Second
grade readers have a vastly more cognitive ability vis-à-vis first graders. The jump
in reading comprehension can be amazing. Stories can become more complex with fairly
rich detail.
Writing abilities, while still limited,
reach a level where paragraphs are possible. This of course varies depending on the
child. Girls tend to excel faster in the lower grades than boys. Although the
final, formed personality and basic attitude of an independent person is not yet fully
former, second graders are on the cusp of personal identity.