Reading and Language Arts

     The second grade Reading and Language Arts curriculum incorporates "The No Child Left Behind" legislation and is supported by the Reading First initiative. We have adopted a new Language Arts series which we will begin using in the fall of 2006.  It is call Treasures, by Macmillan/McGraw.  Treasures is based on the most recent research and is built on the five elements of reading as prescribed by the National Reading Panel. In addition to providing guidance on what to teach the program gives teachers best-practice approaches for effective, differentiated instruction, enabling them to meet the needs of students at all reading levels. Treasures also ensures progress by setting high expectations for all students and providing materials to challenge gifted students as well as intervention materials for struggling readers. To learn more about Treasures, visit http://www.macmillianmh.com/reading/treasures.html. 
     With this program we focus on rich literature and read from a wide range of genres including realistic and historical fiction, non-fiction, biographies, folk tales, fantasy and poetry in order to practice and improve our reading skills and to stretch our comprehension. During the winter months Martin Luther King, Jr., Benjamin Franklin, Helen Keller and other famous Americans come alive in our classroom as we read biographies and study their lives and accomplishments in depth. We also read a wonderful selection of bear stories; fiction and non-fiction. We develop our writing skills when we bring in our own bears from home and let them tell their stories in the 1st person narrative. Our literature discussions often lay the groundwork for our writing projects. We use graphic organizers to focus our thinking and the writing process to write, edit, and publish our work. In the spring we explore the various forms of poetry during the month of April. We bring in our "Beanie Babies" and share their stories written in prose. We add stanzas to enhance and develop their personalities. We also memorize some of our favorite poems, many written by Shel Silverstein to share with our kindergarten buddies.

Mathematics

     We explore Math using a variety of manipulatives and materials. We focus on addition and subtraction of larger numbers with regrouping, money, time, geometry, fractions, measurement, and multiplication and division using 1 digit. In the fall we practice addition and subtraction facts through eighteen in order to develop greater speed and accuracy. We also analyze and practice solving word problems. We have fun with a Halloween challenge, write Thanksgiving word problems, and shop for Christmas presents with play money and catalogs. Throughout the winter months we review and practice regrouping as we study money, geometry, fractions and measurement. During the spring we work with probability, time, multiplication and division. We conclude the year with two and three digit addition and subtraction. Students will also keep a math journal to demonstrate their understanding of process skills and math operations.

Social Studies

     We use the Harcourt Brace series Making a Difference. The themes and ideas in this series allow students to integrate major understandings and skills with their own experiences.  Students will study various topics and develop skills that will help them exist in a changing, interdependent world. Such topics include geography, history, civics and government, economics and culture. Such skills include map and globe skills, chart and graph skills, reading and research skills and critical thinking skills. 
     There will also be in-class projects to enrich and enhance understanding of these very broad topics. In the fall we become 6 different Native American tribes. We learn about the richness of their heritage and culture and share with each other the knowledge that we have gained through our research. We follow this up by identifying our own heritage and celebrating the Christmas traditions that our ancestors brought to this country. We also read biographies throughout the year to learn about important people, places and events in our country's history. The curriculum is often integrated with our literature themes as we study the geographic features and cultural similarities and differences of our story settings and locate these places around the world.

Science

     Scientific literacy is an important piece of the puzzle in making informed decisions in the world today. Good choices frequently depend on understanding how things work, observing accurately, analyzing data, and thinking critically. Second grade science provides practice in these science process skills, as well as the information necessary to understand the concepts in life, earth, physical, and health science. Hands-on activities provide long-term exploratory investigations as well as confirming activities that conclude each lesson so students develop concrete understandings of each concept. Students begin to understand the "Big Idea" and purpose of how and why things behave as they do in their world. Having this scientific knowledge helps prepare them for life.

Religion

     Second Grade is a very special year with First Eucharist. This event is great joy for the families and the whole Christian community. Throughout the school year the liturgical calendar is also taught through various activities from prayer services, the Rosary, weekly masses, journal reflections, scripture readings and crafts. Children also learn more about different parts of the mass with Joy, Joy, the Mass. Jesus is the reason for our school and this is reflected in all we do. Our day begins and ends in prayer and reflection.

Special Areas

Second graders are involved in many special area programs including: