My 7 year old does not pay attention in class.

[MumBR8]

Does anyone else have/have had this issue with their child in school.

After a parents evening for my 7 year old daughter, her teacher bought to our attention that she isn't paying attention in class. It doesn't seem to be always other children and it is as if her mind wonders an awful lot.

We asked her teacher to move her from usual children she sat with in case this was the distraction, which she did. but this hasn't made any difference.

We have also noticed that she has started to chew/suck her cuff and fingers, is this a response to under stimulation?

Her teacher also said that she is very bright and more than capable of doing the work given and not giving her full potential in class.

We want to know is there anything we can do to help her with this as we feel that if she starts to fall behind now this may become habitual in the sense that its easier for her to get out of doing any work that she feels is to hard.

Her teacher has been unable to answer this question and said 'Theres always one in the class and its her'

Were really worried, any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

You need to speak to the teacher and get a plan of action. It is not good enough saying there is always one.
Ask to speak to the SENCO if necessary.
I found Omega 3 oils helped my dd with her concentration.
Also she needs to be away from distraction and close to the teacher.
Have you had her hearing and sight tested?

Research ADD-Predominantly Inattentive and see if you think it's a possibility....

I also second Omega Fish Oils

She may be chewing etc as source of sensory stimulation to help her concentrate. Has her vision and hearing been checked recently ?

What did the teacher suggest ? Can they supply a sit 'n' move cushion, soft ball or piece of blutak for her to squeeze ... Fish oil can help but distractability can be a symptom of various splds. Has the senco been involved yet ?

Sit with her to do some homework. Doeas she still "switch off" or make basic mistakes or forget where she was up to when she is sitting with someone one-to-one and when you know she really wants to concentrate and do well. If she does it might be worth looking into ADD type symptoms. Does she show any of the signs of any other SpLD like dyslexia, dyspraxia?

PS - try to allow for possible tiredness when you do this however as all children make basic mistakes when tired. You might want to experiment with doing it a few times, and at least once at a weekend.

The teacher's response is less than helpful

Is she perhaps bored because she IS bright? Is she understimulated? What does she say about why she' doesn't listen/pay attention?

I'm having exactly the same problem with DS1 (8) and the response from his school is similar too so I'll be watching this thread with interest.

No advice to offer I'm afraid but I know what you're going through.

has she had her hearing checked recently?

Wow, have just googled ADD-inattentive & APD, and am having a wooooo moment with ds! Have started a new thread in SN...

My DS who is 7 is chewing his clothes at the moment but it is because his back teeth are coming through and his gums are really sore, so that might not be related to the attention problems.

I should say that he also suffers from lack of concentration in class when he should be listening and has been referred to the pediatrician after discussions with his teacher and SENCO. I don't think the two things are related (the chewing and the concentration) in his case.

I would ask to speak to your school SENCO and maybe ask for specific measures to help being put in place, in an IEP (can't remember what this stands for) but it is an individual action plan to help the child.

Just reported you KIrsty
Perhaps you would have more credibility as a tutor if you spelt Egham correctly