2ND GRADE PROGRAM OF STUDY
2026-27 School Year
LANGUAGE ARTS
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 create 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, multisensory 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.
MUSIC
In Second Grade, students experience music through speech, singing, movement, and playing instruments. They continue to develop their vocal, instrumental, and music reading skills through songs, pieces, and games. Second graders 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 continue to develop a sense of beat and rhythm Over the course of the year, students 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 second rotation takes place in second grade and includes air and weather, solids and liquids, and insects. Budding scientists begin the year by learning about air and weather. Students create and record their own weather reports. During the second trimester, the focus is on solids and liquids. Students have fun investigating the properties of solids, liquids, and mixtures. In the spring, students 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 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 builds planned and open-ended projects
Experiences that Support Learning
Uses standard units to measure
Hands-on, multisensory 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 Legos
Follows schematics accurately
Understands and applies basic programming
Works as a team to plan, problem solve, troubleshoot, and edit
SPANISH
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, multisensory 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 learn how to locate books by author or call number. During the final trimester, students are 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
Develops a growing interest in multiple literary genres
Expanded awareness of why Formative Five traits are important
Increased 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
Develops the critical thinking skills to recognize the impact of the combined roles of a book’s text, art, and visual design upon the reader
Develops basic skills in conducting research using online and print resources
Begins exploring library-vetted, age-appropriate online resources such as World Book Kids
Expands 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 learn design techniques, are exposed to various artists and art styles, and use materials such as paint, clay, printmaking, and recyclables. The art elements of line, shape, form, space, color, value, and texture are reviewed and reinforced. 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.
As the year progresses, look in the hallway outside of and across from the art room to see their wonderful artwork. 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 school year.