Concentration Difficulties in Students – What Every Teacher Should Know

Causes of attention difficulties

Attention disorders may stem from biological, psychological and environmental factors. The most common include:

• ADHD – About 5–7% of children struggle with attention deficits, impulsivity or hyperactivity. This often leads to poor focus, time management issues and disruptive behaviour.

• CAPD – Central Auditory Processing Disorder means a child hears well but struggles to process instructions in noisy environments.

• SPD – Sensory Processing Disorder includes over- or under-sensitivity to stimuli like noise, light or touch—making it harder for the brain to regulate attention.

How to recognise attention difficulties in the classroom?

Students may:

• Have trouble focusing for long periods,

• Be clumsy or experience motor difficulties (e.g., frequent tripping over),

• Be constantly in motion or overly active,

• Overreact to environmental stimuli,

• Struggle with verbal instructions.

Recognising these signs helps teachers adjust their teaching methods to meet the students’ needs.

Practical strategies for working with students with attention difficulties

a) Individualised teaching
Adapt pacing, content format and materials—for example, use visual aids for CAPD students or noise-cancelling headphones for those sensitive to sound.

b) Create a focus-friendly environment
Remove excessive decorations, reorganise desks, and manage noise levels to reduce sensory overload.

c) Use positive reinforcement
Praising small achievements builds motivation and encourages better focus.

d) Practice attention-boosting exercises
Logical games (e.g., chess, sudoku), breathing exercises, mindfulness, apps like Lumosity or Elevate, and detail-focused tasks all support attention development.

e) Collaborate with parents and specialists
Ongoing communication between teacher and parent or parents helps form a comprehensive support plan for the student.

Why is intervention important?

Early identification and support are crucial to creating an inclusive classroom. Joint efforts by teachers, parents and professionals improve learning outcomes, self-esteem and social integration.

Want to learn more?
Check out Anna Bielak-Bajda’s video training:
“Concentration Difficulties in Students – Everything a Teacher Should Know”
It includes strategies, lesson plans and ready-to-use tools.

In summary:
Well-supported attention difficulties offer a real opportunity for growth—academically and emotionally. With simple strategies and a focus on individual needs, teachers can make a lasting difference in school life.