The Influence of Tetris Block Media on the Concentration of ADHD Children in Tamansari 1 Yogyakarta

One second-grade boy with ADHD sat in a regular classroom in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. His teacher noticed he could only stay on task for about five minutes.

Researchers gave the boy a small box of Tetris blocks during math lessons. They used an ABAB reversal design: baseline, blocks, no blocks, blocks again. Each phase lasted five days.

When the Tetris blocks were on his desk, the boy’s concentration time jumped from 5 minutes to 12 minutes. When blocks were removed, it dropped back to 5. It rose again to 12 when blocks returned.

The teacher also noted fewer call-outs and less chair tipping during block phases.

Silva et al. (2020) used the same ABAB reversal in a classroom and also saw quick behavior change, but they used the Good Behavior Game instead of toys. Both studies show simple classroom tweaks can work fast.

Siegel et al. (1970) traded tokens for handwriting; Ratih traded Tetris time for attention. Both used reversal designs and both saw behavior fall when the reward disappeared, proving the reward was the key.

Ribeiro et al. (2017) gave kids music lessons and saw math scores rise. Ratih gave blocks and saw attention rise. Both used non-traditional media, hinting that novelty itself can boost focus.

You don’t need high-tech gear. A $5 box of Tetris blocks can lengthen an ADHD child’s focus within one lesson. Try placing a small puzzle or Lego set on the desk during independent work. Let the child manipulate pieces with one hand while listening. Remove the item if talk-outs start. Track minutes on-task for three days, then remove the item for three days, then return it. If minutes jump, you’ve found a cheap, quick tool to add to your behavior plan.