Jayme Pickett

Developmental Stages Outline for 2nd Graders

ELED-3250

Intellectual/ Mental Development:

1. They are able to recognize rhymes, understand larger words that are made
up of sequences of individual sounds, and decode words on a higher level.
2. There is an increase in attention span.
3. Collecting, organizing, and classifying objects and information becomes
enjoyable.
4. They become more of a perfectionist (erasing more often and asking for
corrective tape).
5. Their brains sometimes mix up the printed letters b/d.
6. Their problem solving and reading skills increase.
7. They are beginning to be more organized and plan ahead and evaluate their
actions.
8. They want to take on more responsibility.
9. They like to do things in groups and participate in group activities.
10.They are beginning to reason logically and organize thoughts, however when
explaining ideas they may exaggerate.
Physical Development:
1. They are learning how to use the small and fine muscles (such as using
scissors proficiently).
2. They have a lot of energy and may be too daring at times.
3. Their large muscles in their arms and legs (which are used to throw, catch,
and kick a ball, etc.) are more developed than their small muscles.
4. They seem to get hurt and injured more often (whether it is real or imagined).
5. In addition to team sports, they enjoy playing more intense and rough games.
6. They can better balance.
7. Competitions (especially in muscle strength and skills) are among their
favorite activities.
8. The way they feel about themselves, the people they get along with, and the
activities with which they choose to associate with, are associated with the
large differences in the size and abilities of the children.
9. They can sometimes be more tense, and may not want to rest even when
they are tired.
10.Their art skills are increased as they are able to write with tiny letters and
create pieces that are more detailed.
11.They are becoming more independent and want to try more things on their
own.
12.They need more rest periods or breaks.
Psychological / Emotional Development:
1. They are beginning to understand how to be fairer with one another.
2. They tattle-tale a lot and dont receive the blame themselves very easily.

Jayme Pickett
ELED-3250
3. They dont take adult criticism very well, and dont like being evaluated as
much.
4. They are beginning to understand others feelings and perspectives.
5. They are more interested in the rules and rituals in the classroom; and will
work hard to please the teacher, parents, and other individuals in the class.
6. They are sensitive to what others may say or think about them.
7. Things are more black and white with no middle ground when it comes to
their moral compass.
8. The children choose to be more separated (playing with the same sex
gender).
9. They are beginning to question the authority and test the boundaries and
limits of the teacher.
10.It is important for the children to have best friends, but they sometimes lack
the friendship skills needed.
11.Their need for the sense of security in groups increases (they will organize
games and clubs).

Bibliography

Cornett, C. E. (2011). Creating meaning through literature and the arts (4th ed.). Boston, MA:
Pearson.
Developmental characteristics of second graders [Web log message]. Retrieved from
http://www.glendale.k12.wi.us/2_char.aspx
"GCISD - Curriculum Guides and Developmental Characteristics." 2002. GrapevineColleyville ISD. 7 Dec. 2007 .
Biddle, K. A. G., Nevarez, A. G., Henderson, W. J. R., & Kerrick, A. V. (2014). Early childhood
education. Thousand Oaks, California.