Dragon Gym’s Back to School Theme: Martial Arts for Better Grades!
Focus: The ability to concentrate your efforts or attention on one thing
Dear Parent,
At the close of every summer, we ramp up to the school year with a focus on focus.
With so many distractions out there for both adults and children, learning how to focus on the task at hand is a worthwhile skill. Although many of us are required to multi-task at work and at home, it is essential that we also have the ability to give our full attention to one task.
Being able to concentrate on what the teacher is saying, or being able to complete an assignment without constant reminders will be a life-long benefit for your child.
Additionally, “tech” is increasingly pervasive in every aspect of their lives. Experiencing real and meaningful human engagement can be a challenge. Social interaction with peers, near-peers and adults will be highlighted in our programs this year.
I’ve linked a couple of resources to this letter. Please click below and use them as you see fitting and let me know if you have any questions.
- Teacher Introduction Letter – To be given to your child’s primary school teacher
- Back to School Worksheets
- Being More Proactive
- Identifying Strengths
- Working on Self Awareness
- Bully Prevention Tips
- Back to School Success Workbook
What can parents and caregivers do to help their children develop focus?
Emphasize paying attention to each other. There are many times when you can only give your children a small portion of your attention. However, when your child has something important to tell you, look your child in the eye and really listen. Similarly, expect the same from your child when you have something important to tell them. Have your child repeat back what you told them and show the proper response.
Limit “I can’t” phrases. We all have things we can’t do, but focus on what you can. Follow “can’t” phrases with what you can do.
Lose your fear. Don’t fall into the “I can’t do that because something bad will happen” trap. Don’t set fearful limits, because you don’t want your kids to learn that from you.
Find solutions. When your child comes to you and makes excuses for why something wasn’t done, ask what could be done to make it happen. “I didn’t clean my room because I didn’t have time” becomes “Perhaps if I only played for 30 minutes instead of an hour, I would have had 30 minutes to clean”
