2nd Grade Curriculum
Language Arts
Reading - Our reading program covers a variety of reading strategies that will give your students tools they can use to improve their ability to understand what they read. Listed below are the targeted strategies for each unit.
Unit 1: predicting, character, author's purpose, setting and drawing conclusions
Unit 2: compare and contrast, steps in a process, and sequence
Unit 3: summarizing, context clues, cause and effect, and character
Unit 4: classifying, theme, realism and fantasy, plot and making judgments
Unit 5: main idea, character, fact and opinion
Unit 6: realism and fantasy, context clues, plot, theme, and making judgments
Independent of the reading program we also teach students to use the following reading strategies: visualizing, making connections (to text, to self and to world), inferencing, and questioning.
Each week we focus on a new phonics pattern (i.e. short and long vowels, blends, r-controlled etc..) This pattern coincides with our weekly spelling words and phonics reader. Spelling words are located on the webpage under a separate heading.
Writing - Writing is integrated across the curriculum in a variety of applications. Students will develop and apply the basic conventions of writing and grammar usage. They will also learn simple techniques of the writing process.
Math
All new concepts are developed through hands-on activities and rich mathematical conversations that actively engage students in the learning process. Concepts are developed, reviewed, and practiced over time.
We are now using a new Math program - Everyday Math
Science
Students will be provided with many opportunities to construct their own knowledge of science through hands-on activities that pertain to the concerns of their daily lives. Units of study include:
Social Studies
The focus of social studies in second grade is on communities. Topics covered include the purposes of rules and laws in communities and how communities change over time. Geography skills are also included as students develop an understanding of how to read a map. Civics and citizenship is an ongoing theme throughout the year and includes symbols of citizenship as well as national and patriotic holidays. The Social Studies curriculum is enhanced by using National Geographic for Kids for current events and the Junior Achievement program that will be offered in the spring.
Religion
In addition to covering the following themes listed below we will also cover bible stories and religious holidays.
Unit I - Children will learn about their Church community and how to be followers of Jesus. They will read about different ways of belonging to the Church and giving praise and thanks to God.
Unit 2 - The emphasis is on making good choices. We come to understand that God is always ready to forgive us when we sin.
Unit 3 - Children will learn that the Bible teaches about God's creation and God's love for us. They will read stories to help them understand the importance of love and prayer.
Unit 4 - Children will learn that the Mass is a time to remember Jesus how died and was raised from the dead. They will be reassured that Jesus is with them in a special way when they celebrate the Eucharist. They will identify ways to pray and show love for others.
Unit 5 - Children will learn that the Holy Spirit is their helper, guide, and teacher. They will understand that Jesus teaches them to live in peace and treat everyone with justice.
