My seven year old son moves into year 3 in September. He has got on well enough so far in his state Infant school and his end of year report puts him at the expected standard for reading and writing and above in maths. This is a change from where he was earlier in the year when he was above in reading too. There is a comment that when focused he achieves great successes but that he does not always apply himself which is starting to prevent him excelling himself.
Having analysed local state secondaries (we can’t afford private) we think he would suit one of the state grammars but will need to do well in the 11+ for this option, so I’m concerned that this inability to concentrate could rule that out.
Others I’ve spoken to have said “he’s a boy” but plenty of other boys in his class don’t have this problem.
When we do reading or homework at home he mucks about and will give the wrong answer just to be awkward. He did KS1 sats this year and his reading score was lower than that of his twin sister, despite him being quite a much more competent and fluent reader, which makes me suspect he mucked about during the test. (He is in a different class to his sister if that has any bearing).
Obviously at this young age I’m not highlighting these things to him and am trying to hide my frustration as I want him to see learning as fun, but equally I’m wondering what I can do to encourage him and try to help him with concentration and focus.
Does anyone have any experience with this personally or professionally that might help?