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Original poster

Any ideas on improving concentration?

17 replies

Bomper · 05/07/2006 22:52

Just had my dd1's parent consultation meeting. Her teacher was very pleased with her and said the she is doing very well and between the middle and top of her class, but that she does tend to lack concentration. She starts of going great guns but kind of trails off. I just wondered if anyone had any ideas of something she could do to improve this - perhaps by way of a hobby or something?

OP posts:
cazzybabs · 05/07/2006 22:54

Eat together in the evenings and talk about day (sorry if you do this already).

Original poster
Bomper · 05/07/2006 22:59

Yeah, we always talk about her day, although I usually get 'I can't remember what we did Mummy, but we had great fun at playtime'!! Grrrr

OP posts:
glassofwine · 05/07/2006 23:27

Bomper - I have the same problem with my DD who is almost 7. In our case it's me who's noticed it, I have spoken to school who sort of agree, but don't think there is a problem as such - I'm not so sure.

Anyway, I have posted on here before asking more or less the same thing as you, so I'll keep an eye on this thread.

So far, the things I have learnt may help are: fish oils, special exercises ie. DORE intitute and or Brian Gym, food intollerances.

WriggleJiggle · 06/07/2006 07:03

If she is 7+ (ish) try and get hold of a computer program called 'Brain Builder'. I've used that before with ch I teach and it works quite well. Try playing board games or card games - they work well for concetration and memory. Good luck.

Beetroot · 06/07/2006 07:06

Bomper, if you eat together in the evenings and sit down and chat she will slowly learn to say stuff. But don't force it. Also, I don't know how old she is, but my boys took aqges to start to concentrate..they were bored I guess and wandered off dreaming of football or what to do at ppaytime.

As they have grown older and know the rewards in learing they have started to concentrate more...and a few marbles = prizes have helped them as well.

WriggleJiggle · 06/07/2006 07:07

Just made me think about when I'm asked 'what have you been up to?' its just so much easier to say 'oh, nothing really'.
When you ask about her day - try asking specfic questions e.g. what did you do in English today, what were you writing/reading about.
The Dyslexia Institute webpage probably has some good ideas or links for concetration.

Beetroot · 06/07/2006 07:30

I someone asks you what you have done all day, it is sometimes difficult to remember the minutiae, takes time.

FrannyandZooey · 06/07/2006 07:38

I don't think many children like to sit and tell you what has happened at school - it's a private part of their life and also they don't want to bring the school day back to their houses.

I would also advise board games and card games for developing concentration. Memory games with matching pictures or similar are very good.

I am making no assumptions here but TV, especially fast moving programmes with lots of camera changes and 'cuts', is notorious for hindering the development of concentration. You might want to consider changing or limiting her tv use if you think this could be a factor.

Original poster
Bomper · 06/07/2006 07:54

Thnaks for all the tips, will definately try out board games etc!! Have to admit she does like the tv !! Especially Lazy Town which is a bit frantic!! Will try to cut dowhn - oh by the way she is 6.5 years.

OP posts:
FrannyandZooey · 06/07/2006 07:59

If you want to see whether a programme is too fast paced, turn the sound down and make a note of every time there is a camera change or cut or whatever. You may be surprised at how many there are! The best programmes for children are those with very few camera cuts and a nice gently paced story which develops in a linear fashion. The other sort just sabotage the development concentration.

clerkKent · 06/07/2006 12:35

Sorry, what was the question again?

sunnydelight · 06/07/2006 19:21

DS1 (12) swears that taking omega 3 supplements helps his concentration. This year was the first time ever I have had parents evening without lack of concentration being mentioned by pretty much everyone who teaches him. Occasionally I get careless and run out and he always starts nagging me after a week or so as he says he notices the difference. And no, I don't sell the damn things

glassofwine · 06/07/2006 20:25

Interesting SunnyD - which ones do you get?

sunnydelight · 06/07/2006 20:36

The haliborange ones - I bought some cheaper ones once but DS1 said they were disgusting and refused to take them. They were on "3 for 2" offer at Boots the other day.

glassofwine · 06/07/2006 21:02

I've recently started using EyeQ, but they are expensive unless they're on a 3 for 2.

In the meantime due to an earlier post have looked up brian builder and am now addicted to their website.

peasinapod · 06/07/2006 22:54

not sticking my nose in SD but I bought the haliborange ones first and then it was pointed out to me that they do not have enough of the good stuff (dont ask me what it was lol) as compaired to the omega eye q . I checked it at the time and it was true . If you go to boots and look at the bottles I am sure you will see what I mean . Sorry this is waffling I am tired . ps I was very cross at the time because I bought the Haliborange ones thinking that this is a good name brand and they are for kids etc etc .

sunnydelight · 07/07/2006 09:04

That's interesting peasinapod and I'll certainly check the labels. Placebo (sp?) effect maybe I guess, but hey - it seems to work for DS1

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