What Is Building Attention?

We need to have one thing very clear: play is the primary language of building attention in Young People. Not lectures, not flashcards, not even direct instruction. That might seem controversial and broad, but there’s a powerful truth to it.

We often struggle to get our Young People to focus when we demand they “pay attention,” or tell them to “concentrate.” What does that even mean to them? It can be incredibly difficult, even for us adults, to simply will ourselves to focus when our minds are racing. Now imagine having a still-developing brain, fewer life experiences to draw on, and a natural inclination towards movement and exploration. Try that.

See? In this section, we’re going to give you some ideas on how to cultivate attention in your Young Person through play, whether it's to help them develop sustained focus, improve their listening skills, manage impulsivity, or simply enjoy a shared activity that naturally demands presence.

Do not shy away from using these playful interventions with Young People whatever their age. Play isn't just for preschoolers; it's a fundamental way we all learn and connect, and it's especially crucial for nurturing the building blocks of attention.

"I Spy"

This active game is great for teaching children to control their impulses and pay attention to signals. One person is the traffic light and calls out "green light" for the other players to move and "red light" for them to freeze.

Matching Games

Use a deck of cards or create your own matching game with pictures or words. Spread the cards out face down and take turns flipping over two cards at a time to find a match. This game helps with visual attention and memory.

Red Light, Green Light

Simon Says

This game helps children practice listening attentively and following instructions. Take turns being Simon and giving commands, but only do the action if the command is preceded by "Simon Says."

Board Games

Many board games require focus and attention, such as Chutes and Ladders, Candy Land, or Checkers. These games can help children practice following rules, taking turns, and staying focused on the task at hand.

Storytelling

Take turns telling a story, with each person adding a sentence or paragraph. This game encourages listening skills, creativity, and focus.

Building Challenges

Use building blocks or LEGOs to create a structure together, or challenge each other to build specific objects. This activity helps with spatial reasoning, problem-solving, and attention to detail.

The Bucket Game

Fill a non-transparent bucket with toys that are visually appealing and motivating.
Sing a song to build anticipation.
Have the child explore the toys in the bucket.
Show the child the toys first, then add words.
Repeat with multiple toys to keep the child excited.

The goal of the bucket activity is to help children focus their attention on the adult and the activity. It also helps them learn to take part in group activities.

You can put light-up toys, bubbles, balloons, wind-up toys, or other small, visually appealing objects in the bucket. You can also try to include items that the child has never seen before.

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