C2nd

Second Grade Curriculum

Reading

Through the use of basal readers students in the 2nd grade will be able to:

•Identify main idea

•Sequence events in a story

•Predict and infer outcomes

•Recognize character traits and identify the setting of a story

Along with basal readers novels are incorporated to strengthen reading comprehension and encourage a love

of reading. Students listen to literature for enjoyment and gain an appreciation for various authors and their writing styles. Students are also exposed to poetry through books and creative writing. In 2nd grade students begin to explore public speaking by preparing and presenting book reports.

Phonics

Basic reading skills are taught through a phonetic approach. In 2nd grade students master:

•Long and short vowels

•Blends and digraphs

•Diphthongs

•Root words, prefixes and suffixes

•Contractions

•Syllabication

Language Arts

The Language Arts program in 2nd grade focuses on

•Language usage

•Multiple writing styles taught through various writing strategies

•Identifying and writing the four types of sentences, using correct punctuation and capitalization

•Identifying various parts of speech in a sentence

Writing is taught using a process approach. Students explore pre-writing through guided discussions, brainstorming, webbing and visual aids. Students then create a rough draft, a revised copy and a perfected final piece. Types of writing include:

•Creative Writing

•Letters

•Reports

•Directions

•Descriptions

Cursive writing is introduced in January.

Math

At the elementary level, math topics are introduced, developed and applied throughout each grade level. The aim is to provide a balance between computational skills, conceptual understanding and problem solving, while developing mathematical reasoning and critical thinking skills in order to provide a solid foundation for further education.

Students in the second grade will gain a greater understanding of place value and apply number sense to number operations, including estimation. Fractions will be introduced through manipulatives. Students will understand length, time and temperature and be able to identify appropriate measurement tools. Money as a medium of exchange will be developed. The students will acquire and apply mathematical concepts, skills and language to problem solving.

Social Studies

In Social Studies students gain a respect for our world past and present. Students obtain an appreciation for the birth of our nation through the study of:

•Native Americans

•Colonial and Pioneer Life

The basic hierarchy of government is introduced along with a study about Washington D.C. Map skills are emphasized throughout the year. Students will identify:

•Oceans

•Continents

•States and capitals

Science

Second graders are given the chance to explore different areas of Science through multiple topics. Students combine guided discussions, research, and hands on activities to gain scientific knowledge. Our major units are:

•Ocean life

•Rainforests

•Dinosaurs

•Solar System

•Magnets

•Weather

•Nutrition

Spanish

•Salutations

•Classroom objects

•Colors

•Days of the week

•Numbers 1-20

•Family members

•Food - “fruits”

•Farm animals

•Cultural notes: “la navidad”, “ el día de san valentín” & “pascua”