FAIRNESS MATTERS

Cops. Detective, FBI, CSI, Barney Fife. Whatever the badge, your child will quickly apprehend and convict you for offences of unfairness. They may also report the offences of others, including teachers, classmates, or puppies -- if they detect a preference that isn't in their favour. 

DIFFERENCES DISPLAY THEIR UNIQUENESS

Your second grader's brain is changing in some incredible ways, and they are beginning to notice, "Not everyone is like me." Until now, everyone was pretty equal. Seriously, what kindy isn't "the best" at everything? By Year 2, kinds take notice of qualities that make one kid "athletic" and another "artistic".

THIS PHASE IS A BLEND OF CAPABLE AND DEPENDENT

You are entering the golden years of childhood. No one should have a favourite phase, but if you like this phase a whole lot, you aren't alone. Your kid is impressionable, eager, and excited about what you are excited about. If you think something sounds like fun, it won't take much to convince them it really is fun. 

Your Year-2 kid is becoming increasingly  self aware -- aware of their thoughts, aware of their abilities, and very aware of their mistakes. Even though your kid is gaining independence in some wonderful ways, don't miss the internal struggle of this phase. The way you answer their questions, listen to their stories, and show up consistently will help you encourage their efforts.

THINKS LIKE A SCIENTIST

You help them learn when you... GIVE THEM CONCRETE EXAMPLES

WANTS TO KNOW "DO I HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?"

You capture their heart when you ... ENCOURAGE THEIR EFFORTS

IS MOTIVATED BY FUN

You coach their moral abilities when you ... PLAY ON THEIR LEVEL.

YOUR YEAR-2 KID IS CHANGING

PHYSICALLY

• Continues losing baby teeth (incisors and caniners)

• Grows approximately 8cm and gains 3.2kg, typically in spurts

• Improving hand-eye coordination

• Needs 10-12 hours of sleep each night

MENTALLY

• Concentrates on one activity up to 30 minutes

• Logically interprets cause and effect

• Has a better understanding on time (seconds, minutes, hours, days..)

• Learns well through hands-on activities, problem solving, codes and puzzles

• Beginning to notice that people have different perspectives than their own

SOCIALLY

• May struggle in highly competitive situations

• Often prefers independent work and alone time

• Places a high value on fairness and consistency

• Shows gender preference for friends

EMOTIONALLY

• Better able to control their emotions

• Tends to be perfectionistic (easily embarrassed by failure)

• May confuse "I feel . ." with "I am..."

• Thrives with routine and clear boundaries

• Highly sensitive to harsh criticism tone, and body language