17-18 month

Week 70: How to Build Your Toddler’s Attention Span

A toddler intently playing with a peg toy, highlighting concentration and focus, relevant to strategies for developing attention span in young children.

Developing your toddler’s attention span is crucial for their future learning and school readiness. While their attention span may be short now, there are ways to gradually build it up over time.

Expert Tips for Building Attention Span:

  • Minimize Distractions:
    When you want your toddler to focus on a specific task, remove other toys or distractions from their environment. This allows them to concentrate fully on the activity at hand.
  • Extend Story Time:
    Gradually lengthen the time you spend reading to your toddler. Add more pages to their favorite books or introduce slightly longer stories. Encourage them to stay focused by gently reminding them to listen and follow along.
  • Give Simple Instructions:
    Keep your directions short and straightforward. This helps your toddler understand what’s expected without feeling overwhelmed. Simple instructions also teach them to focus on completing one task at a time.
  • Engage in Goal-Oriented Activities:
    Choose games and activities with clear end results. For example, building a tower of blocks has a defined goal, which helps your toddler stay focused on completing the task.

 

By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can help your toddler develop a stronger attention span, setting the stage for successful learning and growth.

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