SECOND GRADE CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

LANGUAGE ARTS

The most important goal of language arts is to enable each child to communicate as effectively as possible. Listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities strengthen communication. Students are challenged through regular instruction to develop critical and creative thinking skills. In second grade, the five areas of Language Arts concentration are productive thinking, communication, forecasting, decision-making, and planning.

SPELLING/PHONICS

Second graders are introduced to and work toward mastery of spelling skills. The primary program used for spelling and phonics in second grade is Discovery Spelling. This program promotes the formal teaching of reliable patterns and rules, which enables students to spell a high percentage of English words without memorization.  The spelling curriculum is further enhanced by high-frequency writing words from the Spelling Sourcebook series. Second graders also gain experience in using dictionaries, exploring other reference materials, and arranging words alphabetically.

 LITERATURE - READING

Our second-grade integrated reading program is the Open Court Collections for Young Scholars, which combines a systematic, structured phonemic awareness and phonics program with quality literature.  Each unit in the reading anthology explores concepts that provide many opportunities for reading, discussing, exploring, and writing. Students gain comprehension skills through supplemental activities, questions and answers, predicting, and problem-solving. They also learn to distinguish between fact/fantasy and fiction/non-fiction. Students develop an appreciation of good literature through listening, reading, and responding creatively to stories, poems, and plays. Two additional programs, the computer-based Accelerated Reader and the self-paced SRA, provide additional practice in reading comprehension.

HANDWRITING

In second grade, students work toward mastery of all upper- and lower-case letters in manuscript. Emphasis is placed on the proper formation of the manuscript style, uniformity, and correct spacing as taught through the Handwriting Without Tears program. We do not teach cursive handwriting in second grade.  

SPEAKING

Second graders practice speaking skills by participating in class discussions, expressing opinions and ideas, and presenting oral book reports.  Students also participate in dramatic presentations and chapel responses. Emphasis is placed on nurturing and developing fluent, organized, and meaningful oral expression.

GRAMMAR

Second-grade students focus on the practical applications of basic writing skills, creating complete sentences, and writing simple paragraphs. They learn to identify and use the basic parts of speech, recognize and write declarative and interrogative sentences, and name the subject and predicate of a sentence. We use Basic English Skills for grammar practice in second grade.

COMPOSITION

Second-grade students have many opportunities to express themselves in written form. Throughout the year, they keep creative-writing journals and complete extended literature activities. As their written expression develops, emphasis is placed on sentence order and function, development of basic paragraphs and basic elements of story writing, and creative responses. Students write brief book reports, stories, and poetry. They also learn to use reference materials like glossaries, dictionaries, and encyclopedias in the writing process.

MATH

Second graders study Everyday Mathematics, a rigorous curriculum designed by the University of Chicago School Mathematics project. EDM builds a foundation of mathematical knowledge that, in time, enables students to move from the basics to higher-order thinking and critical problem solving. Rocket Math (a basic math-facts program) supplements the EDM curriculum. Students participate in a daily class math meeting, which includes number facts practice, written practice, and homework. There are also oral and written assessments of math proficiency throughout the year. It is our goal at the second-grade level to develop a strong foundation in the language and basic concepts of mathematics. 

SOCIAL STUDIES/HISTORY/GEOGRAPHY

In second grade, students explore their role as individuals in their community and country.  They are introduced to the history of our nation through units on Native Americans, the settlements of Jamestown and Plymouth, the pioneers, famous Americans, American holidays, and famous American landmarks.  Second graders combine social studies and geography by using the Map Essentials skills book by National Geographic and other geography and history resource materials.  They expand their map skills by learning to identify countries, continents, and major bodies of water. They will also learn more about using our natural resources.  World and U.S. history units include the study of ancient Egypt, Alaska, and Hawaii. Second graders also participate in weekly discussions of current events.

SCIENCE

St. Mary’s science curriculum is a hands-on approach to learning the fundamental processes of science. Through direct laboratory, classroom and outdoor experiences, students are exposed to observing, measuring, recording, classifying, interpreting, analyzing, inferring, predicting, and investigating.  The second-grade science curriculum focuses on earth/space, life, and physical sciences. It has been developed with the National Science Education Standards as its foundation. Hands on Elementary Science, AIMS, and Delta Science Modules have been used in the development of activities and learning experiences.  Topics covered in second grade include: weather, seasons, plants, habitats, insects, matter and simple machines.  Students are responsible for participating in outdoor education, conducting lab investigations, keeping lab notebooks, and completing various assessments throughout the year.

RELIGION

Second-grade students attend Chapel twice weekly and actively participate in the service.  Our Chapel curriculum is derived from The Bible and The Book of Common Prayer. On Wednesdays, the elementary chapel uses The Book of Common Prayer and focuses on the Lectionary Readings. On Monday mornings, chapel services are taken from The Book of Common Prayer Daily Devotions for Individuals and Families.  This devotion follows the basic structure of the Daily Office of the Church. Portions of Psalms, scripture readings and collects (prayers) are read at this service, in addition to The Lord's Prayer and the Apostles' Creed. Students take part in prayer and in song. 

SECOND GRADE SPECIALS

SPANISH

Second-grade students have two 30-minute Spanish classes each week. The curriculum currently integrates themes and exercise from two programs designed specifically for young learners: Sube and Teach Them Spanish. Throughout the year, second graders study and participate in holidays and traditions of the Spanish-speaking world.  Educational videos, library books, traditional music, and guest speakers are other “windows” through which second-grade students expand their world view in Spanish class. This year, they will also explore the history, geography, and culture of Spain.

ART

Weekly art classes include experiences in drawing and painting, basic art techniques, imagery, guided art, and 3-dimensional art. Various art activities will be incorporated into the second-grade curriculum, as well.   

LIBRARY

St. Mary’s second graders participate in literature enrichment and learn library skills during their weekly class in our school library.

MUSIC

Second-grade students experience rhythm, pitch, elements of basic music theory and notation, and a variety of singing and movement activities using the Orff Schulwerk approach. Students learn about orchestral families, study composers and their music, and explore cultural music. They also enjoy performance opportunities and hands-on experience with instruments.

PHYSICAL EDUCATON

Our P.E. program provides second graders with unique fundamental knowledge, interaction, and physical skills appropriate for their age level. Second-grade units consist of drills, exercise, physical activities, and games. They include perceptual-motor development, President’s fitness challenge, dance and movement, archery, relays, volleyball, jogging, and cross-country.  Our goal is to equip students with knowledge and a desire for life-long physical activity. Students are also encouraged to engage in physical activity outside of the classroom through team sports and individual exercise.

TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

Second-grade students attend weekly classes in the computer lab and experience a variety of age-appropriate software and internet sites that enrich and complement classroom learning.  Computer education at this level includes the proper care and use of hardware and software; basic computer technology; internet safety; basics of Windows XP; and an introduction to word processing and publishing programs.

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