Grade 2

In Second Grade, the evolution of reading means students transition from decoding to reading for meaning. While continuing to receive phonics instruction to solidify foundations from Kindergarten and First Grade, the reading workshop now emphasizes fluency and comprehension. Readers are explicitly guided in cultivating habits such as scooping up words and employing text clues to decipher tricky vocabulary, skills applied in “just right” books during independent, partner reading, small group sessions, and one-on-one teacher time.

The curriculum incorporates fiction and nonfiction genre studies, imparting the importance of reading to acquire information, comparing and contrasting texts, and unraveling the imaginative worlds created by authors. A dedicated poetry study immerses students in playful and figurative language, exploring the myriad tools poets employ. Second Graders practice discussing their readings and delve into analyzing author choices and grasping figurative language, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for literature as they continue to flourish as readers.

The Second Grade writing curriculum empowers budding writers by fostering their increasing independence throughout the writing process, guiding them from drafting to revising, editing, and ultimately publishing their work. Using a workshop model, teachers impart strategies proficient writers employ, equipping students with new “tools” to enhance their writing during independent writing. A key focus is encouraging Second Graders to expand their writing volume, infusing their narratives with vivid details and dialogue while focusing on the main idea. The curriculum spans personal narratives, drawing out the intricacies of small moments from students’ lives, exploring nonfiction topics of personal importance, honing persuasive writing skills to convince peers and families to delve into specific books, and writing a research report to explain a scientific process. Students build on their understanding of poetry, applying poetic tools to craft their verses, contributing to a collective elementary compilation of poetry. This comprehensive approach nurtures diverse writing skills and instills confidence and purpose in each Second Grade writer, preparing them for continued growth and success in their literary endeavors.

Phonics and Spelling

Second Grade phonics continues to build on the knowledge from the previous years, explicitly teaching new skills while continuing to solidify the skills previously taught. Students grow tremendously as readers, applying their decoding skills with automaticity, allowing them to focus on increasing fluency and comprehension in their reading. As students move out of the need for foundational phonics skills, they move into word study, applying what they have learned to conventional spelling and word meanings.

Vocabulary

Second Grade vocabulary curriculum follows the same structure as previous years, explicitly teaching rich vocabulary words through whole class read-alouds, group discussions, and direct instruction. Students continue to be exposed to a wide variety of words specifically chosen to enhance their understanding of the books they are reading independently. Teachers use appropriate context, a variety of examples, comparisons, and real-world scenarios to guide students in un- derstanding the word on multiple levels. Students participate in drawing, writing, and acting to show their understanding of the words.

Handwriting

The Second Grade handwriting curriculum combines some explicit instruction review and lots of student practice to ensure that students form their letters correctly. Students are expected to use this neat and clear handwriting in everyday writing.

Grammar

Second Grade grammar curriculum continues to teach basic sentence structure explicitly, inviting students to notice and apply standard grammar conventions. Students continue working with proper capitalization, specifically beginning sentences, proper nouns, dates, and titles. They also focus on appropriate endings for sentences, using periods, question marks, and exclamation marks with accuracy. Students continue to work with parts of speech and identifying nouns, verbs, adjectives, pronouns and adverbs.

For their first project of the year, students delve into the intricate components of the polar biome, examining the resilient plants and animals that flourish in its challenging conditions. Subsequently, they focus on the indigenous people who have called this biome home for centuries—the Inuit. Through a cultural exploration, students gain insight into the Inuit way of life and their resourceful use of the polar biome’s natural offerings. Their learning extends beyond the classroom as they share newfound empathy and understanding with their families, fostering an appreciation for a distinct culture.

Cooper Village is a dynamic project that intricately examines the vital components necessary to foster a flourishing community. Commencing with an exploration of the wants and needs integral to a community’s vitality, students navigate the challenging decisions of determining the essential businesses that form the backbone of the village. This engaging journey further incorporates persuasive writing skills as students articulate their aspirations for specific job roles within this simulated community.

The project’s comprehensive scope extends to human interaction with natural disasters. Harnessing their research skills, students delve into the nuances of potential local disasters, equipping themselves with knowledge on safeguarding against such events and protecting individuals and structures.

Additionally, the study explores the environmental impacts of building methods, fostering an understanding of the positive and negative effects of environmentally friendly practices and integrating green resources into construction. The apex of this project unfolds in the collective construction of a village meticulously crafted from collected recyclable materials. This collaborative endeavor challenges students to work in groups, refining their problem-solving, compromising, and active listening skills. Through the lens of design thinking, students contribute to creating homes, businesses, and other integral elements.

The Bird Study is a culmination of the Second Grade curriculum, skillfully integrating the knowledge acquired throughout the year. Students delve into the intricacies of avian life, exploring the physical characteristics of birds and understanding how their environment shapes unique adaptations for survival. Through the lens of classification, students compare and contrast the distinctive features of various birds, honing their observational skills. In a hands-on approach, students select a local bird for an independent research study, embarking on field trips to observe these birds in their natural habitat.

These excursions provide valuable firsthand experiences and serve as a foundation for gathering pertinent information about birds and their ecosystems. Using computer skills, students navigate reliable sources to research their chosen bird, honing the ability to synthesize information from multiple outlets. Applying practiced keyboarding skills, they meticulously compile their findings into an engaging slideshow. The culmination of this comprehensive project involves students proudly sharing their research presentations with parents and peers, showcasing their journey of discovery and application of acquired skills.