The Guillour Method For Concentration

The Guillour method increases children’s concentration by completing structured exercises with lines and traces. The application of this method supports the development of spatial thinking skills and hand-eye coordination.

Some children get their chores done quickly without being distracted from work. But there are also children who take more time because they are easily distracted. The Guillour method is an interesting option for these children.

The Guillour method helps increase concentration in children and is based on observations with the help of a mirror.

The Guillour method involves structured exercises with lines and tracks. Occasionally the child will be asked to draw in the same direction that they are looking at in a mirror. In other cases it has to draw in the opposite direction.

Some exercises are about finding your way out of a maze without looking away from the mirror. Read on if you want to learn more about this interesting and effective method.

What does the Guillour method include?

The structured exercises with lines and tracks are performed in front of a mirror. The child copies or traces a drawing that they see in the mirror instead of looking at it directly.

The child must concentrate on symmetry and spatial relationships. It also makes it focus on small details in the picture. To complete the exercise, the child must reproduce a figure or series of figures in the mirror, look for hidden shapes and figures, or trace paths.

The advantages of the Guillour method

1. The child is supported by stimulating the hemispheres of the brain because they have to use both at the same time to solve the tasks.
2. It creates an improved neural and mental connection.
3. The tracking techniques improve the child’s hand-eye coordination.
4. Since the child observes the image in the mirror and then copies it onto paper, the method creates cycles of concentration.
5. The Guillour method encourages observation.
6. The child’s problem-solving skills improve with better logical thinking.
7. The child’s self-esteem is increased.
8. It alleviates fears.
9. It improves concentration.
10. School performance is improved.

Attention and function of the two hemispheres of the brain

When we manage to focus on something, our attention is focused on a particular point. This process involves the work of both halves of the brain.

The left hemisphere is responsible for logical, analytical and verbal functions. The right hemisphere controls non-verbal, spatial and analog tasks.

The exercises in the method are designed to increase concentration and promote the connection between the two halves of the brain. This helps reduce feelings of anxiety.

In addition, psychomotor stimulation is also achieved through the reversal of arm movements, with which the exercises can be completed.

More exercises to improve concentration

In addition to the Guillour method, there are other methods that improve children’s concentration:

• Tiles or fretsaws: This is a game in which you pay attention to shapes or small details. The child can also be asked to trace a tile pattern or copy the mirror image.
• Crossword puzzles, word searches, etc. These are excellent exercises that will help children focus and develop patience.
• Puzzle games and finding differences. These games are fun for both children and adults. Puzzles help children find solutions and draw conclusions. Finding differences between two or more images helps children focus on details.
• Domino. A classic game with many advantages. The combination of symbols of equal value develops the child’s strategic ability.
• Memory. As the English name of this popular children’s game suggests, this game makes a child’s memory work. And the ability to concentrate is also improved. You can use the cards in different ways. For example, the child can try to remember the order or position of the cards before turning them over. The children can also start face down and take turns turning over two cards to find pairs.

• Mazes. Finding a way through or out of a maze may seem easy, but there often comes a point where it becomes difficult. This is a great way to exercise patience. Labyrinths also help children put their reasoning to the test.
• Mandalas. An ideal support for restless and active children, because mandalas require patience, concentration and strength. Improving concentration with art is a smart move.

Who does the Guillour method help?

This method is particularly useful for children with ADD or ADHD (attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). It is also a great tool for patients who have suffered a brain injury.

The method is absolutely effective for people who need to improve their concentration in general. The exercises can be used by both children and adults.

The Guillor Method exercises should be done slowly. The child should therefore first take some time to look at the picture in the mirror. Then the child should do the task carefully and attentively.

If the child goes over the lines with their finger or pencil, they will focus better on what they are doing.

Exercise recommendation

The most famous exercise of the Guillour method is to place a transparent slide over a worksheet on a table in front of a mirror. Instead of looking at the worksheet, the child looks in the mirror.

The child now draws the outlines of the figures on the worksheet with pens in different colors. With the left index finger, the child goes over the individual sections, paying attention to the pictures.

With the right hand it circles and underlines the images that are the same. Left-handed children do the opposite by tracing the shapes with their right hand and circling or underlining them with their left hand.