Presentation problems for an otherwise able child

[lecce]

Ds is in Y3 but in a mixed class with Y4s. He was assessed as 3a in all relevant subjects last year and his current teacher is very pleased indeed with him and tells us he is working with in the top group with Y4s in literacy and numeracy.

However, at this week's parents' evening she did mention concerns about his presentation. His writing is not as neat as it could be (though I haven't seen any of his peers' work recently to compare it with) and his colouring/drawing are, judging by work displayed in the classroom, noticeably below that of his peers. He has never been keen on colouring, drawing or crafts of any kind. Neither are we and it has never concerned me. However, I could see from his numeracy books, and from the teacher's comments, that he struggles to set out all kinds of work appropriately. If she asks for a certain number of columns, for example, he is vey slow to draw the relevant lines, gets a bit stressed, and often still ends up with it wrong.

I'm starting to worry that this is more serious than just 'doesn't like art', and that it may start to impact on his overall achievement if left unchecked. However, I am absolutely clueless about how to help. Teacher's attitude was that he is so bright and this is just a weakness he has and not to worry. But I'm not so sure, and I do worry that his teachers have always been a little overwhelmed with his 'cleverness', and have been inclined to 'let him off' stuff like this (though I don't mean that rudely - they have mainly been great, and I'm not being precious either - he is no genius but from a young age has impressed adults he meets with his vocabulary, general knowledge and with how articulate he is ).

I don't know - any advice would be great!

[RawCoconutMacaroon]

Verbally bright and able but with the problems you mention, I'd be thinking dyslexia or a similar issues. Unfortunately bright able kids are pretty good at developing coping strategies which may cover up their problems (the blunt screening tests schools use often miss them), so it may not be easy to get a proper diagnostic test organised but I think it would be worth pushing for it.

[RawCoconutMacaroon]

I speak as a dyslexic myself, and with a son, very like yours, who was only finally diagnosed as "severely" dyslexic at age 17.

[nonicknameseemsavailable]

I would be thinking dyspraxic possibly.

how is he with sports? general motor skills? holding a pencil?

[lecce]

Thank you for your responses - lots for me to look into.

He showed no interest in sport until this summer, when it really took off and he got into cricket, particularly. I'm no expert, but h says he has good hand-eye coordination and coaches have said he has good potential, considering other children had been playing for longer. Dads at the park were impressed with his bowling - don't know if that means anything. He can certainly hit the ball.

It will be a struggle to get him working on handwriting books as he is very resistant to doing any formal learning at home. He has a lot of interests that he follows independently (by that I mean without being nagged, not that we never join in with him) - chess, learning piano and clarinet, reading, cricket practice, reading, watching documentaries, and, because these seem 'worthy', we have never really enforced workbooks etc. There has never seemed a need.

He never wants to be told what to do, but now I suppose I am seeing a need. Thing is, if he is interested in something, he will do it and there will be no holding him back. If he's not interested, there will be a huge struggle to get him to participate. And I can't see him being interested in handwriting books, yet they may be just what he needs .

[MiddleEarthBarbie]

What is his memory like? Can he follow instructions? Able to dress himself and tie shoelaces?

He might just be messy, but it is important that he tidies up his work (obviously if dyslexia etc are ruled out). Does he rush his work too?

With maths, how about have some paper for quick and messy working and then a neat version for his jotter?

You mentioned the columns- does he really know why they are there? Does he understand they will help him? I would draw the first few lines myself to help him and then gradually get him to do it. Nice and big, on squared paper if possible.

Also, try a handwriting pen and the rubber grips you can buy.

[Swimmingwithsharks]

Ask the teacher to set him some extra homework. Colouring, ruling lines and ask her if she could possibly set him some extension work with handwriting. ( you mentioned that he is top in his class, so he probably finishes everything early), if the teacher could give him just 10 minutes writing practise or a few minutes ruling/ underling practice whenever possible, it will probably boost his ability and also teach him what is expected of his work.

[footballsgalore]

You could be writing about my DS. Bright and articulate, able reader, with great content in his writing, but with the presentation of a child about 3 years younger.
Some children just find this side of things difficult. DS always balked at doing anything 'helpful' which I had set. We have several practise books with approximately 2 pages completed.

[footballsgalore]

Sorry, pressed post too soon and have spent the last half an hour trying to get my phone to re-type!! Grr!

Meant to add that I had discussed the problem with all DS's teachers and none seemed worried. They were concerned that it would stifle him and put him off writing, therefore affecting the content (which I agreed with generally). That is until this year. He has just started year 4 and, after I had a chat with his teacher he has been given extra practise to do at school.

I think there comes a point where they have to tackle their presentation, but maybe it's a bit early for your son to worry?
My DS is much more agreeable to it this year than before. Maybe because he is that bit more mature.

Maybe the teacher could give him extra practise and you could actively encourage fine motor skills activities at home: colouring, cutting, sewing (cub badges are a good one here!) Making line pictures with rulers, 'just for fun'? Does he like puzzles? Mazes and dot to dots are good.