Strategies to support attention

Movement breaks

Encourage movement breaks before and between desk or focused activities such as writing, or at any time the child appears lethargic or fidgety

Examples include:

• regular changes of position such as lying on tummy, propping on elbows, standing
• marching on the spot
• arm windmills, jumping jacks, jumping up and down, chair push-ups
• have younger children march from one activity to another, the rhythmical body motion and input to the feet can help to be organising
• carry out warm up activities – see Getting ready for activities advice sheet

Incorporate errands into the child’s day, for example:

• returning the register
• taking messages to another part of the school
• chair or door monitor
• carrying heavy books

This will also provide opportunities for praise and increase self-confidence.