An IQ score may offer clue
Q. My 8-year-old son is in third grade and has trouble focusing on his schoolwork. He went through a battery of tests last year, and we were able to eliminate any form of ADHD (an attention deficit disorder) as the cause of the problem. He is quite intelligent, but daydreams, gets distracted easily, and doesn't finish his work on time. I'm worried that as he gets older and is expected to do more independent work in the classroom, he'll really start to fall behind. How can I help him?
Anonymous, Braintree
A. Keep hunting for the reason behind your son's lack of focus. One local school adjustment counselor suggests having him take an IQ test, which measures his level of cognitive ability. If he scores below average, which does not sound like it would be the case, ask the school's special education team to evaluate his achievement levels. If there is a severe discrepancy between his IQ test and how he is actually performing in the classroom, they will be able to pinpoint any learning disabilities. Many kids cover well and appear as though they are succeeding even when they do not understand the material. If the assessment comes back average, contact the teacher for advice on how to help your son. He should expect to face the same consequences as his peers, both in and out of the classroom.
The other possible scenario? The assessment reveals a high IQ score, meaning your son might possess a level of giftedness. The behaviors you describe tend to trigger thoughts of an attention disorder, but they're similar to those seen in gifted children. Since gifted students consistently wait for peers to catch up, it's not surprising that they get fidgety. If he's simply bored because the material is too easy, ask the teachers to offer more difficult assignments once class work is completed, or to expose him to fourth grade material. More schools are offering gifted and talented programs to students who consistently achieve at advanced levels.
In any case, continue to communicate with your son. If there's something else on his mind, schoolwork will not be at the top of his priorities. Has anything changed at home or is he having a problem with another child? Outside forces may be taking over, and the sooner you can get to the root of the problem, the better.
Q. My son is very bright, yet very social. He receives detention quite often and misses school trips and events because of his behavior. He is not mean, nor is he a troublemaker, just impulsive and friendly. Should I put him on ADD medication or work with the school system to better deal with his learning style?
Lesley, Sharon
A. Don't jump to conclusions. Could this be a hint that an attention deficit order is the culprit? Possibly. Seek assistance from professionals -- a teacher, school psychologist, counselor, and physician -- rather than trying to solve the problem alone. If the professionals test your child and decide it's not a diagnosable problem, work with the classroom teacher to devise a plan to help your son. We all need to learn self-control, including children.
Q. My kindergartener sometimes has tremendous difficulty transitioning to school, refusing to wear his shoes, jacket, etc. It occurs sporadically and results in tears and tantrums, even though we have a daily schedule and routines. We make sure he eats a good breakfast and give incentives, too, like swimming classes and play dates. Do you have any suggestions?
Parent, Roxbury
A. Sticking to a daily routine is a good start, and you may want to continue it on weekends and vacations. Two kindergarten teachers at my school suggest that you prepare his clothes and school supplies the night before so it won't be such a time-consuming struggle in the morning. Also, watch for an underlying pattern. Do the tantrums mostly occur after weekends or the morning after soccer practice? Does he behave better when you drive him to school rather than send him off on the school bus? Touch base with the teacher and seek her observations. Parents often feel guilty for leaving their child, but your son may behave wonderfully as soon as you walk out the classroom door.
Also, talk to the school counselor or pediatrician for more guidance. Your son may not be emotionally ready for school, especially if he is at the younger end of his class. You might want to meet with the teacher and school staff and discuss the possibility of a second year of kindergarten. Since your son will already know what to expect, his anxiety level could decrease. You might even have a hard time keeping him home.
Ellen Peterson teaches fourth grade at Thomas W. Hamilton School in Weymouth. To submit a question, e-mail asktheteacher@globe.com. Include your name, town, and e-mail address. Questions, upon request, can be printed anonymously. Ask the Teacher and Campus Insider, a Globe feature on higher education, run on alternate Sundays in the City & Region section. 
