Schulte Tables
A proven tool for developing attention and speed reading
Everything about Schulte tables: history, benefits, techniques and age recommendations for effective training
History & Origin
Schulte tables were developed by German psychiatrist Walter Schulte in the mid-20th century as a tool for studying attention properties.
- Developed in the 1950s in Germany
- Originally used in psychiatry and psychology
- Now widely used in education
- Proven effectiveness in scientific studies
How They Work
A grid of randomly arranged numbers that must be found in order. Trains peripheral vision and attention switching speed.
Benefits
How Schulte tables improve cognitive abilities
Speed Reading
Expands the visual field, allowing you to capture more words per fixation. Increases reading speed by 2-3 times.
Concentration
Trains the ability to maintain focus on a task. Improves sustained attention and resistance to distractions.
Reaction Time
Reduces the time needed to find and process visual information. Improves information processing speed.
Peripheral Vision
Develops the ability to see and process information at the edges of the visual field without eye movement.
Mental Agility
Improves attention switching speed and mental flexibility. Trains the brain to process information faster.
Academic Performance
Improved attention and reading speed directly impact school performance across all subjects.
Training Progression
From beginner to advanced level step by step
Beginner
Start with a 3×3 grid (numbers 1-9). Focus on accuracy first. Target time: 15-20 seconds per table.
Elementary
Move to 4×4 grid (numbers 1-16). Practice daily for 5-10 minutes. Target time: 30-40 seconds.
Intermediate
Standard 5×5 grid (numbers 1-25). Focus on using peripheral vision. Target time: 40-60 seconds.
Advanced
Red-black tables, 6×6 grids, or letter variants. Target time under 30 seconds for 5×5.
Age Recommendations
Optimal approaches for each age group
Children (6-10 years)
Start with smaller grids and gradually increase. Make it a fun game with rewards for improvement.
- Start with 3×3 grids
- Sessions of 5-10 minutes
- Use colorful table variants
- Track progress with charts
Teenagers (11-16 years)
Standard 5×5 tables with progressive difficulty. Combine with speed reading training for best results.
- Standard 5×5 grids
- Sessions of 10-15 minutes
- Combine with speed reading
- Use timing for motivation
Adults (17+ years)
Full range of difficulty levels. Use for professional development, exam preparation, or cognitive maintenance.
- 5×5 and larger grids
- Sessions of 15-20 minutes
- Red-black table variants
- Integration with work tasks
FAQ
Common questions about Schulte tables
How often should I practice?
Daily practice of 5-15 minutes gives the best results. Consistency is key — short daily sessions are better than long irregular ones.
How quickly will I see results?
Most people notice improvement within 2-3 weeks of daily practice. Significant results in peripheral vision and reading speed appear after 1-2 months.
Are Schulte tables suitable for young children?
Yes, children from age 6 can start with simplified 3×3 grids. It's important to keep sessions short and game-like.
Can I practice on a phone or tablet?
Yes, digital versions work well. However, printed tables have the advantage of being the right size for peripheral vision training.
How to track my progress?
Record your completion time for each session. Create a chart to visualize improvement. Many apps have built-in progress tracking.
Do Schulte tables really improve reading speed?
Yes, scientific studies confirm that regular practice expands peripheral vision and reduces fixation time, directly improving reading speed.
Ready to Train Your Attention?
Start with our professional trainers and see results in just a few weeks