Introduction
How quickly children lose focus, especially when studying! In an instant, they are right there, and before you know it, their eyes are wandering around the room or their pencils are clicking away in their hands. This is not a child who lacks interest, but rather it's the way children's minds work.
Scientific studies have proved that children have small attention spans and if engaging sessions go on for too long, it leads to fatigue and lack of retention in the subject matter. This makes it pitch-perfect for children to be exposed to short-duration classes like those that we at instrucko provide. Our online classes, conducted live, last 30-40 minutes, making sure that retention levels remain high and children remain interested in learning.
In this blog, we explore scientific research regarding the attention span, why shorter study sessions are actually more effective, and how the organized approach offered by Instrucko can enhance learning in children.
Understanding attention span in children
What is Attention Span?
Attention span is the measure of the time a person can focus on one thing before getting diverted. Obviously, in children, their attention span would be shorter because their brains or their energies would be developing.
What is the effect of age concerning attention span?
Studies have shown that the attention span of the child improves with age, yet it is affected by factors like the level of interest in the subject matter, environment, and the methods of teaching.
One formula widely accepted among educators calculates that the duration of the attention span of the child will be approximately 2 to 5 minutes for each year of the child's age (Hartley & Davies, 1986).
People who grow up with a high degree of attention to their surroundings may
3-5 years → 6-15 minutes
6-8 years → 12-20 minutes
9-12 years → 20-30 minutes
13-15 years → 30-40 minutes
Scientific Insight: One study published in the _Frontiers in Psychology_ journal in 2017 indicates the concentration capacity in children diminishes extensively after the 30-minute learning period.
Why long study sessions don’t work for kids
1. Cognitive Fatigue & Retention
Too much concentration on one subject causes mental exhaustion and leads to poor retention of data in memory. Cognitive Load Theory, researched by John Sweller, has proved that in case of excessive data processing at one time, efficiency in learning is adversely affected.
2. Reduced Interest & Involvement
To maximize learning, children need to be exposed to different experiences. The attention of young students, according to a study by the National Institutes of Health, peaks after approximately 30 minutes before tapering off (Rueda et al., 2004).
3. Increased distraction & restlessness
Of course, these extended study times make the children restless, diverted, and mentally fatigued. A study by Harvard University on learning behaviors emphasizes “motion and interaction breaks increase focus for young learners.”
Why 'Shorter Study Sessions Are the Best Approach’?
1. Enhances focus and concentration
Short lessons help the children not tire mentally. Experts from the University of Illinois show that shorter breaks help children concentrate for longer.
2. Enhances retention of knowledge
Information chunking enables more effective learning by breaking up the to-be-learned information into bite-sized chunks of learning. In one of the best studies ever done on the subject, published in the journal "Applied Cognitive Psychology" by Karpicke & Roediger (2008), it is found to be a proven fact that "spaced repetition" is much more effective than "massed learning" or "very prolonged hours of study" when it comes to recall.
3. It encourages active participation
The short and systematic lessons encourage the children to be curious, interactive, and discussive about the concepts, without becoming overwhelmed.
4. Reduces stress and fatigue
In 2019, the Journal of Educational Psychology reported that students in short periods reported both lower levels of stress and greater levels of excitement about learning.
Science behind Short Learning Sessions
Almost all the techniques available for managing time, such as the Pomodoro Technique, include taking study periods in shorter bursts with breaks in between to properly optimize focus and retention.
Scientific evidence: In a study done by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, it was found that the performance of those who learned in 30 minutes surpassed those who learned for longer intervals when tested by Mehta et al. in 2020.
How instrucko classes of 30-40 minutes optimize learning
Live Online Classes For Children Between 3-15 Years
These lessons are taught by instrucko in a way that is commensurate with the attention span of the child, thus making learning a fun activity.
Engaging and Interactive Classroom Teaching Methods
Our classroom is planned in such a way that lots of story telling, role-playing, games, and class discussions where the children can participate are included.
Well-Rounded Duration for Optimum Learning
Our classes, which are between 30-40 minutes, assure students
✔ Be focused
✔ Remember information effectively
✔ Enjoy the learning process
Flexible & Distraction-Free Learning
The children can learn comfortably with reduced distractions as would be encountered in a normal learning setting.
Tips for parents on how to help kids learn in the comforts of their homes
Create a Quiet Study Space - Provide an environment for the children where they may be able to minimize distractions in order for them to learn.
Encourage Short Breaks – Taking small breaks helps to renew the mind and boost focus levels.
Interactive Learning Aids - Use flashcards, tests, and learning games that turn learning into fun.
A Structured Timetable - The only challenge is of doing the same thing regularly, and children benefit from the same by acquiring better learning habits.
Debunking common myths about short study sessions
❌ Myth 1: "Longer study hours mean better learning"
✅ Truth: Quality over quantity. Kids retain more from short, structured lessons than from long, monotonous ones.
❌ Myth 2: "Short classes don’t cover enough material"
✅ Truth: Shorter classes prioritise key concepts, ensuring better understanding and retention.
❌ Myth 3: "Short attention spans are a problem"
✅ Truth: Short attention spans are natural in kids. Matching lessons to their focus levels improves learning outcomes.
Real-life success stories with short-duration classes
🎓 Kiyara (7 years old) – From struggling to thriving
Kiyara found it hard to concentrate in long classes. After switching to instrucko’s 30-minute live sessions, she became more engaged and started enjoying learning.
🎓 Aarav (12 years old) – Higher retention, better grades
Aarav’s parents noticed a significant improvement in his academics after he moved to shorter, interactive lessons.
Conclusion
Short and systematic study sessions bring greater and better outcomes rather than long ones. Meeting the study class patterns of children according to the attention level, we can easily find that there would be an increase in the engagement level and better retention of information. instrucko's study class, taking an extended time of only "30-40" min, is thus planned by us in collaboration with our experts, who bring an eternal "Love for study" and "Acquiring interest in the field of study" amidst children.
FAQ
🔹 What is the ideal class duration for kids?
Studies suggest 30-40 minutes is the most effective duration for young learners.
🔹 Do short classes really improve learning?
Yes! Research proves that short, interactive lessons enhance understanding and memory retention.
🔹 How can I help my child concentrate during online classes?
Minimise distractions, ensure an engaging environment, and encourage participation.
🔹 Are online classes as effective as traditional classrooms?
Absolutely! Live online classes provide flexibility, personalisation, and interactive methods that suit children’s learning styles.
🔹 How do I know if short study sessions are working for my child?
If your child is more engaged, retains knowledge better, and enjoys learning, then short classes are the perfect fit!
