Tips to help 6 yo ds to focus and concentrate

[GoingLoopy]

He has average intelligence but is struggling with his school work because he has difficulty to focus and concentrate. At his school he is just starting to learn to read and work with numbers from 1 -20 (we are not in the UK and they start much later here). Today for homework he had to write out some rows of numbers, a task that should take him a few minutes takes him forever with a lot of pressure from me because he writes one number then goes off into a daydream before having to go and review what he has written and write the next number.

Any tips of how I can encourage him to concentrate better would be appreciated!

The more pressure you pile on, the least likely you are to get results.
I know this is a huge generalisation, so don't flame me, but in my experience boys tend to dislike sitting down and writing/reading a lot more than girls at this age. They'd rather be running around/climbing on something/kicking a ball etc. And who can blame them? Sitting at a table writing down numbers does sound boring when there are so many more fun things he could be doing!!
Can you try to make the task a bit more fun? Sit with him and make a game of it, make it quick and snappy to keep his interest. For example, start by saying the numbers out loud together quickly, as fast as you can. Then challenge him to write numbers 1-3 in a row and see if he can do it quicker than you (obviously let him win to keep his interest and spirits up) and so on. Reward him with a raisin or chocolate button (your choice) every time he writes a number. Race him, praise him. It does get easier once they get used to the work and know what is expected of them.

Playing games are a great idea. Card games like Uno or board games such as drafts can help. Giving him Omega oils as well as a careful diet will also help with concentration and focus. Make sure his not eating too much sugar or foods with artificial colours and flavours in them .. they are EVIL!! Good luck!

SOrry for a delayed response. I appreciate your ideas. Will definitely try out some of this stuff. On top of this we have changed his pencil to one with 3 sided grips as we noticed he is holding it badly and putting much too much pressure on also getting his eyes tested. His diet is pretty good, I make everything from fresh and sweets are a treat.