Children are just beginning to work independently in second grade and there is a range of ability that varies among students. Most teachers provide a combination of group and independent learning opportunities. This helps students increase their ability to work alone, their group participation and the ability to transition between the two.

It could be that he is still learning and growing into this new role of independent learner. Find out what the teacher's expectations are. Does she want students to remain in their seat and work alone for ten minutes or 40 minutes? Some second-graders need breaks to sustain longer periods of time. What is causing his distraction? Is it his seat placement or is it a lack of understanding of the material? What does she mean by "impulsive behaviors when frustrated?" What steps does she use to help children with transitioning between activities and for learning self regulation? Understanding her specific expectations and how your child's behaviors are not meeting those, can help all three of you design a plan for both classroom and home.

Some ideas to try at home to improve self regulation and independence are:

- Create a consistent time and place for homework.
- Teach him how to organize his after-school and home work schedule by breaking things into small tasks to be completed one at a time.
- When he understands and has created his routine, ask him to complete a task independently for 5 minutes at a time before he asks for help. Increase the time by 5 minute intervals until the desired time.
- Relaxation techniques such as slow breathing and tensing and relaxing muscles can help to lessen anxiety.
- Home chores help improve self responsibility.