Helping DS settle down and "focus"

[BabyTigger99]

Okay, my DS is 7 and in 1st grade. We just had his second parent-teacher conference of the year two weeks ago. He is way ahead of where he should be in math and reading, and his teacher said she would like to put him in Gifted and Talented, HOWEVER, she doesn't want to make a referral until he can do his work on his own. He will rush through things to be the first done, not do quality work, and doesn't listen to all the directions. I would like to get him into the program. I was not challenged with things in elementary school, and when I got to middle and high school, if something challenged me, I didn't know how to deal with it. I do not want that to happen to him. Anyone have any ideas on how to settle him down? Thanks!

 

[frndofpooh]

I think it is quite possible that if the classroom challenges were greater, he would be more inclined to focus himself. It is not uncommon for really bright kids to be somewhat "scattered" and unfocused. Sometimes they just need something "meatier" to do so it will hold their attention.

That being said, this behavior is not at all uncommon in 1st grade boys. Do you think she is hinting at an attention problem? Many times teachers are not allowed to suggest that is the problem, but they can drop hints that are designed to help parents figure out what is going on in the classroom.

It may help him to have the directions written on the board so he can keep track of them. Set aside a quiet homework space, if homework is the problem. He may just need a little more support to increase the quality of his work, and he may need to be reassured that "faster" is not always "better". Good luck!

 

[BabyTigger99]

It didn't seem that she was hinting at an attention problem. She said when he is learning something new, he is very focused about it (she actually said she would love to sit with just him and teach him math all day, because he is such a sponge with math!).

We have been telling him that things are not a competition, there is no prize for getting done first. That has kind of slowed him down, a BIT. His teacher also had us send in a 2nd grade workbook, and when he has a good day, she will let him work on it.

 

[mickeyboat]

It didn't seem that she was hinting at an attention problem. She said when he is learning something new, he is very focused about it (she actually said she would love to sit with just him and teach him math all day, because he is such a sponge with math!).

We have been telling him that things are not a competition, there is no prize for getting done first. That has kind of slowed him down, a BIT. His teacher also had us send in a 2nd grade workbook, and when he has a good day, she will let him work on it.

I was always one to rush through my work to be the first one down. I have some of my old report cards and they say "very bright, but needs to slow down." I skipped a grade, was always put in the higher level classes, and did just well all througout my schooling. I think you just need to keep reminding him to slow down. I don't see this as a huge problem, and I really think if the teacher thought so, she would do something about it.

Is there some sort of reward to finishing work early? I know my kids (first grade) get extra free time if they get finished earlier than the other kids, or they might get to work on a "funner" worksheet, but they also lose free time if they have to go back and correct something because they were hurrying.

Denae

 

[frndofpooh]

It didn't seem that she was hinting at an attention problem. She said when he is learning something new, he is very focused about it (she actually said she would love to sit with just him and teach him math all day, because he is such a sponge with math!).

We have been telling him that things are not a competition, there is no prize for getting done first. That has kind of slowed him down, a BIT. His teacher also had us send in a 2nd grade workbook, and when he has a good day, she will let him work on it.

That's a good strategy. I think I would push to get him tested for the Gifted and Talented program - It sounds like he may need to learn at a faster pace than his peers. GT teachers are quite used to kids who are in the habit of rushing and they can work with them on it. It may just take time and maturity but I'll bet the extra challenge will benefit him.

 

[BabyTigger99]

Well, I sent an email to the teacher in charge of the G&T program for our school district. I told her what is on my mind, so I am curious as to how she will respond to me.

 

[disneymom3]

I don't know about WI but here in MN if a parent requests testing they have to do it within 30 days.

As for rewarding him for dealing with the boring work by then giving him the stuff that will be challenging--I don't get that approach. Could she perhaps have him try the harder work in class and see if that helps?