What kinds of physical skills should a second grader have? Here's our need-to-know guide.
What You Need To Know
Kids of this age, are growing by leaps and bounds, and acquiring all kinds of new motor skills. Look for specific advances in their large muscle development. By second grade, kids should be able to:
- Walk: walk in time to music, across a balance beam, and up and down stairs
- Run: run with a longer stride, coordinate running with kicking, and run faster than ever before
- Jump: do jumping jacks, jump rope, jump and catch a ball
- Hop: hop in an alternating pattern
- Gallop/Skip: gallop and skip with ease
- Kick: aim a ball, kick with accuracy, intercept a ball
- Throw: throw overhand/underhand with power behind the ball
- Catch: move into position to catch a ball, catch with their hands
- Physical Fitness: exercise for 15 - 20 minutes
How You Can Help
Exercise with your child, alternating different types of activities to use different muscles. Go for a brisk walk on Sunday, play hopscotch on Monday and catch on Tuesday. Work in at least 15 minutes of a fitness-based activity every day.
As a family, come up with a weekly schedule that gives a place to each child's favorite activities. Post it on the fridge so your kids will know what they have to look forward to.
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