Understanding why your preschooler can’t focus and what to do about it

May 1st, 2025 / By Olivia Maitre

Between the ages of three and five, children experience remarkable brain growth, forming neural pathways that support cognitive, emotional, social, physical and language development. While this period is marked by incredible progress, it can also explain why preschooler sometimes struggle to focus. According to childhood development experts, the average attention span for children can be estimated as 2-3 minutes per year of age. For example, a three year old may focus for about 6-9 minutes, while a four year old may focus for about 8-12 minutes. Attention challenges are common at this stage for a variety of reasons ranging from external distractions, overstimulation, or a lack of engagement with their environment. At Tinkerer, we provide plenty of practical strategies and innovative STEAM (Science, technology, engineering arts and maths) toys designed to spark children’s curiosity, enhance their attention span, and make learning fun - tailored to every learning style!

The hidden reasons behind preschoolers’ short attention spans

Many preschoolers’ attention spans are shortened in the classroom simply because they are adjusting to a new environment filled with distractions. For some children, filtering out these disturbances - such as bright visuals, loud noises, or peers moving around - can be particularly challenging, leading to overstimulation and difficulty concentrating. On the other hand, some may not feel sufficiently challenged by the material being taught. For example, a child who already knows their numbers might lose interest during basic counting activities. In both cases, pre-kindergarden kids can’t focus because their needs aren’t being met, whether due to overstimulation or lack of engagement. This disconnect often highlights why early learners may face challenges with attention during lessons.

Tailoring learning styles to enhance focus in young children

Fortunately, young children are naturally curious and capable of sustained attention when engaged in activities and sensory tools that capture their interest and align with their learning style. Each child is unique: some learn and concentrate best by seeing, others by hearing, and some through hands-on activities. Identifying how your preschooler learns based on their strengths and natural preferences will not only improve their educational experience but also set them up for long-term academic success.

If early childhood educators employ a teaching approach that doesn’t align with your child’s preferred learning type, it may lead to challenges with focus and concentration. Once you understand your child’s learning preference, choosing activities or tools that align with their strengths becomes easier.

The great news is that at Tinkerer, we provide STEAM toy boxes thoughtfully designed and tailored to each learning style, helping to enhance your child’s attention span and engagement!

How STEAM toys can improve young children’s attention

As part of our Wonder Box collection designed especially for young children aged three to five, our Lights in Nature toy box is ideal for visual learners. This activity focuses on creating glowing jellyfish and decorating them with lighting patterns using a blacklight pen. The glowing elements and creative design process provide visual stimulation that fully engages preschoolers who learn best through seeing. If your early learner can’t focus in traditional classroom settings, activities like these can help capture their attention and encourage meaningful learning.

For children who love music, remember the lyrics of a song easily, or enjoy reading aloud - even when they’re alone - auditory learning may suit them best. Our Mini Market toy box encourages imaginative play while incorporating verbal interactions that stimulate learning through listening and conversation. If your child is overly distractible during school lessons, activities that align with their auditory strengths can make a significant difference. These activities not only capture their attention but also foster creativity and communication skills - a magical part of childhood exploration!

Kinesthetic learners thrive when they can actively engage with their environment through movement and hands-on activities. They learn best by physically interacting with objects or performing tasks, which helps them grasp abstract concepts in creative and meaningful ways. For distracted preschoolers, activities that involve exploration and experimentation can make a significant difference. A great example is our Animal Bowling toy box, which includes crafting felt animal bowling pins, using a chameleon ball launcher, and creating foam stamps. The physical crafting and bowling activities provide active learning opportunities that will improve your child’s ability to stay concentrated.

How to create a distraction-free environment for better focus in preschoolers

To maximise the benefits of our STEAM toys, no matter your child’s learning type, it’s important to create an environment that minimizes distractions. For young children who struggle to maintain attention, reducing external stimuli - like background noise or clutter - can make a significant difference in their ability to concentrate and to stay engaged. Using positive reinforcement, such as praising their efforts or celebrating small achievements, helps them understand the value of focused play with their toy boxes. This approach not only boosts their confidence but also encourages them to persist in challenging tasks, fostering resilience and a love for learning.

Boosting preschool success with STEAM toys and tailored learning

At Tinkerer, we are big believers in creative confidence and immersive learning - which is why we created a variety of practical, creative and hands-on ways for your child to sustain focus in a comfortable, quiet environment. STEAM play isn’t just recreational; it is a vital process through which children build self-regulation skills like attention control, working memory, and task persistence. It helps develop their critical thinking, enhance problem-solving abilities, and gives them the tools to learn how to process emotions. Early stimulation combined with transversal skills like creativity, inquiry and critical thinking supports cognitive growth and equips them for engagement and success in preschool - not to mention, social interactions later in life!

Childhood is a uniquely special and critical period of growth and discovery. For parents and teachers, identifying a distracted preschooler’s learning style is essential, as it can profoundly influence their development and ability to focus. By observing your child’s natural preferences and strengths at home, you can better align their learning experiences with their needs, enhancing both their engagement and retention. Tailored learning not only boosts academic success and problem-solving abilities but also fosters self-confidence - an invaluable foundation for lifelong growth. At Tinkerer, our Wonder Box collection offers a diverse range of toy boxes catered to every learning style: visual, auditory and kinesthetic. With STEAM educational techniques, learning becomes an exciting journey of exploration and creativity. By experimenting with diverse approaches, you can unlock methods that resonate most with your easily distracted child - making their learning experience more meaningful, magical and impactful!