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Second Grade
Language Arts The Grade Two Language Arts program is made up of three areas: Reading, Writing and Word Study.The reading program is based on the Guided Reading principles of Fountas and Pinnell. Leveled text is used for reading groups and independent reading. The program is designed to promote the enjoyment of reading, reading for meaning, and to encourage students to become critical thinkers. Our reading instruction is constructed in three parts: whole group instruction, reading groups, and reading conferences.
Our goal is to create an environment where writing matters and is done for real reasons. The students write stories, poems, journal entries, research reports, and letters. Students learn to incorporate spelling and writing mechanics into their works. Students will meet with a teacher for writing conferences during the revising and checking stage.
The basis of the Rebecca Sitton Spelling Program is to improve students’ spelling in their writing. Spelling is an essential communication skill and regardless of how well writers express their ideas in writing, if their writing in its final form has misspellings, the look of literacy will be diminished. The program challenges students by holding them to consistently high standards of spelling in all of their written work - not by requiring them to memorize difficult (and often unrelated to usage in writing) words for a test.
Back to Top Computer Students work in the computer lab one day per week. Students are introduced to LOGO, a logic program that uses basic commands to move a “turtle” on the computer screen. Students also use the commands to create shapes and pictures. In addition, students use Microsoft Word to type final copies of their writing. They experiment with different fonts and learn about paragraph formation.
Back to Top Mathematics The goal of the Grade Two math curriculum is to establish a solid foundation on which to build mathematical concepts. We provide opportunities for children to explore a variety of manipulative materials, as well as paper and pencil tasks as they proceed through our math program. Manipulatives are our primary teaching tools, with small group and individual lessons used to assist in differentiating instruction and reinforcing concepts.
Concepts covered include: - Problem solving
- Place value
- Money
- Addition and subtraction
- Multiplication and division
- Measurement
- Geometry
- Fractions
Back to Top Science Grade two science begins with a study of the earth and the moon, including physical features of the moon's surface, phases of the moon, tides and the importance of gravity. Then, they study a unit on magnets, in which they investigate the properties of magnets and other objects in the classroom. Next, the students engage in a unit entitled "Animals in Winter," where they study various strategies and methods that creatures use to survive the cold weather. The culminaton of the year is a unit of study involving the Meadowbrook Pond. Back to Top Social Studies The goal of the Grade Two social studies program is for students to develop a better understanding of people and places. We focus on the three basic needs of life: food, shelter and clothing, and how geographic features and climates affect life in a community. Map skills are also developed, as students learn about North America and Hawaii through the study of native cultures.
Back to Top Library In Grade Two, our students are introduced to longer chapter books and "trickster tales" from around the world. In addition, they learn how to use indexes, atlases, almanacs, and dictionaries. Their culminating project is awarding the "Moose Medal," the Meadowbrook equivalent of the Caldecott Award. After studying how stories are illustrated and enhanced by art, the students look at a collection of books from the current year to vote as a class on which illustrator deserves their prestigious award. Back to Top Open Circle Twice a week we meet as a class for Open Circle. The goals of Open Circle are to build a cooperative, caring environment in the classroom, enhance the communication, social, and problem solving skills of individual students, and to enable students to develop self-control and take responsibility for their own behavior. These skills have been linked to positive social adjustment, development of critical thinking, and academic achievement.
Back to Top Languages Our students begin the study of Spanish at the youngest grade level, Junior Kindergarten. In grade two Spanish, students primarily will learn to talk about themselves and their immediate world. Themes will be tied to social studies, science, art and music where appropriate. Some of the themes covered will include: - Introduction to Spanish
- Numbers, colors, shapes
- Days, seasons, weather
- All about me: faces and body
- My family
- My house
- Clothing
- Feelings
- My community
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