Simple Craft Trials for Primary School Boy [LearningReport]

Introduction

Craft activities have long been recognized for their therapeutic and cognitive benefits. This report explores some craft trials to improve concentration for my primary school son, who is too active to focus in class.

The insights are drawn from the outcomes of my trials with him and using the study by Huotilainen et al. (2018), “Why Our Brains Love Arts and Crafts: Implications of Creative Practices on Psychophysical Well-Being.”

How and Why I conducted

I spent together with my son in 1 hour 45 minutes for three craft trials: Tissue Paper Apple, Macaroni Necklace, Woven Rainbow Fish. We crafted the following order of those trials, from easy to more complicated.

My son is in grade 3 in Finland, which means he is now nine years old. His background is that he has a combination of 3 languages: Finnish (native), Vietnamese, and English. He is open, sensitive, and too active. His teacher said he has difficulty concentrating on studying after an hour-long lesson in class.

Therefore, I came up with the idea of using these craft trials to check my son’s case. Maybe I could lighten up some new things to help him practice daily to enhance his concentration.

Advantages for Improved Concentration

Cognitive Engagement: Craft activities involve various cognitive processes, such as planning, decision-making, and problem-solving. These activities require sustained attention, promoting the development of concentration skills.
Sensory Stimulation: Crafting often involves tactile experiences, stimulating sensory receptors. Huotilainen et al. discuss how sensory engagement in creative practices enhances cognitive functions and psychophysical well-being, creating an optimal state for learning.
Emotional Regulation: Craft activities provide a creative outlet for emotional expression. This dynamic regulation can positively impact concentration, creating a conducive, vibrant environment for effective learning.
Personalized Learning: Craft trials allow for personalized, hands-on learning experiences. Tailoring activities to a child’s interests fosters a sense of autonomy and increases motivation and concentration.
Integration of Multiple Skills: Crafting integrates various skills, including fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and hand-eye coordination. These combined activities can enhance overall cognitive functioning and contribute to improved concentration.

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Considerations

Time Management: Craft activities may require dedicated time, potentially detracting from academic subjects. Balancing craft trials with core learning objectives is essential to maintain a well-rounded educational experience.
Resource Limitation: Craft trials often involve materials and resources. Schools or parents with limited access to these resources may face challenges implementing craft-based strategies consistently.
Overstimulation: For some children, the sensory stimulation involved in crafting might be overwhelming. It’s crucial to monitor individual responses and tailor craft activities to avoid overstimulation, which could hurt concentration.
Potential Distraction: Craft activities can sometimes be distracting, especially if the child becomes overly focused on the creative process rather than the intended learning outcome. Striking a balance is essential.

Conclusion

Craft trials offer a promising avenue for enhancing concentration in active primary school children, aligning with the findings of Huotilainen et al. (2018) regarding the positive implications of creative practices on psychophysical well-being. The advantages, such as cognitive engagement, sensory stimulation, emotional regulation, personalized learning, and the integration of multiple skills, make crafting a valuable tool in the educational toolkit.

However, potential disadvantages, such as time management, resource limitations, overstimulation, and distractions, must be considered. Crafting should be integrated thoughtfully into the learning environment, considering each child’s unique needs and preferences.

In conclusion, implementing craft trials can be a beneficial strategy to enhance concentration in primary school boys, leveraging the cognitive, emotional, and sensory benefits associated with creative practices. By addressing potential challenges and tailoring activities to individual needs, educators and parents can harness craft activities’ positive impact on psychophysical well-being for improved concentration and overall learning outcomes.