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The Second Grade Experience
Reading/Language Arts
 The
language arts curriculum is designed to be a balanced literacy program
including teacher read-alouds, shared reading and writing, guided
reading, and independent reading and writing.
Instruction in 2nd grade will focus on
development of the following learning competencies:
- using phonics knowledge and structural analysis
to decode regular multi-syllable words
- reading most high frequency and many irregularly
spelled words accurately in text
- reading and comprehending both narrative and
expository text appropriate for grade two
- self-correcting comprehension difficulties using
several strategies
- using a variety of strategies and skills to read
self-selected texts independently for 20 minutes daily
- using active listening skills
- responding appropriately when participating in
group discussion
- explaining new concepts in own words
- composing first drafts using appropriate writing
process
- using complete sentences, correct word order
in sentences, plural forms of commonly used nouns, common contractions
- attending to mechanics and format for final writing
products
- using spelling patterns, analysis of sound, and
appropriate sources to spell correctly
- using correct letter formation and spelling
Mathematics
The goal of the math program is to develop students
who value mathematics, and who are competent in reasoning and who
use mathematics to solve problems.
Instruction in 2nd grade will focus on
development of the following learning competencies:
- using reasoning abilities to perceive patterns,
justify strategies, and evaluate the reasonableness of answers
- communicating mathematically using words, numbers,
symbols, pictures, and models
- explaining solutions to addition and subtraction
problems using mathematical vocabulary, symbols, and notation
- solving addition and subtraction problems using
2 and 3 digit numbers with and without regrouping
- illustrating an understanding of fractions
- describing, modeling, drawing, and classifying
two and three dimensional figures
- finding lines of symmetry on plane figures
- selecting and using appropriate units and tools
of measurement
- collecting and organizing data through simple
graphs
- making and interpreting tally charts, bar graphs,
and picture graphs
- recognizing basic number patterns
- using appropriate mathematical symbolism to represent
problem situations and solutions involving addition and subtraction
of 2 and 3 digit numbers
- solving problems orally and pictorially and justifying
their thinking
Science
The science program is designed to guide students
in active and extended scientific inquiry and to provide opportunities
for scientific discussion and debate among students.
Instruction in 2nd grade will focus on
development of the following learning competencies:
- sorting living things in groups using various
properties to decide which things belong to separate groups
- describing features of plants and animals that
help them survive in different environments
- describing the properties of objects and materials
- using technology and tools to gather data
- explaining life cycles of plants and animals
- describing how different organisms meet basic
needs for water, nutrients, and energy in order to survive
- showing the relationship between an organism’s
structure and function, the interdependence of animals and plants
in an ecosystem, and how populations affect their environment
- explaining and/or predicting changes in the Earth’s
systems
Science units taught in 2nd grade include
- Life Cycles: Butterflies & Moths
- Weather Watchers
- Balancing & Weighing
Social Studies
Social studies is a year-long activity-based program.
Through instruction the child’s perspective on home, school,
and community will broaden. Through the use of literature, instructional
materials, discussions, and projects, the students will have opportunities
to increase understanding of their world.
Units taught in 2nd grade include
- Families—Many Shapes, Different Sizes
- Life is Discovery
- Communicating with Others
- Friendship/Depending on Others
- Life is Fluid
- When Humans and Animals Meet
Instruction in 2nd grade will focus on
development of the following learning competencies:
- distinguishing between a city, state, country,
and the world
- exploring similarities and differences of individuals
- exploring similarities and differences of families
- investigating how people depend upon each other
- investigating a variety of people and cultures
and their societal contributions
- using and interpreting information from globes,
maps, charts, and graphs
- investigating the basic geographical features
of the world
Art
The 2nd grade art program is one in which
students will discover
- elements of design such as line,
shape, color, space, texture and form
- principles of design such as bright/dull
- using natural and man-made forms for subject
matter
- techniques in painting, drawing,
clay exploration, folding paper, and printmaking using a variety
of media
Music
Through the 2nd grade music program,
students will discover
- musical elements including rhythm,
melody, form, harmony, tempo, and dynamics
- elements of tone color such as
non-pitched percussion and listening to orchestral, folk, keyboard
instruments, and singing voices
- proper singing techniques
Physical Education & Health
In the 2nd grade physical education program,
students participate in fitness activities, rhythmic activities,
and individual activities, as well as in activities which develop
ball-handling skills. Through this program, students are encouraged
to maintain a good fitness level which will enhance their personal
wellness. Through health instruction, students begin to differentiate
between safe and careless use of substances, develop awareness of
the food groups and of nutritious snacks and meals, practice good
health habits, develop safety awareness relating to cars, street
crossing and buses, learn fire safety procedures, and develop an
awareness of hospital personnel responsibilities.
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To support
the total instructional program, each school also provides the following
services:
- at-risk
programming
- gifted
and talented identification and programming
- guidance
and counseling curriculum and services
- library/media
services and resources, including technology education
- special
education programming and services
- Contact
your school principal for further information about any program.
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