How can I help DS with listening/attention?

[AmberLangslow]

I have a summer born DS in Y1 who is struggling with sitting, listening and following instructions in class. DS is finding this year hard (not academically but in terms of behaviour). He knows that his behaviour is an issue but nothing I’ve said re the importance of listening and doing as he’s told seems to have been taken on board (although the target of being kind to other children has seemed to help with that). Is there anything much I can say or do to help him with his attention/listening?

Old fashioned toys which help with concentration- jigsaws and board games are good.

Lots of fresh air, books and as little screen time as possible.

Make sure at home if he concentrating on something..not screens ..that he is not interupted. So if he gets engrossed in Lego or a game try not to break that as it helps him train in concentration. I sometimes notice parents interupting their children when they are fully engrossed which is a pity as it blocks them improving concentration. Playdough is good too. And reading stories to him as he lies quietly.
He may grow in concentration as he is young still. Try as little screens as possible and lots of exercise and physical play.

Unless you have other underlying issues, listening and following instruction will improve with maturity, ime.. At least it did with my ds. I suspect my ds actually have undiagnosed problems, but it did get a lot better since yr3 onwards.

Miaow, your dd sounds like my sister who is gifted. She got into so much trouble in school because she looked like she wasn't paying attention at all, but when asked, she can answer everything. That made teachers very annoyed, indeed.

Irvine my ds was exactly like that. Teacher always thought he was distracted or dreaming but he always knew what was going on. He, even now at an older age , always seems a but distracted but is always on the ball when checked.

Reduce or banish screen play with its instant gratification. Agree more challenging activities that require focus and concentration- doing jigsaws together, baking from a recipe, reading together and listening to stories, construction play.
Then make sure he is getting sufficient exercise to let off steam outside the classroom.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with screen time, as long as it’s not too much. Concentrating on a film requires focus too.

Read short chapter books to him. Ronald Dahl would be good.
Baking, puzzles, board and card games, arts and crafts are all good too.
Lots of nature, fresh air and running around. Go out for walks and talk about what you see.