I work with many teachers struggling to support children in the classroom. They are challenged by children's ability to attend to tasks and stay engaged in learning activities. More and more children are easily distracted and have shorter and shorter attention spans. When learning a new developmental skill or complex skills like reading, writing, or math, children must first be able to focus or attend to what they are learning.

Facilitating young children's developing ability to listen and focus is essential to school readiness. They need these skills to learn complex skills like problem-solving and critical thinking. Therefore, the question becomes how, as early childhood educators, we can create opportunities in the classroom for young children to develop their attention span. 

First, it is essential to understand that the brain is a pattern-seeking organ. Therefore, for young children to attend to their environment, they must be able to predict what will happen next; this is why creating daily routines and a supportive classroom learning environment is so important. In addition, the brain likes novelty; children will pay attention and gravitate toward new materials, experiences, and activities in their environment.  Providing various materials and learning activities that help children develop skills in observation, attending to details, and creating inquiry-based learning opportunities that build on children's curiosity will keep them engaged.