Is this a developmental phase or should I be more concerned?

[Grannycrabapple]

DS has been at nursery a good few months now. The teacher has recently had to speak to me about his "not listening" particularly during carpet/circle time. He will be four in a couple of weeks. Apparently he doesn't seem to grasp the importance of sitting and listening during these structured teacher led activities. And I'm sensing a feeling of exasperation from the teacher. I'm also converned somewhat as he will be starting reception class in September. She also describes him as "easily distracted".
My alarm bells are ringing when I hear these descriptors. He has no difficulty focusing and maintaining attention at home although admittedly he can be defiant at times. Just after some feedback really...is this typical (albeit irritating) behaviour from an active soon to be four year old or could it be something more?

It's typical. May drive them nuts but it's still common at that age. My DD was terrible, my DS better

Would be helpful at school if he could do it, but he won't be the only one who can't.

He's a bit bored. A bit hungry? Does he like the teacher? Is she interesting?

To be honest she is a bit uninspiring/not the most dynamic of women in the teaching profession. And I wouldn't be too surprised if he tuned out for this reason...
He is similar to me in that respect. :-/

!! There you go!

Both my children had a couple of years with teachers they found dull, and they didn't do well in those years. Then they get a teacher they click with, have a sense of humour in common, and they're engaged again.

I've never heard a teacher, ever, say 'I think your child finds me uninspiring.'
And yet....
They always say it's the child's 'fault'! We have to read between the lines!

My question would be why he is having to sit through long, teacher led, structure activities. He's not even 4. Clearly, he (along with a considerable number of other dc) isn't ready for this yet. People who know a thing or two about child development also know this, which is why schools and nurseries are supposed to follow the EYFS up until the dc move into Yr1 - in 18months time.
He sounds like he is at a very normal developmental stage for a 3 yr old tbh, particularly a boy (which I know some MNers find sexist, but I think is just honest).

I think it's normal.