Any advice to improve concentration at school for "distracted" 1st grader?

Hi healthy11, and thanks for your response, it could certainly be something worth considering.

I had a call from the school recently to say they have finished assessing our son's literacy and numeracy skills, and he is presently 4 years ahead of his age requirement. That was a large surprise, even to me, as I knew he was ahead but had no idea just how much. This, I am told, puts our son in the "Gifted and Talented" category. So from here, he will be assessed by the relevant party to gain an understanding of his level of iq. There will then be a program put into place to cater to his academic needs. He still has his tendancy to daydream, although I don't believe this affected his testing, His teachers aren't too concerned with his social skills, they tell me he appears to be on par with his fellow classmates. However, I think a far more thorough look at things will hopefully answer any questions or concerns we have.

juleswt, the book you suggested "Dreamers, Discoverers & Dynamos: How to Help the Child Who Is Bright, Bored and Having Problems in School" sounds like a worthy read. Did you find this book in your local bookstore or did you order it online?

I'd love to hear how the rest of you are going with your children. There has been a lot of great advice and ideas put forward in this forum and it's always good to hear how others are faring.

Rainbowpony, we obviously don't know your son as well as you do. He sounds like a very nice boy who might have ADHD inattentive, but I'm just a mom who has participated in parent support groups for many years; I'm not a psychologist. People mistakenly assume that all kids with ADHD are hyperactive, but that is NOT the case for the Inattentive type. You can read more at www.help4adhd.org
I do know that when one member of a family has a diagnosed mental health condition, the chances are increased that other kids may have issues. The fact that your son's teacher and you have to give him frequent reminders to refocus means that it is significant. Why don't you mention your concerns to your son's doctor?
Kids can be gifted and have ADHD and/or LD's, and they're known as "2e" or "twice exceptional." My son is that way. I've assembled a lot of resources at community.greatschools.net/groups/16042

I have found this topic to be very interesting. We too, have a six year old son in Grade 1 who tends to "daydream", is easily sidetracked and often "forgets" what it is he is supposed to be doing. Ie. Putting pyjamas on, getting his shoes, etc. At home and within the classroom he needs to be reminded 4 or 5 times what it is he is supposed to be doing. He is extremely bright, he has the reading level of a Grade 3 student, he also does well at maths and writing and spelling. All are well above the average for his Grade requirement. He is quiet, well mannered and has a mild temperament. He appears to me to be a tad behind his peers socially, perhaps, although he seems to enjoy the regular things kids his age do. Ie. Lego, Ben 10, computer games, etc. Social wise though, I can't be too sure without speaking in more detail with his teacher.

I'm wondering whether or not to be concerned about it all. Especially as we have a nine year old son with Autism. Not that i am thinking our six year old has that as well, but I do wonder if perhaps I am missing the signs of another underlying condition. But then maybe I am being overly anxious after the frustration we went through early on with having our Autistic son diagnosed. I thought to myself "I should have noticed this" and "How could I have missed that?" etc etc. I do not want to make those same mistakes again.

Coming on here though, has made me think that perhaps it is just him!! Just a part of his beautiful nature. He is a wonderful and loving little boy : )

What do you guys think?

It's been great to hear all of your stories about your own experiences, and even better to know we are not alone with our daydreaming darlings!!

I have had this problem with my daughter. She is one to daydream and dawdle. She always seems to be on her own time, rather than the world around her. Going into 3rd grade, her habits became worse. She had several failing grades on her first progress report. With FCAT starting in 3rd grade, I knew that she has to buckle down. I came up with a simple card that I call "FOCUS FIVES". I staple one in her planner daily. I created them to be small like a business card. Along the top is the numbers 1-5 for "points". If the teacher has to remind her to focus, or to get on task, she will mark out one "point" each time. Her teacher has been wonderful with helping me out with this! I keep track of how many "points" she has earned at the end of the week. She gets a reward at the end of the week, and the prize depends on how many "points" she earned. Like if she earns 20-25 points, she gets a trip to Dairy Queen that weekend, or something equivilent. 15-19 points she gets a trip to the dollar tree to pick out 1 toy, you get the idea. There is also a "4week" goal, which is if she earns all 25 points every week for 4 weeks in a row, for a 100 point total, she will get her choice of movie at the theater, with popcorn, and candy.
Yes, it does cost me a couple dollars a week, but her focusing had dramatically improved. To me, it has been worth it. She has made A-B Honor roll on her first and second nine weeks report card. She still has bad days, but this gives her a clear cut reward system, that she has total control over. Yet still gives her the "cushion" if you will, to let her be a kid. I did explain to her that she would not always have this. She understands that this was just to get her on track.
I don't know if this will help your 1st grader, but maybe you could sit down with her, and together come up with a reward system that will "inspire" her! And don't forget those hugs! Those are always important!