Much of what is done in the second grade year builds upon the groundwork laid in the first grade, increasing the repertoire of knowledge and skills developed in the previous year.
The second grader’s learning through imitation is still prevalent and their thinking is still very pictorial. Thus the teacher continues to present all lessons through story, images and activity.
However, a new element in the second grader’s awareness comes forth; their experience of the world as a wholeness gives way to an inner awareness of duality in the world.
Contrasts and polarities, such as saintliness and mischievousness begin to be noticed as well as exhibited by the second grade student. For this reason teachers work with the Stories of the Saints as well as Animal Fables.