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DS1 still can't seem to sit still at 3 1/2...

6 replies

reallyyummymummy · 25/01/2013 22:00

DS1 has always had lots of energy and it has always been difficult to make him do things because of this, for example, getting him to go to bed on time, eat his dinner at the table.

He started pre-school nursery around this time last year and they said to me then "he has so much energy", "he is very busy".

I spoke to one of his teachers today about the fact that he shows very little interest in letters and still does not recognise his name. She said that they are still trying to work on getting him to concentrate. Apparently he can only sit still for 5 minutes in class.

When he is at home, he will sit and listen to a story with DH/myself and he will ask questions and it is really enjoyable and he really takes everything in. I am just a bit worried about this concentration thing and the fact that he clearly does not take very much in at pre-school.

I am guessing that he still won't be able to start school-readiness next term because of his concentration and I am worried about how it is going to affect him when he starts school.

He is one of the youngest in his year. Does anyone have any experience of dealing with this sort of thing? How long should he be able to concentrate for in a classroom at his age? Is it possible he might need a bit more support?

I also feel a bit miffed that the school did not tell me about this - a whole year has gone by with only the teachers saying how sweet and lovely he is and never actually telling me about things I could work on with him.

OP posts:
LittleCatZ · 25/01/2013 22:24

My 3yo won't start school in Sept but I have similar issues. Hopefully there's someone on MN who knows what is normal behaviour for 3-4 year olds.

His pre-school room leader has just changed and I seem to be getting bad reports all of a sudden - why did no one say anything before? Or is it something she has changed?

I have an older son who has always seemed much calmer although I'm not sure if my memory is serving me well as I had a 7mo when he turned 3 and haven't had much sleep in many many years Wink

3yo is so full of energy I'm not sure how I'll cope with him for an extra year at home!

reallyyummymummy · 26/01/2013 10:29

Anyone out there?

OP posts:
tigersmummy · 26/01/2013 13:37

My DS almost 5 started school in September and the teachers have reported that he struggles to sit down and concentrate. We already knew this from nursery so it wasn't a big shock. His chiropractor suggested he take a cushion into school for carpet time as it may be a case of him feeling uncomfortable, in a numb bum way. I haven't heard anything further about it (get used to that, the transition between school and nursery in terms of communication is a big shock!). I would encourage his sitting and big praise for sitting still and concentrating for five minutes, maybe a sticker or other reward, and slowly increase the time that he sits.

StripiestSocks · 26/01/2013 13:42

I think it is just age and is normal for many in this age group. It is very recently we have started sending 4 year olds to school, many other countries do not start til later.

What you do I don't know - from a child care perspective do you need him to go to school in September? If time were all it would take would you feel happy just delaying starting school?

Beatrixpotty · 26/01/2013 19:13

You could be talking about my son!He is at pre-school too and will be one of the youngest ones.Apparently he "needs a bit help" sitting still and certainly has no interest in reading or writing unlike some 3 year old girls I know who can write their names.He is very energetic and his language is very good for his age so I'm not too worried..apparently they should be able to write their name etc but that is a good 18 m away.

Beatrixpotty · 26/01/2013 19:14

Sorry,I meant,write their name by the end of reception

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