Second Grade Curriculum

Math

Saxon is a hands-on curriculum that is taught in intervals instead of units so students have continued practice with the concepts throughout the year.  It also integrates regular math facts.  I am very excited for this wonderful curriculum!

Reading/Language Art
Voices reading and writing curriculum

The reading curriculum integrates six different themes to incorporate virtues, self-respect, and respect of others into differentiated reading instruction.  It also allows for journaling and formal writing in response to the themes and issues that we discuss in class.  We also use the writing process and four square writing to write paragraphs and to create stories and poems.
 

We use Sitton Spelling to practice and reinforce the most frequently used words in writing and focus on a different phonics rule each week.

Beginning in October, I use parent volunteers to help with reading and writing stations so I can work on more individualized student reading needs.
 

Handwriting
Students practice D'Nealian handwriting skills throughout second grade.  Students do not begin cursive writing until third grade.

Religion
Our Blest Are We text provides a spiral approach to teaching the Catholic faith.  The four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church—believe, worship, live and pray-- are taught at every grade level and are investigated in this program to teach second graders how Catholics live out each of these pillars.  In second grade students study the sacrament of Baptism and prepare to receive the sacraments of Penance and Eucharist.  Students live their faith through daily prayer, praising God in song, participating in school masses, praying the rosary with the student body, attending Stations of the Cross, and by participating in school liturgies.

Science
The science curriculum covers life science, earth science, and physical science.
In the life sciences students learn about reptiles and mammals.  In the winter, they research a reptile and get to see it in real life at the Reptile Zoo!
In the earth sciences students explore the Earth’s surface, weather, and the Solar System.
In Physical science students explore magnetism.

In health second graders learn about the food pyramid and dental health.  In class, students complete multiple hands-on activities to experience the affects of fluoride, pop, and plaque on our teeth.  At home, they will record their brushing habits on a brushing chart.

Social Studies
Students study rules and laws and the roles of local government officials.  Second graders also study maps and directions and work in small groups to create a bulletin board map of a fictional park from a bird's eye view. 

First, second, and third grade students participate in the study of two continents each year.
Students are grouped in multi-age classes and learn of the various countries and cultures on each continent.
This study is augmented by hands on activities, guest speakers, and assemblies as well as sampling native foods.  This study provides hands on experience in both reading and making maps.