When children learn to focus, their minds begin to bloom.
Parents and teachers are increasingly complaining of a growing trend where some children get easily distracted, are unable to follow instructions, sit still or complete their tasks or have trouble keeping track of their chores or responsibilities.
In a world full of screens, sounds and endless distractions, focusing and concentrating can be a challenge.
Yet the act of reading still stands tall as the simple, time-tested activity that strengthens attention, imagination and emotional calm all at once.
It is a fact that many children are not exposed to reading early in life.
Whilst it is true that most parents do not know the real value of reading to their children even before they start talking, most parents are just too busy.
Reading with a child isn’t just about learning words. It’s about teaching the brain to slow down, focus and think deeply.
When nurtured intentionally, reading becomes a magical tool that helps young minds bloom ― in school, in play and in life.
When a child listens to or reads a story, he/she learns to stay engaged from beginning to end.
For very young children, they may not pay much attention initially.
Later on, they may focus for as little as five minutes.
Over time, those few minutes stretch into longer, more meaningful periods of concentration.
The turning of pages demands patience, curiosity and memory.
These are the very ingredients of strong focus.
The rhythm of reading aloud, the pauses and the suspense of a story naturally teach the mind how to hold attention.
This is how reading can train the brain to focus.
Reading
Reading together launches the child deeper into concentration.
The whole act nurtures emotional security, which is necessary for a person to stay relaxed and focused.
Children feel safe and joyful when adults read together with them.
The warmth, expression and time together build an emotional bond which makes reading seem more like a shared adventure than a task.
Paying attention now brings them pleasure, discovery and closeness. It doesn’t feel like pressure any more.
These beautiful threads of connection that the act of reading together weaves are priceless.
The brain’s listening and thinking skills are exercised during the time of reading.
Sitting still is one thing. But the main work of concentration is to listen, process the information and respond appropriately.
Pausing during a story to ask questions trains the child’s brain to be attentive.
This kind of active listening and reasoning is the foundation necessary for building the stamina for schoolwork, including math work and daily tasks.
Imagination
During reading, the mind is deeply engaged as children listen and create images in their minds.
The more their imagination is stimulated, the stronger their concentration prowess.
Unlike screens that provide ready-made images, books invite the child to build worlds within their mind.
That mental effort is what strengthens focus and develops creativity, too.
Because of the immense contribution of reading to a child’s concentration ability, it is important to create a routine around reading. Routine provokes a sense of reliability.
This reliability builds focus because the time for reading becomes predictable.
A consistent time signals to the brain: “Now it’s time to read and concentrate.”
This is how routine works to create focus.
Proper sleep, balanced meals, hydration and regular play all support a child’s ability to pay attention.
Excessive screentime shortens attention span.
Sensory overload from overwhelming sights and sounds can lead to emotional overstimulation and decreased ability to concentrate.
When shared reading replaces screen time, children develop focus naturally.
“Concentration is the seed from which all learning grows.” – Maria Montessori.
When a child develops love for stories, they also learn to love stillness, curiosity and thought.
And that’s when they truly begin to focus and bloom.
The writer is a child development expert/ Fellow, Zero-To-Three Academy, USA.
E-mail: nanaesi.gaisie@wellchildhaven.com
