Curriculum Overview

Reading

The second grade reading program extends from first grade in learning "how to read" to "reading to learn".

Skills taught

• Predictions
• Setting/character traits
• Main idea
• Problem/solution
• Use of context
• Phonics
• Vocabulary/sight words
• Prefixes, suffixes, root words
• Compound words, homonyms, antonyms, synonyms
• Summarization

We have flexible reading groups (mixed ability) and reading groups by ability. We try to integrate our science and social studies themes into reading groups by reading factual as well as fictional books.

• Daily SSR
• Daily Story time
• Required homework reading 60 minutes a week (reading incentives)

Language Arts

We work on helping children develop their language arts skills by integrating these areas:

• DOL (Daily Oral Language)
• Correct usage of Grammar and Mechanics of Writing
• Writing Process
• Informational Paragraphs
• Locating information in reference materials
• Letter Writing
• Effective Public Speaking
• Listening Skills
• Legible Handwriting

Spelling

• Review of kindergarten and first grade words.
• Five second grade core words are given at a time with DOL tests.
• Between two and five misspelled words from their journal writing are picked to study and be tested over also.
• Use of Making Words Game and Word Wall Words as well as various other spelling activities, emphasizing word patterns and phonics skills, are given weekly.

Math

We develop math skills throughout the day by doing the following:

• D.O.M. (Daily Oral Math)
• Calendar activities
• Hands-On activities using manipulatives
• Touch math and number line
• Problem-Solving

Concepts taught are:

• Addition and subtraction facts (Math Facts Maniacs)
• Addition and subtraction of two-digit numbers (with/without regrouping)
• Place Value (100's, 10's, and 1's)
• Ordinal Numbers
• Number Sentences
• Greater or less than (Comparing Numbers)
• Geometry
• Graphing
• Measurement
• Fractions
• Telling Time
• Money

Acceleration

Students are pre-tested at the beginning of each chapter. They are given "challenge" materials with more difficult problems if they master the chapter on the pre-test.

Science

A new science curriculum has been adopted this year. The following areas of study are for second grade:

• Observe and compare plants and seeds
• Classify and differentiate between animal groups
• Analyze the effects of heat and light on matter
• Study weather patterns
• Recognize the impact of environmental changes on living organisms
• The scientific process

We incorporate these areas into thematic units by integrating literature and differentiated activities throughout the school day. Research opportunities are good ways to find out more information about these topics. Often, homework assignments and projects are extensions of the content being studied in these units.

This year, we encourage everyone to participate in the Ballwin School Science Fair. Whole class, small group, and individual projects are acceptable.

Social Studies

In social studies, the main areas of study are as follows:

• Citizenship in the community
• Family cultural traditions
• Basic economic principles and how they relate to society
• Location and locale
• Neighborhoods around the world
• How government actions effect the environment

As is the case with science, many times these topics are studied in thematic units and integrated into the curriculum through literature and research. Homework projects may be given to extend and apply the learning to each individual.

In addition to these units, we focus on one Character Plus word each month throughout the school year. These are personal responsibility skills that are predetermined and studied weekly.

Technology

Throughout the curriculum, technology is used in a variety of ways. Publishing stories, producing projects, and investigating research are a few of the ways students incorporate computers in our classrooms.

Differentiated Instruction

• Pre-testing
• Scoring guides
• Learning contracts

Grade Level Information

Homework Policy

We will be assigning homework twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday nights. If your child is not at school on these days, the homework will be given out on your child's first day back to school and due the following day. The homework we assign should not take your child more than twenty minutes to complete. We believe it is important that students begin to develop good homework habits in the early grades. Also, homework gives us a way of having students practice what we have taught in class. It is a good idea to promote study skills each evening, if possible. It also reinforces what your child has been learning at school. If your child ever has difficulty with a homework assignment or you need extra time, please write us a short note and let us know!

For questions, or further information about homework, please refer the homework policy distributed earlier. If another copy is needed let your child's teacher know.

Reading List

Here are some popular authors for second grade. Please look up some of their books to read. They are: Stan and Jan Berenstain, Norman Bridwell, Marc Brown, Eric Carle, Gertrude Chandler, Steven Kellogg, Arnold Lobel, and Tomie de Paola.

Curriculum Content and Essential Skills

District Curriculum