Lack of concentration and following instructions in yr1 - how much of a problem?

[diplodocus]

REally looking for some advice from teachers or other parents. DD aged 6 is in yr 1, and the teachers have raised concerns that she cannot always remember and follow a series of instructions, and is easily distracted. They feel she is not working to her full potential. There were no real problems in yr R, which was very relaxed, whereas now she's in a much larger more formal class setting (28 children) with about a third year 1 children and the other two thirds yr 2 (small village school). Her reading is very good and written work fine, but she does struggle a bit with maths (although nothing worrying -maybe a bit below average). I've certainly noticed she works at a much higher level at home than school. At home we do need to repeat ourselves quite a few times to get her to do some things e.g. get dressed etc. but she has no problems with sequencing. She's lively and quite loud at home and can be willful and unco-operative but she's not particularly "naughty". She's quieter at school and there is no suggestion she's disruptive or naughty and socially she seems fine.
How much of a problem is this, and should I be worried about ADD or other processing issues? If so should I be pushing for SENCO input? Should I just wait and see for now? Do others have similar children who have just grown out of it?
She's quite sensitive and compares herself unfavourably to others so I certainly don't want to make a thing of it if I don't have to. Equally don't want to just stick my head in the sand if she needs support.
Have started with Omega oils and am trying to tackle her difficulties sleeping (often doesn't go to sleep until after 9.30 despite going to bed at 7.30 and staying there) as she's very tired which can't help.
Many thanks

Thanks MRZ - some great ideas there

Ds had this in yr 1. He was assessed at having visual sequential memory problems. He spent about 18 months with the school SENCO having an hour a week of lessons. Definitely improved his concentration. He did a lot of the exercises that mrz has listed.

He is currently having problems in yr 3 but I think that is more to do with the teacher than ds unfortunately.

Yes mine said "I don't know" to every question asked in reception, where she felt scared of the teacher. Complete change in year 1 with a different teacher. Difficult to say. I think your instincts are probably right - that she's a bit anxious about the environment more than anything. But it does no harm to ask for her to be observed and assessed.

Thanks for all the support and ideas. Will also look at that Tools for the Mind book EBD.

This may not apply to your dd but some children get so used to being asked to do something several times that they hardly ever respond the first time. It's a habit.

The scenario. The child is happily engrossed in something at home and the parents says, for example, put your shoes on so we can go out. The child just ignores the instruction because they don't see it as particularly important. A couple of minutes later the parent says, I told you to put your shoes on. Yes, thinks the child, you did, and continues to play. Another couple of minutes pass. Parent, how many times do I have to tell you, put your shoes on now! Child looks up surprised, oh do I have to put my shoes on?

In the classroom, this can be frustrating for the teacher to have to ask several times. Just a thought, this might be what's happening. But I agree, do get her hearing checked first.

Hi diplodocus

DD2 in YR was observed by teacher to be inattentive and they thought it might be hearing. We had hearing checked and there was no problem. To a certain extent we all think it was that DD2 can easily block things out when she is concentrating on something (a drawing, building blocks, painting, etc...). Both a good and bad thing - she's quite a perfectionist and gives whatever she's engaged in her full attention.

The teacher's solution was a verbal queue - she made up a nickname that DD2 responded to and liked and would use it to 'get through' to her when she wanted her attention. She had a sort of annoying sing song voice when using the nickname - but it worked a treat. It was a much nicer way of handling 'XXXX would you pay a attention please' and effectively got DD2 to stop what she was doing and join in with the group.

The upshot of all this was that DD2 adores this teacher and worked very hard for her whilst in YR to great effect. This was that teacher's first year after qualifying and also first year in this school - but she said the idea came from her teacher training. Not sure if this will also work for your DD - but may possibly worth suggesting.

Thanks for these ideas. Fairenuff - this can be an issue at home, I try and ensure she does as she's asked straight away but this can happen. Pastsellbydate (I am as well!) this is interesting - think I'll try at home and see how it works.
lots of really helpful suggestions on this thread - thanks!