Second Grade
Second Grade Current Unit of Inquiry
Theme: Sharing the Planet
Central Idea: Any contribution can make a difference.
An Inquiry Into:
• Realizing the domino effect
• Understanding how individual actions impact group decisions
• Exploring community needs and opportunities to help
English Language Arts
At the second grade level, a balanced reading program combines explicit skills instruction with language and literature-rich activities. Phonics and spelling lessons continue at this level to aid in fluency development and vocabulary building. Reading fluency is emphasized through small group and individualized instruction, as well as through whole group activities. This enables students to make the transition to become more independent readers. Comprehension strategies and critical thinking skills are taught through a variety of genres including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, historical fiction, and fantasy. Written composition instruction in second grade includes parts of speech identification and usage, sentence formation, and paragraph construction. Daily journaling and writing assignments build confidence while reviewing skills presented at an earlier level. Process writing is important and provides experience using prewriting, drafting, revising, and publishing skills. In grade 2 the unit of inquiry with a Language Arts focus will be You’re Invited and Signs and Symbols
Math
The basic skills presented in the first grade curriculum are reviewed and applied for greater mastery, with an emphasis on fluency of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Manipulatives make learning exciting and build a concrete understanding of math concepts. Course work includes saying, reading, rounding, and writing whole numbers. Fractions and decimals are explored through real-world application. Mental and written arithmetic is further developed within a problem-solving context. Students also learn to relate informational language to mathematical language. Measurement of time, distance, area, capacity, weight, and temperature are expanded. Currency recognition and exchanges enhance students understanding of the monetary system. An introduction into algebraic concepts begins at this level. In grade 2 the unit of inquiry with a math focus will be Measure Up.
Science
The Second Grade science curriculum promotes a deeper understanding of familiar concepts. Students are encouraged to ask, explore, research and share information. Topics include plants, matter, magnets, sound, heat & light, nutrition, body systems, animals and habitats, weather & seasons, the earth and our solar system. Scientific process skills discussed include observing, communicating, classifying, estimating, measuring, inferring, predicting, hypothesizing, collecting data and experimenting . In grade 2 the units of inquiry with a science focus will be This Land is Your Land and Here We Go Again.
Social Studies
Units coincide with the Second Grade POI and also include special “quick lessons” (Thanksgiving, Groundhog Day, International Day etc.). Literature based curriculum provides the introduction for many of our units. Exploring our community, state and beyond, students learn about people, places and events and compare and contrast information. Concepts discussed include citizenship, community helpers and jobs, mapping skills, continents and oceans and landforms. In grade 2 the units of inquiry with a Social Studies focus will be This Land is Your Land and Super Me.
Art
Art students have the opportunity to experience a wide variety of mediums and activities emphasizing experimentation and discovery. Although the primary goal of the program is creative expression and appreciation for individuality of others, studies will include an introduction to art history and varied art techniques.
Music
The primary music program is designed to begin to develop students’ ability to sing, learn about pitch, beat, tempo, and dynamics, and experiment with sound. Students learn to acquire specific techniques to develop music appreciation and singing confidence.
Computer Technology
Students at this age are learn concepts used in applications programs. Reinforcement of skills acquired at previous levels are purposefully included to solidify the foundation. Vocabulary such as minimize, maximize, menu, copy, paste, and font are taught. Basic keyboard practices and advanced mouse control skills are included in the program. In addition, students are introduced to shortcuts, scrolling, right clicking, copy & paste function, and retrieve and edit skills.
Physical Education
The focus of the primary physical education program is the introduction and exploration of physical education skills and concepts, emphasizing the total development of the child. Through many organized games, students develop coordination, strength and endurance, a sense of fair play, and cooperation with others. This program focuses on physical fitness, rhythms, group games, and individual and partner activities. Numerous activities are offered to help students improve coordination of large muscles. Body control is demonstrated through activities that require bending, twisting, and swinging. Eye-hand-foot coordination is explored using a variety of physical education equipment. All students participate in the President’s Physical Fitness Challenge as part of the Physical Education program.
Spanish
Building on their previous knowledge of Spanish, students will develop their vocabulary and be able to speak in simple sentences in Spanish. Using oral language for social interaction and to obtain knowledge of Spanish life and culture, they will use language for greetings and polite behavior. Students will learn the functional vocabulary related to daily experiences both in school and outside tin the community. Increasing their vocabulary knowledge, student at this level are encouraged to speak and explore the Spanish language through hands-on activities. Centered around the Spanish culture, this course builds basic grammar, sentence structure and communication skills of Spanish speaking countries.
Personal and Social Education
Personal and social education is concerned with developing the characteristics embodied in the Student Profile together with the attitudes that are one of the essential elements of the Primary Years Program. The students will develop an awareness of self as evidenced by their self-confidence and self-worth. They will learn to recognize, communicate and manage their own emotions., reflect on their behavior and take responsibility for their actions and choices. Students work together to establish classroom rules that encourage good behaviors and positive attitudes. Consequences and rewards (both individual as well as whole class) are agreed upon and updated often.
The curriculum fosters awareness of the cultural, racial, social, linguistic, and religious differences in the school population, and students will develop appropriate social skills when interacting with others, while learning to develop healthy relationships, and to respect the views, needs and rights of others. The students will approach learning with flexibility, creativity and commitment, showing increasing independence and self-direction. The units of inquiry that has an emphasis on Personal and Social Education are Super Me and Measure Up.
Library
Students will be able orient themselves in the library, understand and use the library terminology and select books by interest and reading material. In addition, they will learn to locate materials both by browsing and using the online catalog, distinguish between fiction and non-fiction texts, and extract, record, and categorize information.
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