Should I worry and what do I do?

[bigfatmummy]

Hi

My DS is 5.5 and in year one. I'm sorry to say that he has an appalling attention span although he is a very bright and intelligent little boy - when he concentrates or applies himself. The problem that is arrising is that it is starting to affect his schoolwork and I don't know what to do. I have spoken to this teacher and she has asked me to do more with him at home in the way of reading and writing, which I do, but to be honest by the time he's done his reading book and we practice some writing he has had enough and is tired after already doing a full day at school. His reading is getting there but very very slowly. He does appear to be quite a way behind many of his friends.

I know this makes me sound like a paranoid mother but I'm just concerned he's getting left behind and also concerned that he's getting too used to not concentrating iyswim.

Has anyone got any ideas of how I could help him and also if I should be worried about his reading. I really have no idea what level he should be at by now, just that his friends appear to be doing better.

He still seems so little to be putting pressure on him and I really don't want to do this but at the same time, I know he's capable of more and don't want him to get left behind... I just don't know what I should do to help him in the right direction. help please?

Hi

My DS is 5.5 and in year one. I'm sorry to say that he has an appalling attention span although he is a very bright and intelligent little boy - when he concentrates or applies himself. The problem that is arrising is that it is starting to affect his schoolwork and I don't know what to do. I have spoken to this teacher and she has asked me to do more with him at home in the way of reading and writing, which I do, but to be honest by the time he's done his reading book and we practice some writing he has had enough and is tired after already doing a full day at school. His reading is getting there but very very slowly. He does appear to be quite a way behind many of his friends.

I know this makes me sound like a paranoid mother but I'm just concerned he's getting left behind and also concerned that he's getting too used to not concentrating iyswim.

Has anyone got any ideas of how I could help him and also if I should be worried about his reading. I really have no idea what level he should be at by now, just that his friends appear to be doing better.

He still seems so little to be putting pressure on him and I really don't want to do this but at the same time, I know he's capable of more and don't want him to get left behind... I just don't know what I should do to help him in the right direction. help please?

Its hard not to worry, but reading and writing ability in Yr 1 varies enormously and doesn't seem to reflect too well what a child's ultimate ability will be. At that age - and in yr2 - my dd seemed to me to be way behind her little friends. It wasn't till the start of juniors it really clicked. Now (yr 5, age 9) her reading age is 13+ and she seems to be doing well all round.

I don't think pressure helps a tired child. Make sure you still read to him so he appreciates the written word even if he can't tackle much yet himself (few yr1s can, really).

Thanks for your quick answer Grimma - as you say pressure is really not going to help him. Interesting what you say that it's yr 5 when it clicked for your DD. I really dont want to push him quicker than he's ready for but at the same time want him to keep up. I do read to him most nights - think maybe I'll step that up a bit more as he really does love it and hopefully that will help keep his interest. Thanks again.