Small Focus, Big Gains: Growing Attention in Pre-K

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that attention works just like a muscle. It doesn’t develop all at once; it grows gradually with practice. For preschoolers/TK children, even being able to focus on something for just a few minutes at a time can lay the groundwork for greater successes down the road. In this post, I’m sharing some gentle ways to help children build attention in Pre-K, what to keep an eye on, and how families and educators can stay on the same page as kids grow.

Why Attention in Preschool Matters

We often think of attention as a “nice-to-have” skill, but research says otherwise: early attention actually predicts later school and life outcomes. In one long-term study, children’s attention span and persistence at age 4 predicted math and reading achievement at age 21, as well as their likelihood of completing college by age 25 (McClelland et al., 2013).

And here’s the reality: preschoolers are just beginning to develop the brain systems (executive control, working memory, and inhibition) that support sustained focus. At this age, distractions, such as a toy, noise, or sudden change, can easily pull them away from what they’re doing (Kannass & Oakes, 2010).

The role of educators and caregivers is to scaffold attention development in ways that are supportive, realistic, and developmentally appropriate, rather than overwhelming.

Five Small Steps to Grow Focus

This is the simple, gentle roadmap I share with teachers and families,  one that feels doable and kind (not punitive):

1. Start where they are (3–10-minute focus blocks).
   If a child can stay engaged for 4 minutes today, we start there. Let them feel successful before stretching their capacity.

2. Add just 1–2 minutes each week.
   Slow, steady growth helps children build stamina without frustration. Celebrate the “extra minute” to make progress feel fun.

3. Use one consistent start–stop cue.
   Pick a timer, a chime, or a short phrase (“Ready … go!” / “Okay, time’s up!”). Predictability gives children a sense of control and clarity.

4. Include quick movement breaks.
   Short, energizing breaks (stretching, hopping, a “shake-it-out” dance) reset the brain and make re-focusing easier.

5. Mirror school cues at home (First–Then + visuals).
   Consistency matters. First, then cards and picture schedules have been shown to increase on-task behavior in young learners (Knight et al., 2024). When home and school use the same cues, children transition more smoothly between environments.

What to Watch Out For

Even with the best intentions, a few common factors can work against attention growth. Keep these in mind:

• Too much screen time. High levels of media exposure are associated with greater attention difficulties in young children (Wartella et al., 2022).

• Fatigue, hunger, or poor sleep. Sleep quality is closely linked to children’s ability to focus and regulate behavior (Mindell et al., 2019).

• Task mismatch. If the task is too difficult or too easy, attention quickly unravels. Adjust the challenge level to keep children engaged without overwhelm.

• Distraction overload. Environments with frequent interruptions make it challenging for even the most focused children to stay on task (Kannass & Oakes, 2010).

How This Looks in Practice
When I think about building attention, I keep a few guiding ideas in mind. These are the kinds of reminders that families can lean on, too:

• Small wins matter more than big leaps.

• Using the same cues at home and in class creates one clear “language of focus” for kids.

• It helps to start with activities that children already enjoy, such as coloring, sorting, or matching, and then gradually add more time.

• Consistency builds strength. Think in weeks, not days.

Conclusion & Invitation

Growing attention isn’t about perfection; it’s about patience, consistency, and celebrating progress as it comes. If we meet children where they are and slowly scaffold forward, we will see them staying with tasks longer and with greater confidence.

Making It Easier for Families
To keep things simple, a printable tip sheet or visual guide can be beneficial. When the same cues are available in both home and school settings, children experience consistency, and that consistency is what makes the routine stick.

References

McClelland, M. M., Acock, A. C., & Morrison, F. J. (2013). The impact of early attention skills on later academic achievement and college completion. Developmental Psychology, 49(4), 773–791. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3610761/

Kannass, K. N., & Oakes, L. M. (2010). The development of attention: Examining distraction in young children’s performance. Journal of Cognition and Development, 11(3), 285–310. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3015160/

Knight, V. F., Sartini, E., & Spriggs, A. D. (2024). Using visual schedules to increase on-task behavior in preschool children. Journal of Early Childhood Research. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/20473869.2024.2402124

Wartella, E., et al. (2022). Media exposure and early childhood attention outcomes: A systematic review. Pediatrics, 149(4). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35430923/

Mindell, J. A., et al. (2019). Sleep, development, and early learning: What we know and what we need to know. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 47, 28–39. https://arxiv.org/abs/1904.05036