Developing children's concentration

1 Proper nutrition, adequate exercise and enough sleep as well as drinking water will aid concentration.

2 Draw a point on a post it note and ask the child to sit and focus on that point for a few moments. If any thoughts come into the mind, ask them to gently push them away and only think about the point in front of them. Get the child to stay as still as possible and keep concentrating.

3 Put a flower or a picture of the flower in front of the child. Ask the child to notice all the colours and textures and shapes on the flower. Get the child to sit as still as possible for as long as they can only concentrating on the flower.

4 Repeat three times in their mind - I am focussed. I can concentrate. I am still. I am quiet. I am focussed. I can concentrate. I am still. I am quiet.

Steps into the Sky
Close your eyes, be very still and imagine that you are lying down outside looking up at the clouds. You feel so calm and relaxed as you watch the clouds gently drift past, changing shape and making patterns in the blue sky. All of a sudden you notice a ladder made of white clouds coming down to where you are lying. Slowly you get up and start to climb the ladder. As soon as you step onto the ladder, you feel as light as a cloud. Climb up to the top of the sky. It is very quiet in the sky; you can’t even hear the birds singing, as it is so high up. This is a secret hideaway place, where you can build a den made entirely of clouds and creep inside it and be very still and silent. You love being surrounded by these fluffy clouds. They are so soft to touch; it’s almost as if they are not there. When you are ready, you may lie down and enjoy the feeling of lying on soft clouds. Stay here in you secret den, and dream your magical dreams.