where they are. By combining mindfulness, structured routines, and evidence-based strategies, children can strengthen their ability to focus, manage stress, and build resilience when facing academic demands.
If your child is struggling to stay focused or is feeling frustrated at school, Mindsoother can help. Reach out today to start to work hand in hand with our therapists to create individualized plans that empower your child to succeed academically and emotionally this school year– currently serving families in Livingston, Short Hills, Millburn, and surrounding communities.