By second grade, students have developed a depth of imagination, interest and focus strongly attuned to learning. They become more aware of their experiences in the larger world and the values and perspectives of others. This sense of community deepens as they extend the security of “family” to classmates and teachers.
As students become more aware of the social fabric of the world, both in and out of the classroom, stories are selected to support healthy moral and social development, while building confidence in academic skills like reading and math. Stories of humans who live exemplary lives with a heart of devotion, generosity, courage, and love, evoke a sense of wonder and awe. Through fables from many cultures, the other sides of human nature is explored; in the guise of animals or humorous figures, human failings and foibles are presented with character lessons. These pictures of human nature act as a subtle guide for social development. Second graders continue to sing, play flutes, create form drawings, learn Spanish, participate in generous outdoor time and knit.