6 year old with poor concentration - what can we do to help him?

[dinkystinkyandveryverybored]

Got called in to meet with DS1's teacher and school SENCo today (he's just turned 6, in year one) - his concentration span in learning sessions (carpet time), or lack of it, is causing them concern. They're happy with his levels (he seems to be in the middle ability range in his class) but concerned that he doesnt seem to be looking/focusing in the group structured teaching - though note that if asked a question he's taken it in. It drives DH and I crazy at home that he's often a dreamer and doesnt tend to concentrate on his homework (highly distractable) or task in hand (eating dinner, getting dressed) as he gets distracted. He loves swimming but again gets distracted and forgets to kick his legs/listen to the instructor. We've started him on karate - the instructor is very strict and he seems to be responding well to this. I'm fed up of nagging him - it ends up in both him and me being pissed off and upset. Can anyone suggest anything we can do to help him develop his concentration?

I think to be a day dreamer is not a bad thing. If you want to improve his concentration, see if you can do it with something he has a natural liking for and interest in. If he can concentrate on one thing, he can concentrate on another IYSWIM

Thanks ZZZen - he loves lego and can happily spend ages playing with his lego (until his little brother comes along and starts world war 3 that is). My concern is that he just seems to zone out quite often - he used to do a dance class and if it was a song he liked, he'd get it straight away but if not, he'd start day dreaming.

You need to listen to the fact that school is concerned. This means his lack of concentration falls outside the normal range for a 6 year old.

The first thing you should do is get him on Omega, Zinc & Magnesium. There's a very good chance that that will help him a lot.

2nd thing you should look at is his diet. Cut out virtually all sugar and artificial sweeteners and additives. Make sure he has protein at every meal, especially breakfast.

OP that must be very frustrating! The upside is that your child must have a huge inner life and imagination.

Could I suggest taking up a musical instrument? I've worked in music education (and still volunteer) and have seen really excellent results with kids who have trouble focusing and concentrating. It would be a big commitment from you of course, but if you're willing, I'd go for it.

If you want any further info, I'd be happy to discuss further.

Thanks all. IndigoBell - will try those supplements. He already does eat a healthy diet - plenty of fresh fruit and veg, breakfast is fruit followed by porridge or cereal (fruit and fibre or cheerios) - lunch is roll with protein and fruit.

Bowerbird - the idea of taking up a musical instrument does appeal but what would you recommend for a 6 year old? The music classes at his school are on a group basis rather than 1 to 1 so are probably not the best format for him to learn so would need to look into this outside of school.

dinky - add protein to breakfast and reduce carbs a bit.

Cooked breakfast stuff is good - eggs, baked beans, bacon....

Or continental stuff - cheese, ham.

But cereal is actually a really bad breakfast - even healthy ones. (Because of what it does to your blood sugar)

Again, it's something you can try quite easily for a few days to see if it makes a difference or not.

(Recommendations are from The Brain Food Plan )

How about the recorder.

Dinky, all respect to Sunflower please don't go for the recorder unless your DS desperately wants to play that particular instrument. Even then, offer him an alternative.

Seriously, I almost always suggest that children start off with either piano, violin, cello, double bass or guitar (classical). These instruments are the most difficult to play and need the longest lead time to develop. They have the fullest range of expression, unlike, say, a brass instrument (and I'm a fan of brass). And these instruments offer the best opportunity for a good grounding in musical principles and theory. Are any of these possible? Ask your DS what instrument he'd like to play and let him try out several before he makes the choice.

And you're right, group lessons, especially when beginning, are a terrible idea.

Indigo that's very interesting about adding protein to breakfast. I might try that. What made you offer that kind of diet? Was it recommended or did you just figure it out? Sorry to go off-piste for a moment, OP!

It was recommended to me by the author of the brain food plan who is treating my DS and DD for various problems.

I resisted a cooked breakfast for ages for DD but he kept on nagging me.

Added it and found her concentration levels in the afternoon were vastly improved. Which totally surprised me.

Thanks so much all of you for your suggestions and Indigo, DS had a bacon sandwich (lots of bacon, not much bread) for breakfast today so we're pushing on with the added protein meals. He does take Omega 3 vitamins at present but will be using the additional supplements for him too.

Bowerbird - will talk to DS about what instrument he might to learn - he has been making rumblings about wanting to be a rock star so I think classical guitar may be a good idea for him - will try to find out about some good local 1 to 1 music tutors with a view to getting him started over the summer holidays.