Grade Two Curriculum
Language Arts / Math /Science / Social Science / Music / Art / Physical Education
OVERVIEW
The emphasis in second grade is on continued academic and social growth. Children are encouraged to explore and expand upon previously learned skills and to celebrate themselves as they grow independent and interdependent. The second grade curriculum is designed to promote active and integrated learning in a variety of topic areas. The curriculum involves formal and informal lessons in developing healthy self-esteem, positive peer relationships and responsible decision making. Through the study of cultural geography and diversity, students are guided to internalize respect for all peoples and cultures. The second grade team works collaboratively to provide a common educational experience in each of its classrooms.
LANGUAGE ARTS
The goal of the language arts program is to enhance the growth of thinking strategies and communication skills in an environment that encourages students to read, write, listen, and speak. Students are expected to think, experiment, and learn from their experiences. A concerted effort is made to help students understand that reading and writing are integrally connected. Efforts are consistently made to utilize and enhance these skills as part of the teaching/learning process in all content areas.
WRITING
The Writing Process instructional approach provides the foundation for our writing program. Students are taught that writing involves planning, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. The flexibility of the Writing Process allows different stages to be emphasized in different types of writing. Writers are provided with regular blocks of time, choices of topics that connect to their experiences, positive and constructive responses to their ideas, and a literary environment to develop their writing. Students share their writing in conferences with teachers and/or peers who listen and respond in an effort to help them focus, develop, and improve their pieces.
In writing workshops, focus lessons are grouped into units of study. These lessons are designed to address concepts, skills, mechanics, spelling and elements of writing using examples drawn from children's literature. Individual or small group writing conferences occur as well. These may be tailored to address topic selection, content or organization of a particular piece, style, or editing for technical accuracy. Focus areas of instruction in mechanical skills (sentence construction, grammar, usage, capitalization, punctuation) are addressed systematically in accordance with our school-wide guide.
Second Grade Units of Study in Writing
Living a Writerly Life
Poetry
Non-fiction
Personal Narrative
Picture Books
READING
Students need to read a wide variety of text to develop comprehension skills, strengthen vocabulary, increase fluency, and develop a lifelong love of reading. Moreover, reading enables students to think beyond themselves, understand alternative viewpoints and ways of life, and experience the richness of cultural heritage. The language arts program enables students to reach these goals through a balanced reading program whose components are read aloud, shared reading, guided reading and independent reading. During read aloud, shared reading and guided reading, students are taught the skills needed to become strong independent readers. Comprehension skills and decoding skills are taught simultaneously. Comprehension instruction centers on teaching students to be metacognitive or to think about their own processes as they read.
At each grade level, certain "core literature" titles have been selected for use in reading instruction. Activities have been designed by grade level teams to help students understand the specific book they are reading. These activities are designed to challenge students of all learning styles and provide them with strategies to apply to future reading.
A combination of structured and independent reading gives students an opportunity to enhance their acquired skills as well as opening them to worlds unknown. A list of recommended books is available through the school for all students and their parents.
Second Grade Core Literature
All 2nd Graders will use the following books as part of their reading instructional program:
Author Studies - All 2nd Graders will be exposed to the works of:
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MATHEMATICS
Everyday Mathematics is the elementary program of the University of Chicago Mathematics Project. This challenging program is designed to move toward meeting the standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics which state that the curriculum should provide opportunities for students to actively participate in problem solving, to develop math concepts and to communicate mathematical ideas. The use of manipulatives and hands-on activities promote student involvement. Emphasis is placed on estimating and on selecting appropriate computational methods (mental arithmetic, paper and pencil algorithms and calculators). Geometric and spatial concepts are useful in relating mathematics to the world of the student.
CONTENT
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SCIENCE
The science program in second grade provides children with an opportunity to engage in classroom and field investigations in science. Through these activities the children develop a scientific literacy. The experience-based program is organized into three major strands: physical science, earth science and life science.
CONTENT
Physical Science
In this strand students will be investigating the topics of color and light.
Earth Science
This component deals with the topics of environmentalism and weather.
Life Science
Second graders spend the year studying mammals, beginning with a close look at bats, moving on to Arctic mammals and investigating other mammals and their habitats.
MATERIALS
Related trade books, core literature and materials from AIMS Education Foundation and the Nature Scope Series.
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SOCIAL STUDIES
In social studies the students learn to use the globe to locate continents, oceans, countries and states. They use maps to learn cardinal directions and become familiar with map keys and grids. Through the study of African-American history the children learn about slavery, the Underground Railroad and respect for human civil rights. The study of lighthouses and the history of quilts provides the opportunity to incorporate geography, history and an emphasis on students' shared heritage as citizens. We study government by learning about the need for rules and laws at home and at school through the Open Circle program. The study of the Iditarod includes exploring the Alaskan climate, land, people, cultures, mammals and the history of the Iditarod race. The theme of teamwork and perseverance is woven throughout the unit. We emphasize understanding and respecting people's similarities and differences through our Travelmate Program and by studying the United Nations and focusing on the importance of peace on our planet.
CONTENT
Using Maps and Globes
ART
Exposure to art gives the student a greater sensitivity towards his/her environment and towards different cultures. It builds self-confidence and self-esteem through exploration and problem solving. It teaches values and concepts through skills of communication, cooperation, and critical thinking.
Properly taught, art will encourage initiative and provide opportunities to expand the student’s imagination, and to explore new concepts. The study of art enhances academic and personal development at every level.
Concepts
Skills