DS struggling with organisational skills

[mintyfresh]

DS is 6 and has always found following instructions difficult. He's not very proactive or independent and lives a bit 'in his head' but he is very imaginative and creative.
However, his teacher tells me this IS a problem and is holding him back now he's in yr 2.

Does anyone else have a child like this? I want to help him but am very reluctant to push him or make him feel inadequate in any way. He can be very difficult when he doesn't want to do something and still has tantrums. Any strategies or games which might help with gaining these skills?

The key to instructions is not to overload his little head. If he struggles with instructions, a long list of, "do this and do that" will become confusing - usually with them unable to react/respond to any of the instructions and subsequently have a tantrum as either a way to divert from his own confusion or because he can't cope.

At home, the best thing you can do is:

1)stick to a very clear routine/pattern every day.
2) get things ready for school the night before. Make him 'responisble' for the day ahead e.g. do you have PE tomorrow (cue - check a timetable, perhaps on the fridge)? What will you need? Lets gather the things together now and leave by the front door?
3) Keep all homework in a plastic folder so it can be transferred between home/school without being forgotten.

The teacher may also be starting to hint towards him having a genuine difficulty with instructions - does he struggle to concentrate, hold a pencil properly, sit still, get things down on paper? If so, it could be worth asking for an assessment for dyspraxia?

The key to his success is yours (and the teachers) encouragement, consistent support and a lot of praise!

Thanks addictedtofrazzles

I already have a dd with SN so I know there is no difficulty with his fine motor skills or any other issues. He reads fluently and has no problem with concentrating or sitting still when he's interested in something. It does seem to be a specific problem I think related to him being a bit immature for his age!

I think the idea of making him more responsible for his own things and routine is something I could do - he's far to used to me organising him!