How to Stay Focused in Class

Concentration is the ability to focus your attention on a particular task. For instance, during a test or an evaluation, you need to not only recall, sort, and correctly use the information in your brain, but also tune out distractions. What about the noise in the hallway or your classmate’s non-stop sniffles? Oh! Look at that cute squirrel hopping from branch to branch! You may be stressed about your after-school job, or your teacher’s colourful bulletin board may divert your attention. Of course, some distractions are beyond your control, but others can be managed. Here are some factors that may affect your ability to concentrate in class:

• Are you tired? Not getting enough sleep can have a big impact on your ability to focus in class. Yawns, drooping eyelids, and a desire to rest your head are all signs that you’re not getting enough quality sleep.
• Are you hungry? Remember, food is energy for your brain. No food means that your brain may not be working at full capacity.
• Are you organized? Forgetting school materials, like your books for science class or the homework you did last night, can be a source of distraction and stress. It’s hard to do work in class if you don’t have the tools you need!
• Are you prepared? When assignments are incomplete or due dates are missed, a sense of dread may overwhelm you, leaving you with negative thoughts. Will your teacher be upset? Will you lose marks? Will you be asked to stay in during recess or after school?
• Do you have other worries? We all have personal problems that can be emotional and draining, and these can negatively impact our ability to remain focused. Maybe you had an argument with a friend or are going through a tough time at home. Maybe you’re anxious about a musical performance or your semifinal soccer game.
• Other distractions, like your phone or sitting too close to friends in class, can divert your attention. You may also feel more confident in one class than another.

Your ability to concentrate improves each year. As you move up a grade, your attention span increases by two to three minutes. For example, if you’re 14 years old, you can remain focused for approximately 35 minutes. That said, everyone is different, and you may find that you can concentrate more one day but less the next. You may have to do some investigating to figure out which concentration strategies work best for you. Here are some useful tips to get you started:

• Choose your desk wisely. The closer you are to the front of the classroom, the better. It’s harder to space out when your teacher is right in front of you!
• Use a hidden signal. Ask your teacher to use a special signal when your attention drifts. A small, subtle gesture, such as a gentle tap on the shoulder, may be all you need to refocus.
• Get moving. Not anytime you want, of course! Talk to your teacher about incorporating movement breaks into the daily schedule, for you or the whole class. It can even be a quick walk up and down the hallway. If this isn’t possible, try to do some physical activity during recess, at lunch, or even before school. Depending on your school, you may have access to a stand-up desk. A standing position often helps students who need to stay moving as they learn.
• Avoid the stomach rumble. Make sure to eat a good breakfast before school starts. If you’re not hungry when you first wake up, fuel up throughout the day with healthy and energizing snacks. A water bottle is a must! Dehydration = lack of concentration.
• Chime in! Be an active participant in class; ask questions, give your opinion, offer up ideas, and take notes.
• Practise mindfulness exercises. Mindfulness is a form of meditation that gets you to think about your feelings in the present moment. By reflecting on what you’re currently experiencing, you can clear your mind of negative thoughts and emotions. Mindfulness can help you relieve stress and improve concentration. It’s a winning way to boost academic performance!
• Get enough sleep. A good night’s sleep goes a long way. Without enough quality sleep, our brains have a much harder time accessing information, making connections, and storing what we learn. Plus, a lack of sleep can affect your mood. You don’t want to be accused of waking up on the wrong side of the bed!
• Get ahead of the game. Being organized is a skill that will help you beyond your school years. Some great time management tools are your school agenda and a monthly calendar. These can help you organize homework tasks and keep track of deadlines. You can even create a handy checklist of what to bring to each class. Developing smart study habits will help you inside and outside the classroom! 
• Use tools. If allowed, use noise-cancelling headphones, a desk divider, or a fidget toy. If you’re allowed to write tests in a designated quiet space, make sure to do so.

Don’t forget that your ability to concentrate will improve with age and practise. By applying some of the strategies we’ve outlined here, you may just speed things up!