Second Grade Curriculum

In the second grade, students master manuscript writing before they begin to write in cursive. Mastery of manuscript letter formation and spacing is key prior to moving on to learning the alphabet in cursive. The Zaner Bloser handwriting book gives students the opportunity to trace models first, before writing on their own. Students also practice their writing directly beneath a model, which is easy for both right- and left-handed children to see.

Prior to beginning cursive, which is usually begun after Christmas, students learn the basic cursive strokes, such as undercurves and slants. Students then practice letters, followed by joinings, and finally complete words. Toward the end of the school year, children have the opportunity to apply their learning of cursive to various content areas, such as writing prayers. This gradual transition from print to cursive allows students the time to master print and become comfortable with cursive.

LANGUAGE ARTS (Macmillan/McGraw Hill)

Our Language Arts Curriculum has five components:

Reading
Spelling
Grammar
Independent Reading
Creative Writing

Reading, spelling, grammar and creative writing are interrelated to insure maximum reinforcement of the skills and concept required at this stage of language and reading development. The Mac Millian Mc Graw Hill Reading/Language Arts Program is used for daily instruction and provides the necessary correlation between these subjects.

To insure more individualization and practice, we provide a variety of independent reading opportunities at all levels. This includes follow up activities and reports as a means of assessment. The Pizza Hut "Book It" program is used to reward the additional required reading that is assigned as homework.

The Language Arts skills & concepts included in the second grade curriculum include:

Reading
Phonics & Decoding skills
Story Elements
Predicting
Sequence
Prefixes & Suffixes
Drawing Conclusions
Dictionary Usage
Spelling
Short & Long Vowel Patterns
High Frequency Words
Words from Science & Math
Proof reading
Grammar
Sentence Structure
Statements & Questions
Command & Exclamations
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Adverbs
Verb Tense
Sentence Combining
Creative Writing
Personal Narrative
Descriptive & Explanatory Story Writing

MATHEMATICS (Scott Foresman – Addison Wesley) http://www.SFSuccessNet.com

We are currently using the 2005 edition of the Scott Foresman math program. Throughout every chapter are problem solving strategies, real world applications and differentiated instruction to reach all learners. Students are able to learn a variety of strategies to help them solve problems. Each day students are able to solve a “Problem of the Day” question that reviews concepts that have previously been taught.

Students learn:

Addition and Subtraction Strategies
Place Value to 100 and Money
Mental Math: Addition and Subtraction
Two Digit Addition and Subtraction
Geometry and Fractions
Time, Data and Graphs
Measurement and Probability
Numbers to 1,000
Addition and Subtraction of 3 digit numbers
Understanding Multiplication and Division

RELIGION (Image of God - Who Loves Me Always?)

Blessed Trinity
Creation
The Church
Prayer
Sacrament of Reconciliation (First Penance)
Sacrament of the Eucharist
Holy Days- Saints- Church Seasons
Blessed Mother
The Rosary

The second grade is a pivotal time in the formation of the children in Christ, particularly with the preparations made prior to reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. The children begin the year with foundational teachings of the Church’s doctrines. The children study and learn about the mystery of the Blessed Trinity, the divinity and humanity of Christ, as well as the implications these mysteries have on their lives.

The majority of the school year is spent preparing the children’s hearts and souls for a deeper relationship with Christ. Immediate preparations for the Sacrament of Reconciliation include studying the Ten Commandments and discussions to form the children’s consciences. Students are also exposed to the Scripture accounts which particularly manifest Christ’s forgiveness and mercy.

The climax of the second grade year is the reception of First Holy Communion. The children prepare their hearts to receive Jesus for the first time especially through prayer. They are guided to a deeper understanding of Christ’s true Presence in the Blessed Sacrament by attending school Mass weekly and learning about the Mass. In addition, the children see and interact with parish priests who assist them in deepening their knowledge and understanding of the faith.

Overall, activities and opportunities for spiritual development pervade the entire atmosphere of the second grade year. For example, the children participate in a Eucharist Procession, as well as opportunities to pray the Rosary. The graces of the second grade year are evident and profound.

SCIENCE (Harcourt)

Life Science
Living things grow and change
Habitats for plants and animals

Earth Science
What comprises our Solar System
Causes of seanson and day and night
What causes weather changes
The water cycle
Fossil and dinosaur history

Physical Science
What matter is.
The different kinds of matter
How matter changes
Explore energy and motion
Experiment with batteries and wires to make a light bulb light.

SOCIAL STUDIES (McGraw Hill - People Together)

Students use the 2001 edition of the McGraw-Hill series. In Grade 2, students will learn geography, how we interact with the environment, movement of people to the United States and our history of the United States.

Topics include:

Unit 1 : Family Ties – Discussion areas include our own family histories and traditions
Unit 2 : Earth, Our Home – Discussion areas include landforms found on our planet.
Unit 3 : A Working World – Discussion areas include the types of work people do and how this helps others.
Unit 4 : We the People – Discussion areas include Our Country’s Government - Washington D.C.
Unit 5 : Discovering Our Past – Discussion areas include the exploration of the United States.
Unit 6 : People, Places and Holidays – Discussion areas include how people celebrate certain days and customs.

MUSIC

The students have the opportunity to have music class twice or thee times a week for thirty minutes. During this time they learn about musical notes, rhythm, and how to sing. The children also have the opportunity to share their talents by playing musical instruments for the class, if they have already learned how to play an instrument. Songs and games are an integral part of their experience during music class.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The students attend P.E. twice or three times a week for thirty minutes. This time is spent engaging in physical play. Children learn social skills and how to interact with one another positively as they are actively engaged.

COMPUTER

Once a week, the children have an opportunity to attend the computer lab and receive computer instruction. Along with learning basic computer skills and programs, the second graders apply these skills to the curriculum. For example, in groups, the second graders create a diagram on the computer to explain the characteristics of certain types of dinosaurs. The students have the opportunity to integrate technology into their learning experience.

LIBRARY

Once a week, the children go to the school library. During this time, they read and discuss a particular piece of children’s literature, enabling them to practice their thinking skills of comprehension and making inherence in a setting in addition to the regular classroom. The children are also able to check books out from the library for their own personal educational enjoyment.

SPANISH

Updated 4/22/06