Quick Concentration Check for kids

Concentration, even if only for a minute, is a critical ability for ALL!

In the whirl of technological wonders, both kids an adults are finding their ability to focus on one task at a time, difficult!
Right? Push this! Text that response! Give a directive to your children or spouse or colleague!   All these tasks require mastery of our cognitive domain.
Even with toddlers and preschoolers, stringing together 15 to 30 seconds of concentration on a task or movement skills:   well, many youngsters find sequencing 2-3 moves...difficult.
Maybe this quick skill drill might give you a clearer vision of your own youngster's state of mental processing.
Let's call this ONE Footed HOPPING.

1. Ask the child to 'pick' a leg to stand on.
2. Suggest that they stretch their hands/arms to the side, away from their body.
3. Ask them to keep their head and body TALL!
4. NOW: the skill check: HOP on that standing leg 3 times.
5. Ask them to STAY in the same spot!
6. Then ask them to control their STOPPING of the motion.

Can they hop in place three times and successfully control the end of the drill?
You might be surprised..that this seemingly simple task is tough for some children.
The brain's processing needs to have information send back and forth between the muscle and brain and back, in a rather smooth and rapid speed.
This is called motor sequencing. A child with the ability to perform three motor skills, in a row, is on their way to being able to master long and more complex motor patterns.
IF there were some problems, set out a practice time in a safe place and work on skills in a row.
Maybe you or someone in your family, might find the KidSKILLS Series of Movement and Sports Training Manuals, an aid in developing mastery of skills that will build that I Can Do That! confidence in children.
Browse the KidSKILLS site for more ideas on how to get young kids to move with mastery!