How to Help a Second Grader Succeed in School

Research has shown that parents involved in their child's schooling from the start give him a greater chance of succeeding in school and in life. Each year of schooling for your child is just as important as the one before, but each also poses different challenges. Here's how to help your child succeed in second grade.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Watch for warning signs of sleepiness, crankiness and stress. A child should be getting 10 to 11 hours of sleep each night by the time he is second grade. Look for warning signs of a lack of sleep. Stress can be a warning sign of social development. Watch the child's interaction with other kids and adults.

2. Step in if your child exhibits a dislike of reading. By second grade, a child should be reading chapter books. If he is not, this is a warning and challenge for you make reading books exciting for the child. Start out reading short chapter books such as "Henry and Mudge" or "Magic Tree House," then move to something a little more difficult such as the "Boxcar Kids." Read books to the child that he likes. Then have him read those books on his own.

3. Take special time with the child. A child needs to learn language and healthy habits from someone he loves. A parent can portray the healthy lifestyle that the child needs better than a stranger. If you know your child, then you will recognize when they need something.

4. Monitor homework. There are varying opinions of how much homework is too much for a second grader. If your child is completely overwhelmed each night, talk to the teacher. You may need to change classes or schools.

5. Make sure your child is having fun. If he hates school, something needs to change. Get involved in the classroom to make sure your child is fully integrated into the school experience by second grade.

Tips & Warnings

• Most teachers will tell you that third grade is a huge transition year with the jump into cursive writing and multiplication. If the child isn't involved by second grade, you may be in for an uphill battle by third grade.
• Don't put your child in a bunch of programs to help him succeed. You are the program; attention from you at an early age is more important that putting him in special classes or activities outside of school.