The Guillour Method For Improving Concentration In Children

The Guillor method increases children’s concentration by creating structured assignments using lines and tracing. This method aids in the development of spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination.

There are children who can complete this task quickly without taking their eyes off the mirror. But there are also children who are easily distracted, so that they spend longer with these assignments.

The Guillor method is an interesting assignment for these individuals. The Guillor method for improving concentration in children is based on observation using a mirror.

This method uses structured commands with lines and tracing. At times the child is asked if he can draw in the same direction as he sees in the mirror. At other times they have to draw in the opposite direction.

Some assignments require them to find their way through a maze without taking their eyes off the mirror. Keep reading to learn more about this interesting and effective method.

What is the Guillor method?

The structured commands with lines and tracing are made in front of a mirror. The participant copies or traces a drawing that he sees in the mirror, instead of looking directly at the drawing.

To do this, the child must focus on symmetry and space. This forces the child to focus on the small details in the drawing. To complete this task, the child must imitate the figure or series of figures. He must keep an eye out for secret shapes and figures or trace a path.

Advantages of the Guillor method

• It helps the child to stimulate the hemispheres in the brain as he has to use both at the same time to complete the assignment.
• It provides an improved neural and cerebral connection.
• Tracing improves the child’s hand-eye coordination.
• Because the child observes the drawing in the mirror and then draws it on paper, concentration cycles are developed.
• The Guillor method improves observation skills.
• The child’s problem-solving ability is improved as a result of logical thinking.
• It improves the child’s self confidence.
• This method calms anxiety.
• The child will be able to pay more attention.
• Improves school performance.

Attention and the functioning of the two hemispheres in the brain

When we focus on something, we focus on a specific thing. This process involves the two hemispheres in the brain.

The left hemisphere in the brain is responsible for logical, analytical, and verbal functions. The right hemisphere is responsible for nonverbal, spatial and analogous tasks.

These commands of this method are structured and ensure that the level of concentration is increased and the two hemispheres are connected to each other. This also helps to reduce anxiety.

Furthermore, psychomotor stimulation is achieved because the arm has to do different tasks to complete the commands.

Other methods to improve children’s concentration

In addition to the Guillor method, there are also other methods that help improve your child’s concentration.

• Tiles or ornaments.  This is a game where you have to count squares and pay attention to details. The participant may also be asked to copy a pattern or mirror image.

• Crossword puzzles, word searches, etc. These are excellent activities to help children focus and become more patient.
• Jigsaw puzzles and spot the differences. These games are fun for both adults and children. Jigsaw puzzles help children to find solutions and train their deductive reasoning skills. Find the differences between two or more pictures helps children pay attention to details.
• Domino. A classic game with many advantages. Putting similar signs together develops a child’s strategic capacity.
• memory. Just as the name of this well-known children’s game suggests, a child’s memory is put to work. It also helps with concentration. There are several ways to use the cards. For example, your child may try to remember the positions of the cards before turning them over. Or you can start with the cards face down and take turns turning over two to find the pairs.

• mazes. Finding your way out of a maze may seem easy, but there is often a point where it becomes difficult. This is a good way to improve patience. Mazes also help to develop the ability to deduce.
• Coloring mandalas. Mandalas are good for restless and active children. They test your patience, concentration and they take effort. Coloring is a good way to improve concentration.

For whom is the Guillor method beneficial?

This method is especially beneficial for children with ADD or ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder). It is also a good for people who have suffered a brain injury.

But this method is also very beneficial for people who want to improve their concentration in general. These exercises can be used by both adults and children.

The exercises of the Guillor method should be done slowly. In other words, children should first take the time to look at the picture in the mirror. Only then can the child start the task calmly and thoughtfully.

If a child follows the lines with his finger or pen, he can better focus on what he is doing. 

Recommended Exercises

The most famous exercise of the Guillor method is placing a worksheet on the table in front of a mirror. Your child should not look at the worksheet, but at the reflection in the mirror. 

The participant uses different colored pencils to trace the contours of the figures on the worksheet. The child uses his left index finger to move along the sections of the worksheet while concentrating on the picture.

With his right hand he makes circles and underlines the images that are the same. Left-handed children do this in reverse. They trace with their right hand and circle and underline with their left hand.