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 nightly 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.
- 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
Concepts taught are through Everyday Math:
- Hands-On activities using manipulatives
- 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
- Problem-Solving
Science
A new science curriculum has been adopted this year. The following areas of study are units of study:
- Scientific Method
- Matter
- Weather
- Plants
- Rainforest
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.
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
Second Grade
Teacher Responsibilities:
- Assign effective homework.
- Explain the homework to the students.
- Keep a record of assignments completed and not completed.
- Positively reinforce students who complete homework.
Parent Responsibilities:
- Make sure that your child has a quiet place to work at home.
- Contact your child’s teacher if your child is having problems with the homework.
- Provide support for your child, but do not do the work.
We will be assigning homework on Monday and it will be due on Friday. 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. The homework we assign should not take your child more than 20-30 minutes to complete.
We will send the homework for the week home every Friday. It will come with a cover letter explaining the assignments that need to be completed. Please initial the cover letter on the space provided after your child has completed the task. The cover letter along with all completed work is due on the next Friday.
We expect the students to do the work on their own and ask for help only after they have given their best effort. Most of the homework will cover only material that the students have already been taught in class.
We will be giving those students who have turned in completed homework on the due date 30 minutes of reward time every Friday. Those who do not meet this expectation will have 30 minutes on Friday to complete the homework they did not turn in. If your child does not complete his/her homework on a regular basis, we will be contacting you so we can work together to make sure your child develops the study habits that will be needed in later grades.
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.