RELIGION
Although the Gospel Values are integrated throughout the day, the second
grade uses the Silver Burdett, Ginn Blest Are We text. Students learn
social and conflict resolution solutions through our Second Step program.
The text focuses on belonging to the family of God, the church through
Baptism. The second grade also focuses on the Sacrament of Penance and
the
Sacrament of Eucharist, however, a more in depth study is done through the
Parish for parents and their children who will be receiving their First
Penance and First Eucharist. We also look at the different parts of the
Liturgy.
LITERACY
The second grade Literacy curriculum consists of a combination of subject
areas that help the students learn new strategies and practice learned
strategies in the areas of Reading, Writing, Grammar and Communication.
The
texts we use are a basal reading series by Scott Foresman. The spelling lists
come from the phonics skills in each story for the week.
Second graders learn the writing process through using the Six Trait Writing
Program. The students brainstorm, draft, revise, edit, and then publish
their final copy while practicing this form of writing. The Four Square Writing
Method is taught and students use this method to complete the writing process.
Students write letters, stories, reports, and are comfortable writing paragraphs
independently by the end of second grade. Journals are also used on a frequent
basis.
Second grade students read silently daily and are read aloud to daily.
Students also read out loud to the teacher in reading groups daily.
Printing by a continuous stroke manuscript method is reinforced and
practiced at the beginning of the year and cursive writing by a continuous
stroke cursive method is introduced in January.
Reading, Writing and Communication skills are practiced throughout the
second grade curriculum.
MATH
The second grades uses the math text, Silver Burdett/Ginn Mathematics.
The
skills are taught, practiced, and reviewed through using manipulatives, work
pages from the text, and problem solving strategies. The concepts included
in the second grade curriculum are, Addition and Subtraction Facts to 20,
Two-Digit Addition computation with trading, Two-Digit Subtraction
computation without trading, Place Value through 999, Money through $5.00,
Time to 5 minute intervals, Measurement, Geometry, Fractions, Three-Digit
Addition and Probability and a basic introduction to Multiplication and
Division. Read It, Solve It, Draw It is used for problem solving and students
practice writing out answers using the word because.
SCIENCE
The second grade science curriculum consists of teacher created units
involving a variety of hands-on material. The units of study include,
Balance and Motion, Space and the Solar System, Electricity and
Magnets, Plants and Seeds and Estuaries (Sea life). Every third year the second
grade students participate in a school wide Science Fair.
SOCIAL STUDIES
The second grade Social Studies curriculum consists of Celebrating Holidays
in the U.S. and other Countries. Students share about their own family
holiday celebrations and write a report on a chosen country and its holidays.
The Very Important Person (VIP) Program starts in January and ends at the end
of
May. Each student is given the opportunity to share about themselves
through photographs and an interview with their family. Students will
look at different
characteristics of peacemakers.
Multimedia Program for learning about the characteristics of communities and
map skills involving interpreting various maps, knowing the Cardinal
directions, knowing the seven continents and identifying countries, states,
cities, streets and specific places on a map of a community. Our last
unit
of study is learning the steps involved in creating a law. Students participate
in the Junior Achievement Program. Every third year, the students will
participate as a class in a school wide Multi-Cultural Fair.
Problem solving and social skills are taught through the Second Step Program. Students participate in real life lessons and role play situations.