2ND GRADE PROGRAM OF STUDY
2024-25
School Year
LANGUAGE ARTS
Our balanced literacy program enables students to develop a love of reading and writing as they become independent, flexible and resilient readers and writers. Our students read a range of literature representing our diverse world through specific genres. They develop strong phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, self-monitoring skills, vocabulary, and comprehension. Our students understand that a text’s meaning is derived through an interchange between the reader and the text. Instruction is scaffolded so that students gradually learn to read increasingly complex text. Writing is taught as an explicit skill and with ample time for independent practice using mentor text to guide them. Students create authentic pieces of writing intended for specific audiences and learn how to generate writing ideas across topics and genres. Grammar is explicitly taught and is integrated in authentic writing experiences.
LANGUAGE ARTS
Exit Outcomes
Reading
Demonstrates comprehension through oral discussion and written work
Demonstrates fluency, expression, and self-monitoring when reading aloud
Identifies main idea and supporting details with text
Makes meaningful connections when reading
Compares and contrasts genres of literature and literary elements
Applies phonics knowledge to sound out and decode unfamiliar words
Spelling and Grammar
Applies phonics knowledge to encode when spelling unfamiliar words
Learns and uses the following parts of speech: nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs
Writes simple and complex sentences
Uses proper punctuation
Writing
Demonstrates knowledge of meaning and applies vocabulary words appropriately both in written and spoken word
Writes complete sentences using six to eight words with correct capitalization and punctuation
Uses six to eight well developed and complete sentences on the same topic to form fluent and cohesive paragraphs
Utilizes parts of speech, figurative language, and expressive language to ereate vivid imagery to expand ideas
Demonstrates organization in writing and uses appropriate context
Employs the writing process to create, publish, and share individual compositions
Experiences that Support Learning
Small group instruction with flexible grouping
Three holiday-themed book reports: Halloween, Winter Holidays, and Easter
Reader’s Theater to strengthen fluency and expression
Instructional model to foster independence, partner work, and small group instruction
Hands-on, multi-sensory approach to phonics and spelling
Exploration of different genres through shared reading
Interactive read alouds that promote collaborative discussions
Systematic benchmark assessments
Research Projects: Famous Americans, US States, Animal Habitats
MATH
The math curriculum is conceptual, challenging, uses a spiral approach, and is grounded in best practices. We strive to make it fun and engaging. Our students practice math concepts through intentional games and problem solving tasks. They learn how to reason, think quantitatively, and communicate using models, numbers and words. They also learn how to form mathematical arguments and choose appropriate tools to explore and make meaning as they persevere in solving problems, develop efficiency and accuracy in solutions, and demonstrate computational fluency. Math instruction is differentiated to support a range of learners, with grade-level benchmarks that are based on formative assessments.
MATH
Exit Outcomes
Operations & Algebraic Thinking
Represents and solves problems involving addition and subtraction
Students build upon previously taught strategies to mentally add and subtract within 30
Works with equal groups to gain foundations for multiplication and division
Uses properties of operations to add and subtract
Identifies strategies for computing accurately
Number & Operations in Base Ten
Understands place value up to the hundreds place
Demonstrates understanding of double digit addition and subtraction
Develops more accurate estimations while rounding numbers to the nearest ten
Begins to regroup using base ten blocks
Measurement, Data & Geometry
Measures and estimates lengths in standard units and relates addition and subtraction to length
Collects, represents, and interprets data through various mediums
Actively engages in hands-on activities with time and money in real life, digital scenarios, and play
Works towards mastery of counting money and telling time
Identifies shapes and their attributes
Experiences that Support Learning
Small group instruction allowing for remediation and enrichment
Experiences math through various technology mediums
Hands-on games to practice skills in order to achieve mastery
Math Magic math practice--a special activity time to explore concepts of math through new fun activities and games including Minute to Win It
Each student is paired with a preschooler to teach math skills through age appropriate games
Socktober service learning project to collect socks for the community which also provides opportunities for estimation, comparing numbers, graphing, exploring attributes and sorting in a real world context
Actively engages in hands-on activities with time and money in real life, digital scenarios, and play
MUSIC
In Second Grade, students experience music through speech, singing, movement, and playing instruments. They will continue to develop their vocal, instrumental, and music reading skills through songs, pieces, and games. Second graders will begin to learn how to use their musical knowledge to improvise and compose melodic and rhythmic phrases. Through folk dances from around the world, students will continue to develop a sense of beat and rhythm. Over the course of the year, students will listen to a variety of music and work to develop keen listening skills.
Exit Outcomes
Improvises simple rhythmic and melodic responses to a given pattern
Learns melodies, accompaniments, and ostinatos on pitched and unpitched instruments
Performs accompaniment patterns with two chords
Performs even dance steps to go along with folk dances
Reads from the music staff
Sings songs in a round
Identifies the genre of a piece of music
Experiences that Support Learning
Listening to/singing/playing a variety of music
Engaging in creative movement, rhythmic movement, and folk dances
Playing instruments: rhythm sticks, hand drums, xylophones, etc
Reading music notation
Following nonverbal cues from a conductor
Listening critically for elements of music
Performing in front of an audience
ILAB
The second grade curriculum cycles through a 2-year program of study in conjunction with first grade. The first rotation focuses on Earth Materials, Balance and Motion, and New Plants. Young scientists will begin by studying the three main kinds of rocks, where they will observe, describe, and sort earth materials based on their properties. During the winter trimester, students will have fun learning about balance and motion by having the opportunity to engineer different models such as spinners and marble runs. In the spring, students will take their curiosity outside to learn about plants, the role of each part of a plant, and use light tables to watch as plants grow from seed to flower. After spring break, the focus shifts to Lego Robotics and Coding where students will follow schematics to engineer robots to perform specific tasks and apply basic programming.
The second rotation includes Air and Weather, Solids and Liquids, and Insects. Budding scientists will begin the year by learning about Air and Weather. Students will create and record their own weather reports. During the second trimester, the focus will be on solids and liquids. Students will have fun investigating the properties of solids, liquids, and mixtures. In the spring, students will put their curious research minds to work by studying the lives of insects and working on personal research projects for their favorite insects. After spring break, the focus shifts to Lego Robotics and Coding where students will follow schematics to engineer robots to perform specific tasks and apply basic programming.
Exit Outcomes
Understands the scientific process through observations and experiments
Uses vocabulary to identify and explain concepts
Understands how cycles explain changes in both living and nonliving things
Understands the properties of objects and matter and how those properties change when acted upon
Makes connections to prior knowledge and draws conclusions
Conducts simple research projects
Engineers robots to perform simple tasks
Designs, plans, and build planned and open-ended projects
Experiences that Support Learning
Uses standard units to measure
Hands-on, multi sensory approach which includes experiments, construction, and arts-based projects
Creates models to illustrate scientific concepts
Designs and engineers prototypes using recycled materials
Draws and labels labs
Incorporates technology to support learning
Keeps a lab notebook to record data and observations
Works collaboratively with a lab partner and in small groups
Designs and engineers prototypes using Lego
Follows schematics accurately
Understands and applies basic programming
Works as a team to plan, problem solve, troubleshoot, and edit
SPANISH
When children are exposed to other languages at a young age they will be more likely to be interested in learning it as they grow older, also it helps expand their world and become more aware about other cultures and diversity.
Students will begin with greetings, all about me, and talking about routines. We will then progress to day and night, opposites, school supplies, and class furniture, Navidad, weather, winter clothes, food, ordering in a restaurant, likes and dislikes, sports, hobbies, and summer activities. Spanish class will also incorporate seasonal vocabulary, geography, art, music, customs, and food from Hispanic cultures.
Exit Outcomes
Understands and interprets written and spoken Spanish
Expands Spanish vocabulary
Recognizes languages as an interdisciplinary opportunity to build upon knowledge acquired in other subject areas
Builds knowledge of Hispanic culture and traditions
Continue to learn where Spanish is spoken and the corresponding cultures and traditions
Experiences that Support Learning
Collaborative discussions
Hands-on, multi-sensory approach
Shared Reading
Interactive Read-Alouds
Modeling
Comparing and contrasting
Matching games
Roleplaying
Retelling
LIBRARY
In Second Grade, students continue to explore their interests in various literary genres. During library classes, students enjoy a wide variety of diverse, award-winning books through book readings and group discussions. Using the Whole Book Approach, we read with children to make meaning of art, text, and book design using critical thinking. Second graders are introduced to GSL’s Alexandria Online Catalog and continue to participate in the Accelerated Reader program. They are now learning to locate books by author or call number. During the final trimester, students will be introduced to basic online resources for research. Students participate in STAR Reading assessments three times a year. Second graders are able to check out books to take home each week.
Exit Outcomes
Develop a growing interest in multiple literary genres
Expand awareness of why Formative Five traits are important
Increase appreciation of the diversity found in our library’s book collection
Introduce how to use the Alexandria Online Catalog to find any book by author/title/subject
Develop the critical thinking skills to recognize the impact of the combined roles of a book’s text, art, and visual design upon the reader
Develop basic skills in conducting research using online and print resources
Begin exploring library-vetted, ageappropriate online resources such as World Book Kids
Expand the use of Accelerated Reader online quizzes at school after reading an AR book from the library, classroom, or home
Experiences
that Support Learning
Interactive read alouds each week
Sharing books from diverse authors and illustrators to support awareness of others’ cultures, experiences, and contributions to the world at large
Monthly focus on a specific Formative Five trait (empathy, self-control, integrity, embracing diversity, and grit)
Weekly collaborative discussions related to the Whole Book approach to book readings
Weekly hands-on opportunities to explore the sections of the library from which Second Grade readers select books
Librarian-student collaboration on selecting books to check out to read in the classroom and at home with families, with an emphasis on reading for joy and engagement
ART
Art in Second Grade is once a week for an hour and focuses on imagination and creativity. While expanding upon the elements of art, students will learn design techniques, be exposed to various artists and art styles, and use materials such as paint, clay, printmaking, and recyclables. Our goal is to help each student build confidence in their art making abilities, learn creative thinking skills, and view art as a form of communication. Our expectation of children is that they do their best and that they respect the materials in the art room and each other. 3D projects and Holiday projects will go home as they are finished; the rest of the artwork will go home at the end of the year.
ART
Exit Outcomes
Can use a low temperature glue gun safely
Can create a pinch pot and a coil pot
Can create a print using a carving method
Can create a face as a profile, both human and animal
Can identify a few architectural terms such as column, spire, dome, arch
Recognizes warm and cool colors and complementary colors
Can create an animal and recognize the shapes in an animal face
Has greater exposure to arts from other cultures
Understand basic art terms for 2D work art such as foreground, background, overlapping, contrast
Reviews the cylinder shape
Gains further control when painting with both tempera and watercolor
Has awareness that art is created by people of many cultures around the world for a variety of purposes
Utilize their entire picture plane
Experiences that Support Learning
Hands on art making experience in every class
Inclusion in all projects the students freedom to create individualized expression and content within the boundaries of the objectives of an assignment
Modeling the safe use of a glue gun
Modeling clay techniques
Modeling of printmaking techniques
Examples and discussion about artwork showing different styles and periods
Examples and discussion about artwork from different countries and cultures
Examples and discussion about types of architecture
Modeling/demonstration of technique and correct usage of various materials
Modeling/demonstration of how to identify and pick out shapes to draw objects
Modeling/demonstration of overlapping
Modeling/demonstration drawing of a profile
Modeling/Demonstration drawing of a cylinder shape
Hands on art making experiences every class
Praise and use of examples of artwork of classmates
examples of artifacts (for ex. Masks from all over the world)
One on one dialogue and help as needed with students to determine their goals in art and how best to achieve them
Availability of a variety of materials and visual references