About attention

Attention describes being able to concentrate for a long time, being able to stay focused on one task without being distracted, being able to divide your attention between multiple tasks (for example, listening while completing an activity), and being able to switch your attention between different ideas (for example, shifting your thinking to a new task or activity easily).

Many students with disability or developmental disorders have challenges with attention. This includes students with specific learning difficultyintellectual disability, ADHD and students on the autism spectrum.

Each student is unique, and so they may have different levels of attention. For example, some students may be able to concentrate on a single activity for a long time, but may have difficulty dividing their attention between two tasks. Others may have difficulty concentrating for a long time and need frequent breaks or change of activities to keep them interested.


School Excellence Framework alignment

Wellbeing, Effective classroom practice

Australian Professional Standards for Teachers alignment

Standard 1: Know students and how they learn

Audience

Primary teachers

Purpose

This resource includes a range of strategies for teachers to support students with attention challenges. Including: Evidence-based practice, best practice tips and other considerations.

Reviewed

November 2021. Share your feedback here