Absorb information quickly, stay focused for long periods of time and perform consistently. That is a lot to ask of children today. What we need to keep in mind is that attention spans and concentration skills can be developed in growing learners. Brain gym exercises and concentration and focus building exercises help tremendously towards this goal.
Let us explore:
- Brain Gym exercises for children
- Concentration and focus exercises students can practise daily
- Easy morning exercises for students that improve academic performance
What are brain gym exercises?
These are simple, structured movements that help strengthen the connection between the body and the brain through:
- Improve blood flow to the brain
- Support coordination between the left and right hemispheres
- Enhance attention, memory, and emotional regulation
Let us remember that movement is NOT a distraction from learning, but helps lay the foundation for it.
Read More: Study Smarter, Not Harder: 10 Proven Study Tips For Students
10 brain gym exercises to improve focus and learning
- Cross crawls
Method:
Touch the right elbow to the left knee, then switch sides. Continue for 1–2 minutes.
Benefit:
Improves coordination and activates both hemispheres of the brain.
- Brain buttons
Method:
Gently massage the area below the collarbone while placing the other hand on the abdomen.
Benefit:
Increases alertness and readiness to learn.
- Lazy 8s
Method:
Draw a large sideways “8” in the air or on paper, tracing it slowly with the eyes.
Benefit:
Improves eye-hand coordination and reading focus.
- Hook-it-up
Method:
Cross ankles, clasp hands, close eyes, and take slow, deep breaths for one minute.
Benefit:
Calms the nervous system and reduces anxiety.
- Deep belly breathing
Method:
Inhale deeply through the nose, expanding the abdomen, and exhale slowly.
Benefit:
Improves oxygen flow to the brain and supports attention span.
Read More: 10 Benefits of Meditation for Students
- Balance stand
Method:
Stand on one leg for 30 seconds, then switch.
Benefit:
Enhances concentration and body awareness.
- Finger tapping
Method:
Touch each finger to the thumb in sequence on both hands.
Benefit:
Strengthens fine motor skills and neural coordination.
- Wall push-ups
Method:
Place hands on a wall and perform slow push-ups.
Benefit:
Improves focus and body regulation, especially for restless learners.
- What’s the sound?
Method:
Close eyes and identify different sounds in the environment for one minute.
Benefit:
Develops auditory attention and listening skills.
- March and Count
Method:
March in place while counting forward or backward.
Benefit:
Combines physical movement with cognitive processing.
Read More: 10 Proven Tips to Boost Your Motivation to Study Daily
Focus Exercises Students Can Do Before School or Study Time
Build a short routine before class or homework to improve concentration:
- Cross crawls – 1 minute
- Brain buttons – 30 seconds
- Lazy 8s – 1 minute
- Deep breathing – 1 minute
- Balance stand – 30 seconds each leg
This prepares the brain for learning in under five minutes.
Observed benefits include:
- Improved alertness
- Calmer classroom behaviour
- Better engagement in learning activities
How to improve attention span in children
Brain gym exercises are most effective when supported by healthy daily routines:
- Consistent sleep schedules
- Limited screen time before school
- Regular outdoor play
- Short, focused study sessions
- Predictable daily routines
Read More: Daily Routine for Students to Stay Focused and Productive
Final thoughts
When the mind and body work together, children learn at their optimal. Be it at school or home, if we can include these brain gym exercises into their daily routine, it can go a long way in supporting better concentration, emotional balance and academic readiness.
Focus is not something children are born with or without. It is a skill that can be gained with consistent practice.
