What can I expect from the school? 6 year old not concentrating in class.

[questionasker]

We have a lovely happy 6 year old who has worked pretty hard since she started school. I think she has been at the top end of her class. She is one of the youngest in her class and therefore we always do additional work at home to ensure she can keep up.

However she is not concentrating at school as much as she can at home. The teacher says not listening to instructions and being very slow with her work. She is not disruptive but quiet polite and one would imagine the type to be overlooked.

So here is my problem. Is it too much to ask that the teacher or one of the assistants prompt her, offer motivation and praise when necessary? Or is it as I am being told a case of she has to learn to get on with it herself?

' I also resent being called a bully because I have a different opinion to the OP. That's not how MN works. You don't get to hear "yes hun, you're right, trust your instincts you know bubba best" '

'Nor do you get to say who can comment on your threads.'

totally agree!

I am contradicting myself, aren't I ?
Well, I felt a bit sorry for OP, since she has similar problem with me, but I think what Vintage says is 100% right, regards how MN works.

Obviously children perform better at home,

but lay off the academic stuff at home, (she doesn't need it)and concentrate on discipline a bit more.( she does!)

why are you asking what to expect from the school? Why haven't you considered what the school should be able to expect from you?

Year 2 teachers are preparing for SATs now so they look at everything your child does that could end up in a bad result. They are under pressure to perform well. I wouldn't take it personally.

My DD (aged 6, Y1) commented last term that she didn't always finish her work on time because it's hard to concentrate at school, as other people on the table are chatting etc. We talked about just doing her best to focus on her work, and that if she really struggles she could perhaps ask the people on her table to talk more quietly, or ask the teacher if she can take her work into the corner to complete without distraction. My overall message to her was that she'd just have to get used to it.

Fast forward a term, and she no longer complains about this, and the teacher has said that she's working at a good pace and often has time at the end to do an extra activity or help someone else. I therefore conclude (famous last words!) that she's got used to working in a somewhat distracting environment.

Unless there is SEN, it's basically a choice for children whether to prioritise the work or the distractions. They're only 6. With occasional reminders from the teacher and occasional chats with you, she'll improve. I don't think the teacher should be expected to provide additional support at this stage.