Each 2nd grade class is taught by a licensed educator. Additional certified specialists instruct students in music, Spanish and physical education, technology, and library.
In 2nd grade, students adjust to a more rigorous learning environment and are able to further deepen and expand their skills and knowledge. 2nd graders become more experienced writers, readers, and mathematicians as they practice these skills in more complex and comprehensive ways.
Teachers set up an environment of both large and small group instruction, and implement varied teaching strategies to reach all learners. Our small class sizes allow for individualized instruction.
MATH:
Our curriculum fosters a deep development in math facts, geometry, money, clocks, data collection and analysis. Our Daily 3 Math program also follows a differentiated approach, mainly working in small groups. Students navigate rotations for small group skills, independent review, and math games with technology. We also include daily practice with math fact review programs such as Rocket math and Xtramath, which can also be used at home.
LITERACY:
Our program provides a comprehensive and fluid curriculum in language and literacy, while emphasizing skills in listening, speaking, writing, and reading. Students are allowed to develop at their own level. We use CAFE (Comprehension, Accuracy, Fluency, Expanding Vocabulary) to enhance reading skills as we navigate "just right" leveled readers to learn new skills. We incorporate different Guided Reading groups and book clubs to enhance our experiences and provide interventions where needed. Daily 5 offers children the independent choice of: Read to Self, Read to Someone, Listen To Reading, Word Work and Work on Writing, while instructional reading groups are being held with the teacher. This format is carried over to formal Writing workshop instruction as well. Second Grade students also visit the library weekly for read-alouds, book discussions, and book selection with our Library Specialist.
SCIENCE:
The science curriculum evolves from the premise that young children develop conceptual understandings of things they experience so experiments are done. Teachers facilitate this process as it relates to themes of study about landforms, physical and chemical changes, dinosaurs, and have active learning with plants.
SOCIAL STUDIES:
Our curriculum introduces students to the research process, where they enhance their critical thinking, writing and presenting skills. Our social studies curriculum is very much embedded throughout our reading and writing curriculum. Topics of learning include: Abraham Lincoln, Geography, the study of other cultures around the world, and learning about communities and businesses.
RELIGION:
We strengthen our relationship with Jesus during daily devotions, Spirit Groups, prayer, and weekly mass. We enhance our sacramental preparation with workshops, Bible stories and the study of scripture, visits from priests, and through projects. Faith sharing and asking questions is encouraged as we continue on our faith journey. This not only helps students to awaken and deepen their own beliefs, it encourages critical and individual thinking, which are important life skills.
TECHNOLOGY:
In second grade we are fortunate to have 1:1 use of iPads. These are utilized throughout the day in various ways such as online reading, research, spelling and apps to reinforce skills, and access online programs such as Prodigy and Epic. We also use apps such as Seesaw for creating projects, highlighting skills, and assessments that we share with parents in a portfolio showcase. We also use Smartboards and classroom laptops to enhance learning. Students also visit the media center 1-2 times each week, where they are given additional technology instruction with various activities, including STEM building curriculum.
ART:
Students receive art instruction once a week. The goal is to immerse the child in the world of art through hands-on activities and to use various materials to enhance their creativity.
MUSIC:
Students receive instruction two-three days a week from a certified music teacher who addresses music learning standards. They participate in school concerts three times during the school year.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION:
Students develop motor ability and cooperation skills during daily recess times. They also participate in a comprehensive PE program daily, taught by a physical education specialist. Students develop strength, flexibility, and endurance while engaging in group and individual learning.
SPANISH:
Our students receive instruction in Spanish weekly from a fluent Spanish teacher. Students develop primary oral skills as well as begin to understand the written language.