X-Book

Take Action on Distraction

Putting Neuroscience into Practice (Related to this series)

Click Buy to Log in and see personalised pricing.

Send as a gift Get in the xigxag app
How does xigxag pricing work?

Listen to a sample

What to expect

Bloomsbury presents Take Action on Distraction: The definitive guide to improving attention and focus in the Early Years and Key Stage One by Professor Sam Wass and Dr Gemma Goldenberg, read by Professor Sam Wass

*ERA Early Years Resource Winner, 2026 and Nursery World Awards Professional Book of the Year Winner, 2025*

From leading early years neuroscientist Prof Sam Wass and psychology and education expert Dr Gemma Goldenberg come the keys to understanding attention and how it works to help children improve and self-regulate their focus. Take action on distraction and never battle for children's attention again!

- Has a child ever asked you a question that you explained three minutes ago?
- Do you work with children who fidget constantly or stare into space and you're unsure if they're listening?
- Do children in your setting flit from one activity to another without persisting at anything?

If this sounds familiar to you then you're in the right place. Written by leading early years scientists Professor Sam Wass and Dr Gemma Goldenberg, Take Action on Distraction helps you understand how attention works and shows you how you can work positively with all children in early years and primary settings to improve their focus and concentration. Discover accessible insights from research, practical tips for your classroom and reflective questions to discuss with children and colleagues, all helping you to create a calmer, happier and more effective learning environment.

I began reading this book in the morning and could not put it down until I had finished the final chapter! Essential reading for anyone intent on creating a positive learning environment for children to help them focus and learn. Dr Neil Leitch, OBE, FRSA - Chief Executive, Early Years Alliance

Critics Review

I began reading this book in the morning and could not put it down until I had finished the final chapter! Essential reading for anyone intent on creating a positive learning environment for children to help them focus and learn.
OBE, FRSA - Chief Executive, Early Years Alliance
This book – both evidence led and imminently practical - is a vital read for all those developing their knowledge and understanding of the vital processes required to optimise child’s learning and development.
ECE Consultant and Adviser, X @jan_dubiel
A fascinating read, this book combines research, practical tips and reflection opportunities. It calls for us to think differently about how children pay attention and develop strategies which are ‘just right’ for our children.
National Day Nurseries Association
A really compelling, evidence-rich, and accessible book. This was one of my favourite reads of the year so far.
Alex Quigley, education consultant and author
You can read this book in a single sitting and come away with a short list of practical action points. However, the book’s easy style doesn’t compromise its fidelity to high-quality research evidence, and the authors are not afraid to highlight areas of uncertainty.

It’s a book that turns the insights of researchers like Dehaene into classroom-ready advice. I particularly like the discussion of how all children can benefit from reduced visual and auditory clutter, and increased opportunities for repetition and access to learning outdoors.

Goldenberg and Wass additionally make the point that some children also need tailored sensory and environmental adjustments. As they put it, “some flowers need different soil”.
Julian Grenier
Invaluable reading for teachers of early years and primary settings, this book offers a highly accessible and comprehensive guide to improving children's attention and concentration.
Nursery World, Early Years Education Supplement Professional Book Review
Author Professor Sam Wass and Dr Gemma Goldenberg
Narrator Sam Wass
Series Putting Neuroscience into Practice
Duration 4 hours and 20 minutes
Release Date
ISBN 9781801999557
Format Audiobook
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing
Genre Pre-school and kindergarten, Teachers’ classroom resources and material, Teaching skills and techniques
Availability AU, GB, IE, US

About xigxag

Experience the best audiobooks with xigxag, an innovative and user-friendly audiobook platform designed for seamless discovery, purchase, and enjoyment of your favorite titles. Our flexible pricing model offers bestselling audiobooks for less, providing affordable prices and the best audiobook deals without requiring a subscription. Perfect for gifting, xigxag also features convenient audiobook gift cards and in-app audiobook gifting options.

 

Beyond the listening experience, xigxag stands as an exciting alternative to big tech, embodying a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. As the only B Corp certified UK audiobook service, we ensure a guilt-free listening experience from a leader in audiobook innovation.

 

Effortlessly search audiobooks, access honest audiobook reviews that evaluate both the content and narration, and easily discover hidden gems. Whether you prefer to download or stream top audiobook titles, xigxag provides the best possible listening experience anytime, anywhere, on the UK’s best independent audiobook app. Discover the future of audiobooks today.