When students enter second grade they take their newly developing skills and strategies and apply them to all areas. They are curious and eager to explore academically and socially. We are ready to guide them on their journey.
In order for students to truly reach for their full potentials, they must have an environment where they feel important, safe and where they are willing to take risks; we start out the year by creating such an environment. Soon our classrooms develop into communities of learners who are ready to reach for their goals. Language Arts: This is a major part of the second grade curriculum. It includes reading, writing, spelling and D’Nealian handwriting. Each child develops their skills and strategies at different rates. During the first few weeks of school the students will share their reading skills and strategies by reading to us. We find and teach to their instructional level so they are challenged but not frustrated. Students make the most gain in reading when their reading instruction is at their level. In second grade, students write a lot! We follow the Open Court curriculum. Social Studies: We begin social studies by building our classroom environment and learning about ourselves and our world. We talk about what we want to accomplish and what is required in order to reach our goals. The guidance counselor comes in biweekly to help us work on such issues as friendship, cooperation, and good choices. Additionally, throughout the year we study Community, mapping skills, Native Americans, Presidents, and Colonial Life.
Math: In second grade math, students expand their number knowledge. We cover such topics as addition and subtraction facts, numeration, place value, money, time, and regrouping. We use a variety of games, hands-on activities and supplemental work.
Science: The units covered in science are The Five Senses, Sound, Food Webs and Food Chains, Life Cycles, Fossils, Plants and Soil. The students learn to make scientific observations and predictions, collect information, and much more. We do a lot of hands-on activities.
Homework: Your child will be expected to do approximately 20-25 minutes of homework each night (except Friday). They will be asked to read a book of their choice as well as daily practice of phonetic patterns and sight words. Math practice is sent home each week as well. A detailed homework letter is sent home on Monday.
Second grade is a challenging and exciting grade. There are so many wonderful things that happen in this grade that we can't write it all in a brief summary. We are looking forward to meeting and working with you. See you in second grade!