Supporting Your Child’s Social and Emotional Growth: The K-2nd Grade Journey

At Las Vegas Day School, we’ve spent over 60 years helping young children grow into confident, capable individuals. One of the most important aspects of early childhood development happens beyond academic learning – it’s how children learn to understand their emotions, build friendships, and navigate social situations.

When children develop strong social and emotional skills during these pivotal years (kindergarten through second grade), they’re better prepared not just for academic success, but for life itself. Research from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) confirms the critical importance of developing emotional intelligence early. That’s why at LVDS, we integrate social-emotional learning into everything we do.

What to Expect: Social and Emotional Milestones

Kindergarten (Age 5)

Your kindergartner is likely:

• Eager to make friends and be accepted by peers
• Beginning to follow rules to please others
• Engaging enthusiastically in imaginative play
• Learning to take turns and share (though not always perfectly!)
• Expressing their likes and dislikes more clearly
• Beginning to understand the difference between fantasy and reality

What this looks like at school: Kindergartners at LVDS engage in structured activities that encourage taking turns, sharing, and working together. Our warm, nurturing teachers create a safe environment where children practice these new social skills while building confidence. The transition to kindergarten can be both exhilarating and emotionally challenging for children, which is why we focus so much on emotional support during this time.

First Grade (Age 6-7)

Your first-grader is typically:

• Forming closer friendships, even naming a “best friend”
• Showing more independence from parents and family
• Becoming more aware of others’ feelings
• Understanding right from wrong, but sometimes testing boundaries
• Developing a competitive spirit
• Experiencing emotions like embarrassment and pride

What this looks like at school: Our first-grade program balances academic growth with plenty of opportunities for social interaction. With only 20 students per class and both a teacher and aide present, children receive individualized attention as they navigate new social dynamics.

Second Grade (Age 7-8)

Your second-grader is usually:

• Growing more confident in their abilities
• Developing a sense of humor and enjoying jokes
• Forming more complex friendships, sometimes with opposite-gender peers
• Beginning to resolve conflicts using words
• Showing genuine empathy for others
• Taking more responsibility for their actions

What this looks like at school: Second-graders at LVDS participate in cooperative learning activities and begin joining clubs that match their interests. Our guidance counselors are available to help children work through any social challenges they encounter.

How Las Vegas Day School Nurtures Social-Emotional Growth

At LVDS, we believe strong social and emotional skills are just as important as academic knowledge. Our approach is informed by research-based frameworks like those developed by the Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL). Here’s how we support your child’s development:

Small Class Sizes with Personal Attention

With a maximum of 20 students per class, plus a teacher and aide in every elementary classroom, we ensure each child receives the individual guidance they need to develop healthy social skills and emotional awareness.

Dedicated Guidance Counselors

Our two full-time guidance counselors work specifically with elementary students, providing support for any social, emotional, or academic challenges they may face.

Community-Building Activities

From collaborative projects to morning meetings, we create daily opportunities for children to practice social skills in a supportive environment.

Consistent, Clear Expectations

Children thrive when they understand boundaries. Our approach to classroom management emphasizes respect, responsibility, and kindness.

Family-Oriented Environment

Many of our students are second or even third-generation LVDS families. This creates a unique community where children feel secure and connected.

Helping Your Child at Home

Parents are their children’s first and most important teachers when it comes to social and emotional skills. Here are simple ways to support your child’s development:

Model Healthy Emotional Expression

When you name your own feelings and handle them appropriately, you’re teaching valuable skills. “I’m feeling frustrated right now, so I’m going to take some deep breaths before we talk about this.”

Create Safe Spaces for Feelings

Make sure your child knows all feelings are acceptable, even if some behaviors aren’t. Having a designated “calm down corner” at home with comfort items can help children learn to self-regulate.

Practice Taking Others’ Perspectives

Ask questions like, “How do you think your friend felt when that happened?” or “What would you want someone to do if you were in that situation?”

Establish Consistent Routines

Predictable schedules for meals, homework, and bedtime help children feel secure and develop self-regulation skills.

Read Books About Feelings

Stories provide wonderful opportunities to discuss emotions and social situations in a non-threatening way. PBS Kids for Parents offers excellent book recommendations and activities to help children develop social skills through reading.

Why Social-Emotional Skills Matter for the Future

When children develop strong social and emotional skills in the early years, research from CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning) shows they benefit in numerous ways:

• Better Academic Performance: Children who can manage their emotions and work well with others typically achieve higher grades and test scores.
• Stronger Relationships: The friendship skills learned in early childhood build a foundation for healthy relationships throughout life.
• Improved Mental Health: Children with good emotional awareness and coping strategies show greater resilience when facing challenges.
• Future Career Success: The abilities to communicate effectively, collaborate with others, and manage emotions are highly valued in the workplace.

Experience the LVDS Difference

For over 60 years, Las Vegas Day School has been committed to developing the whole child. Our traditional yet nurturing approach to education creates an environment where children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

We invite you to see this approach in action. Schedule a personal tour of our campus by contacting our Admissions Director, Judy L. Meese, at JMeese@lvds.com or calling 702-362-1180.

During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to observe our classrooms, meet our dedicated teachers, and learn more about how we can support your child’s unique journey.

Las Vegas Day School is a top-rated private school in Nevada, providing quality education from Kinderschool through 8th grade since 1961. We are committed to preparing our students for higher education and life through a strong, traditional educational approach in a nurturing community environment.