2nd Grade Program of Study, 2025-26 School Year

2ND GRADE PROGRAM OF STUDY 2025-26 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. 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.

ART Exit Outcomes Can use a low temperature glue gun safely Can apply the ceramic techniques of slab, coil pot, and pinch pot Can use glaze on ceramics Can properly apply bilateral and radial symmetry Can create a face as a profile, both human and animal 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 Understands basic art terms for 2D work art such as foreground, background, overlapping, contrast 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 Utilizes their entire picture plane Explores the use of motifs in works of art Continues to work on portraiture

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 Examples and discussion about artwork showing different styles and periods Examples and discussion about artwork from different cultures 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 Hands-on art making experiences every class Praise and use of examples of artwork of classmates 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