Students or children most likely will daydream that is an inherent natural phenomenon. It fosters creativity and also adds to the flexibility of cognitive processes; however, incessant daydreaming can also act as a diversion in studies which eventually affects the whole procedure of education and learning. Parents are largely blamed for their children’s unusual behaviors or daydreaming that disrupts concentration in studies or even everyday life. Simple steps can identify and change daydreaming so that you can gain better concentration during classes.
Daydreaming is normal, natural and prevalent behavior or phenomenon among students or young individuals. It promotes creativity and flexibility of thought; however, excessive daydreaming interferes with studies and learning which in turn hampers the whole process of education and knowledge acquisition. It always falls on parents when children behave unusually or daydream excessively which spoils concentration towards studies or even daily activities. Here are some handy tips on how to identify as well as deal with daydreaming and how to induce it to become more alert in class.
What really happens when kids shift through dreams?
Two phrases form synonyms for daydreaming: a wandering mind and the creation of expectations or scenarios that will end up being totally dissimilar from reality. This could involve aspects of technology engagement for clever children, use of emotional intelligence, and so on. Daydreaming is a frequent occurrence which also creates disturbance with perception from surrounding or environment disturbed class activities.
Daydreaming is basically a form of a wandering mind where one imagines scenarios, situations, or events that have no bearing on the peasant. For children with high intelligence and creativity, it can serve as an escape from boredom or a way to cope with various emotions or difficult moments. Frequent daydreaming affects the concentration level of the students because it disturbs their information intake from the environment and activities in the classroom.
Daydreaming could be because of:
1. Feeling bored –
Children lose interest in learning and often drift off if the material or content is not tough or interesting enough to keep them stick towards that. It incites wandering thoughts or a daydream.
Children mostly drift off when the material or the content of teaching is not challenging or interesting enough to keep them bonded with that. It triggers daydreaming or being lost in your own thoughts.
2. Sleep deprivation –
They will begin to daydream, lose focus more and grow increasingly tired if they do not get enough sleep. Lack of sleep can lead a child to daydream, slowly become difficult to maintain focus and feel tired.
3. Problem with attention –
Attention disorder problems like ADHD, or other disorders related to attention and concentration or communication makes it difficult for the child to stay longer. Attention disorder problems such as ADHD or other conditions related to attention and concentration or communication makes it harder for children to be present for a long time.
4. Emotional issues –
Daydreaming is sometimes a coping tool for childhood woes or potential difficulties which do not have an easy solution at that time. Learning happens in different ways for every single one of us.Daydreaming helps children to cope with lagging behind in learning and because of this, daydreams are everyday conversations. Sometimes, daydreaming becomes a coping mechanism for personal issues or anxiety or any difficulties which is an easy fix for that moment for the child.
Identifying daydreaming behaviour
1. Not having eye contact –
If the person is not looking at you, they are in lala land. Students tend to keep watching outside through a window or an object for long seconds.
Lack of eye contact is a major sign of daydreaming. Students tend to keep watching outside through a window or at an object for a long time.
2. Not completing school work –
Incomplete class work, school assignments, or unfinished and/or off topic answers are usually indicators that the child was daydreaming. Incomplete class work, school assignments or unfinished or irrelevant answers are signs of daydreaming.
3. Feeling lost – Lost in own thoughts, zoning out or lost somewhere/mind goes to different places/not responding to the immediate surroundings. Zoning out or being lost or feeling lost in own thoughts with the mind wondering about different places even becoming unresponsive about immediate surroundings.
4. Being forgetful – Thinking about instructions or information provided to us on how we should be learning can be a sign in recognising daydreaming when it occurs and sometimes it has something to do with forgetfulness.
Forgetfulness or being forgetful about instructions or information about learning are signs and can help to recognise daydreaming.
Strategies to encourage focus
1. Creating an expected, well-known environment – An expected well well-structured and known environment always helps children to be ready for upcoming events or incidents which helps reduce anxiety and fatigue and helps to improve concentration. As an example, having an established routine for homework, playtime and sleep is very important. An effective routine will help children to shift swiftly from playtime to study mode.
2. Breaking tasks – A huge or long task becomes overwhelming for children which leads to daydreaming and gets pushed away mentally. The easiest way to fix that is to break the task into small portions and it becomes manageable to keep uninterrupted attention.
3. Visual and interactive learning – Using visual and interactive learning tools for effective teaching as educational videos, interactive apps and models can help to improve the quality of learning and become more engaging.
4. Having adequate physical activity and sleep – Having regular exercise, physical activity and body movement can reduce restlessness and a reluctant mentality. Having a proper schedule for outdoor sports or any physical activity is bliss. It helps in sleeping as it is also very crucial for day-to-day concentration.
5. Teaching mindfulness, relaxation and communication – Learning mindfulness, relaxation and having a proper and direct conversation about what is on their mind can help children stop daydreaming and help them focus on the matter at hand. Mindfulness techniques such as yoga, meditation or deep breathing are beneficial not only for kids, students even for adults who are suffering from similar problems.
6. Positive Reinforcement – There are a lot of options for positive reinforcement such as rewarding the child, celebrating small successes and achievements and praising them after doing a difficult task can acknowledge the smallest to highest efforts. Rewarding a child with stars or extra playtime after completing a task can help and encourage positivity and attention towards education.
7. Addressing issues like attention disorder, emotional and psychological stress or trauma – The reason behind daydreaming can be any underlying issue or attention disorder of any emotional and psychological factors which can be persistent and problematic. It is necessary to address the issues as they slowly affect the growth of being a teenager or an adult. Attention disorders such as ADHD ADD or any other disorder need consultation from the paediatrician, psychologist or education specialist who can provide insights related to this.
The natural part of childhood is daydreaming, which can be difficult for academic success and hinder overall progress. Children need reality checks through time, and teachers and parents can keep an eye on the signs and strategies for the well-being of the student. An effective way to minimize daydreaming is to encourage positive reinforcement, communication, adequate sleep, mindfulness, and physical activities. Addressing any underlying issues causing the problem is crucial, and seeking professional help when needed can make a significant difference.
Delhi Public School (DPS) Warangal, sets out to realise due focus and academic achievement of a child. We have committed teachers who work along with the parents to keep an eye on the progress of students and assist in creating a conducive learning atmosphere. With the use of innovative approaches and fostering effective communication throughout the education staff and families, we make certain that every child is provided with the appropriate support needed to concentrate on studies and succeed in life. Let’s unite to make children move from dreaming to chasing dreams!