how to increase dd's concentration?

[runmammarun]

My dd is sue to start at quite a competitive school in reception this coming September. I know a lot will be expected of her. She has a v short attention span and this is often picked up by teachers - even in sports that she does as coaches often say she has capability but doesnt listen. I am not expecting her to concentrate for hours and I know at this age even 10 to 15 minutes is not bad but even this is a struggle sometimes. She is old for her year and will turn 5 in September. Any tips for how to help her?

She's 4, if I've read it right?
She's not yet expected to 'concentrate' for 15 mins at a time.
She should be following the EYFS which should follow the child's lead.

DD's reception teacher said "age in minutes plus 3-4", so under 10 in her case.

You could try things like:

jigsaws or board games

beads, hama, dot-to-dot pictures, colouring in

listening to audio tapes and talking about the story afterwards

factual books about any topic which interests her and making a little quiz about it. Usborne does a great range "Usborne beginners" which are also good for self-reading in a year or so.

I agree the EYFS should make it easy for her but I think concentration is a main player in being successful and mastering learning. We currently have massive issues at home and we can see how it affects DD's school work, stupid mistakes staring now to become issues with self confidence as she needs to be corrected a lot.

A good vitamin taken daily which contains omega 3. Bassetts do a chewable one for kids your dd age. Concentration spans much improved but can take up to 3 months to achieve any effects, & of course you need to keep taking the vitamin to continue with the results.

I am not sure I want to suggest to my child that there is a pill for everything.

I think lots can be achieved by a decent diet instead if popping a pill each day unless nothing else works.

She's 4!

Honestly? Sounds more like you need to manage your expectations of a 4 year old than 'improve' anything about her!

Play a few board games and keep her away from the iPad as well, if that makes you feel better.

Also,feel free to ignore me and get her s private tutor!

how is her diet?
does she sleep enough?
getting enough excercise? (at least one hour a day of crazy running about)

she's only little, 'distractable' is in her job description.

runmammarun:

at 3/4 years old right now - attention span will be short - that's just what kids are like.

If you feel she's too distracted - you can try incorporating some quieter activities which reward concentration:

Learning a musical instrument.
Going to clubs
Going to school
Watching birds/ butterflies/ insects
Watching sunsets
Looking at the stars and working out constellations
drawing/ colouring in pictures
reading to you/ with you
even cooking

Photography is also good for concentration/ noticing detail

One thing that really helps is all noises off - no music, no radio, no tv, sometimes no talking - and just focusing on what you're doing. Making it about doing whatever you're doing and totally focusing on that.

But remember that even in Year R - concentration will be for only a short-span of time. I'm afraid the one thing that definitely does help is growing older.

HTH

Thanks all. Those are really helpful suggestions.. x

I understand that 4 year olds have short concentration but she struggles relative to her peers and has been highlighted to me by various teachers/ sports instructors. She is capable but she loses interest quickly. Her diet is good and varied and she sleeps well. Thanks

I know exactly what you mean. My 5 year old son is a ball of energy. He is constantly jiggling . He does swimming, football and gymnastics to try to burn off his extra energy. He eats a very healthy diet.

If I think he has lots of energy on a particular morning then I will send him outside with a football or his scooter before school as he concentrates better and is able to sit still for longer periods after he exercises.

Hi runmamma

My brother who is a teacher has this piece of advise for worried parents:

IT'S A MARATHON - NOT A SPRINT.

Genuinely - at 4 years of age it's unusual to be highly focused - and that is what a good attention span means. Sure they may focus on a cartoon or colouring or a toy for a few minutes, but then they'll see something else of interest and move on.

A short attention span can be a sign of a very active and engaged mind.

Being easily distracted can mean you're observant - whilst the other kids are busily working in their books, your child might be watching the butterfly flitting past the window.

One of the really tricky tight rope walks you're going to be making during primary school is to support your child's individuality/ talents in the face of pressure to conform (sit still, listen when told to do so, colour within the lines, write this way, etc....). There will be bumps along the road - but for reception don't make your goal that you want your child to be an 'angel' pupil from day 1 - sitting still, paying attention and always ready for work - why not make your goals more long term:

1. I want my child to enjoy going to school
2. I want my child to be excited about learning and eager to learn more
3. I want my child to be interested in trying/ learning new things (experimental).
4. I want my child to settle into school life well
5. I want my child to start making some friends

The sitting still and paying attention will come - but leave that to the school and her teacher's - trust me there are many tricks to get children's attention and your child's teachers may just surprise you.

There is a difference between having lots of energy and not being able to concentrate. Most children starting school can sit and listen to a short story, look at the pictures and answer simple questions. They can also concentrate on something of their own choosing - eg building a Lego model or digging for worms. I'd look for focus for 5-10 minutes as quite normal for this age. If you think she's not listening, have you eliminated hearing issues?

PastSellByDate
Very interesting post.

I think a lot of us could learn something from that.
Thank you :-)

I also found pastsellbydates post thought provoking. What does a 'competitive' reception class look like?

Going slightly against the grain, I think watching TV is fine for improving concentration, especially if patents watch with and ask questions after. But not TV in the background, that's counter-productive, clearly.

Excellent post pastsellbydate