Following Directions/Spacey Kid

I was wondering if you could offer some suggestions. We are taking part in a home based k12 charter school in which I am the "learning coach" (which really means the teacher).  My 6 yr old daughter is a smart and, in some ways, an advanced kid but has always had trouble paying attention and following directions. Her mind wanders when I am speaking and quite often it is obvious she hasn't heard a word I have said. Lately the problem has gotten much worse and we are wasting 3-4 hours a day just trying to get her to follow simple directions that have nothing to do with her ability to comprehend the lesson itself. I try to get her to repeat my directions back to me and she either can't or wont. I use reward stars for good behavior (like being a good listener and following directions) and if she does not follow directions twice in a row I have her writing 5 times, "I listen and follow directions." She loses her free time if she uses up the day not following directions. None of this is working though and I just can't seem to get her listen no matter what. Even getting her to write her name and the date on the top of her page is a major battle every day. I think this is important just in case I don't have the option to have her home always and she eventually is out in "the real world." Plus its just the principle of the matter. I have her go back and check her work and even then, she will not actually read back what she has written, but will say something else. Its like she is completely disconnected from reality. Its not just one subject either. The problem crops up at different times and for different subjects. Sometimes its with new material and sometimes its with review stuff that she was working fabulously with the day before. Her four year old brother is far better at listening and following directions than she is, so I don't think its an age thing.  I am beyond frustrated and at my whits end. Please help!

You could also make sure that she is getting enough sleep and watching her
diet. Specifically eliminate red dye which is in a lot of food. I don't know if
its doable but breaking up curriculum into chunks thruout the day. If you
notice that her attention wanders after, lets say, 20 min., then do 20 min.
learning sessions. Allowing her the play w/manipulatives asso. w/the lesson
while listening to you also. HTH

That is good advice. I have the same issue with my 5 year old.  She is a ball of energy like any other kid.  I have found that shorter yet frequent sessions work best. Dont forget stickers, those little rewards make all the difference and foster motivation. 

If she can read I agree on the idea of writing the directions rather then telling them to her.

I agree with all of the above.  Have you done a learning style test on her?  It is harder for the little ones to take, but sometimes you are just not reaching them with the right medium and they are not wired properly to pay attention. 

I think diet is very key.  Robinson Curriculum has a good article on removing sugar from the diet.  I know with my ADD I have to be doing two things at once to pick things up.  It is imperative.