Ask the Experts About Second-Graders

"PLEASE HELP! This is my son's first year in this school as a second grader and he is being picked on by a number of classmates(mainly boys) but because he is easily provoked he gets into fights. He also doesn't listen at times and is constantly looking for something to do when he gets bored. I don't know what to do or where to begin getting help for him but I see things getting worse if I don't help him soon. Oh by the way punishing him doesn't work anymore"

"This is in response to the mom with a gifted child with bad handwriting...did you know that is a common trait among gifted children? Their minds move so fast that taking the time to write nicely is not in their capability. I know this because I have a daughter in 2nd grade who tests at an 8th grade reading level and her handwriting is atrocious! Google this...your childs teacher should know this, teaching gifted children!"

"My son is having trouble with a classmate. A girl being very agressive and provocing him to anger. She stirs the situation by making trouble and blaming him. She is a known agressor. Fellow classmates confirm her doing things that get Daxton in trouble. 1st grade teacher requested they not be in same class for the benefit of both. Not only did they end-up in the same class, but for the last month they have been seated at the same table. Naturally things have escalated. Tonight we recieved a letter from the district saying he has lost his interdistrict transfer and must find a new school by the 21st. HELP!!!"

"I am writing because while I have found several article very helpful, I have a problem that is raarely addresses. My son is in the gifted program at his school. He started second grade reading at a 5th grade level, he is ahead of his class in math, reading and seemingly all subjects. We are new to the school and they did not let him transfer into the gifted program (although he had been in it in AZ) until they conducted an I.Q. test. This was not done until Nov. He started the program in Jan and while he loves it the rest of his days at school ar such a bore to him. His handwriting is pretty bad, I feel his teacher is not working on it, however, a lot of assignment while are 100% are getting points deducted for handwriting. I feel she is looking for reason's to take points away. I have noticed he is also loosing points for not paying attention and he has started doodling on his clothes. I guess to sum it up, my question is How do I make sure my child is being challe! nged at school?"

"These are great articles. I noticed that you outlined what to expect first graders to expect in math. What about the second grade math. Also second grade reading. Thanks."

"I am raiseing three grandchildren ages 7,6,5. They all have ADHD. I have an IEP on each of them at there school. Teachers and councelors are working with them. They all have most of the problems listed above. By having everyone working togather: Teachers,theirapist,Doctors,and parents it all works out for the good. Go to your schools and ask for help. Its alot of work and won't go away but gets better. Betty"

"I have a third grader who is reading at an mid eighth grade level and a second grader who is reading at a mid-fifth grade level. They are both VERY excited to learn and to read. I have searched and searched online for something (anything!) I can do to keep them growing over the summer and over the next school year. They both get very bored with the curriculum at their current grade levels and I am really not sure what to do! Do you know of any programs I can look into or do you think I should start looking into an alternative type of school? Please help! Thank you :)"

"Thank you, for these articles. They are of great value to me as a single working parent. "

"My son is in 2nd grade now. The past 2 years the school is unreasonable about homework and expecting way too much out of such young children. The 'homework' factor keeps my child up way past his bedtime. The tests they give to find out what level the children are on is going a bit far at such a young age. Children need to have their childhood. The more extensive work should be for the high school level preparing for college. They are the ones that need to learn to study hard and balance the discipline of studies with real life. Not the young children who need to develop as a child. Texas schools need to lighten up!!!"