Teacher says DS, age 7, not concentrating

[AgathaHannigan]

Last week ds1's teacher asked to speak to me after school. She's concerned about a change in attitude she's seen in him since half term. She says he's not concentrating, gets easily distracted, is not getting through his work. Wants to know if there's something going on at home that might be contributing - I can't think of anything.

We talked with him, he has no idea what she's talking about, isn't upset, no bullying, not tired, not hungry etc. So we confiscated his tablet (he's just got into minecraft and would play all weekend if we'd let him!) and he knows I'm seeing her this Friday to see if things improve.

Fast forward to yesterday, he's subdued, we talk it through and he was sent out of class for talking instead of doing his work!

I've given him a good talking to but he really doesn't seem to get that there's a problem, it's not that he doesn't care he's just a bit 'away with the fairies', I don't know how to help him.

So, my question, I'd love to hear from some experienced parents or teachers... What do I do to get an August born boy who is smart, funny & imaginative, but also lacking in confidence, a bit shy and easily distracted to get his head down and do his bloody work at school? Also, what should I be asking his teacher tomorrow?

See my response to v similar thread below!

Hi I feel your pain, I have a similar thread at the moment. The way you described your ds is the exact personality as my ds (July birthday). I can not offer advice as that is what I am searching for too. I hope your meeting tomorrow goes well. please update if you hear of any miracle cure :-)

Has he gone into year 3? Because the set up after infants is quite different ime. More old school, less play.
He is only 7, which is the age formal learning only just began in some countries. Norway for example where they now start at 6 but it used to be 7. He is young still, and the school day can be long to some kids.
I have one the same and he had trouble focusing in year 3.
Sometimes there is so much pressure on these kids, and it's all quite regimented. Of course it's easier for the teachers if they can cope with it, but personally I wouldn't put pressure on him. By all means restrict Minecraft but dont let him get stressed about school if there really is nothing else wrong.
Sorry can't be more helpful!

Tell the Teacher to make the lessons more interesting

I assume Do is joking because my ds would only find some lessons interesting if they related to one of his fairly niche interests, or if they could do it while playing football (and even then he'd concentrate on the football rather than the lesson) So if you fancy planning your lesson for 30 based around the aircraft in WWII, he's your pupil. Unfortunately the other 29 would probably not be interested.

I think this isn't the usual "young boy not concentrating" as it's a change in attitude. Something has changed-have they moved seats or something perhaps?
Or is he year 2 in infants and he's panicking about SATS or perhaps moving up a school to juniors?

I would ask the teacher if there's anything different in the class-seating plan/ban on going to the toilet during lessons/football only on Fridays/something new that might seem little.

If not, then I'd request something like a sticker chart that he gets a sticker if he's done well at a lesson, and he takes it home to you, where you can reward/talk about what's gone wrong.

How did your meeting go agatha?