What's 2nd Grade Like?

[Anonymous]

My DS aced preschool, did fine in kindergarten, but 1st grade was a bit of a challege. He reads and does math above grade level, but his handwriting is awful (he's in OT). It's pretty hard for him to write three sentences together that are readable. Last year, he was pretty impulsive, got up from his desk at inappropriate times, and talked out of turn a lot in first (but not in K or preschool). I don't know how much of it is him and how much of it was having a first year, young teacher last year. He has so far been extremely popular and social and he talks like an older kid (we've always been told that by people). We loved the teacher and worked closely with her to support her and our DS. I just don't know what to expect this year.

Should I set up a meeting proactively with his teacher and his private OT and talk about strategies? What is 2nd grade like? Was it harder for your kid than 1st grade? I really believe his math skills and his reading are already above the 2nd grade level. Last year, his teacher told me there was no way he would qualify for any special services at school because any delays he has (ie. handwriting) are minor.

[Anonymous]

Have you seen how other kids write? relax and enjoy it 2nd grade is the last fun easy grade.

[Anonymous]

"aced preschool"

LOL!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DS aced preschool, did fine in kindergarten, but 1st grade was a bit of a challege. He reads and does math above grade level, but his handwriting is awful (he's in OT). It's pretty hard for him to write three sentences together that are readable. Last year, he was pretty impulsive, got up from his desk at inappropriate times, and talked out of turn a lot in first (but not in K or preschool). I don't know how much of it is him and how much of it was having a first year, young teacher last year. He has so far been extremely popular and social and he talks like an older kid (we've always been told that by people). We loved the teacher and worked closely with her to support her and our DS. I just don't know what to expect this year.

Should I set up a meeting proactively with his teacher and his private OT and talk about strategies? What is 2nd grade like? Was it harder for your kid than 1st grade? I really believe his math skills and his reading are already above the 2nd grade level. Last year, his teacher told me there was no way he would qualify for any special services at school because any delays he has (ie. handwriting) are minor.

my son is entering 3rd grade and he was EXACTLY as you describe your son. My son consistenly did above average in math and reading-amazing actually but I am sorry to say his writing still sucks. Did it impair him, probably not. We have turned it into a joke at this point. His class had a best handwriting wall and everytime I walked into his class I acted shocked that he wasn't on it. once again. We all laugh about it and I am having him write daily over the summer and always have. I have told him we cannot be good at everything, and to keep trying. Try to give him extra writing work at home but don't make him feel too bad, he will already notice on his own that his writing isn't as "neat" as most others. Give him plenty of opportunity to practice but otherwise relax, as PP said, second grade was so much fun!

[Anonymous]

Didn't you go?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Didn't you go?

OP here - a very long time ago in another country - and I actually didn't have any problems with handwriting or staying in my seat