Reading: The main objectives of our reading program are to instill in children a love of books and to improve students’ reading proficiency. The Open Court series which consists of two readers is the foundation of this subject. We read the stories silently and aloud and apply reading strategies that good readers use. We also use various theme books and novels. In addition to the reading series, students are involved in the Accelerated Reader program which allows them to take computerized comprehension tests over books they have read on their individual reading levels. Our reading program also includes vocabulary building. We use the Sadlier-Oxford vocabulary program and incorporate other vocabulary from various books that we read.
Spelling: We begin the year with words that review basic phonetic patterns learned in first grade. As the year progresses, our vocabulary words become our spelling words. Using the same words for both subjects allows the students to fully incorporate each word into their knowledge base.
English: The main objective of English is help children become better speakers and writers. The Houghton Mifflin English series is used. The series consists of both grammar and writing units. Sentence structure, types of sentences, nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, capitalization, and punctuation are some of the grammar areas studied. Students learn how to write paragraphs, narratives, non-fiction reports, and other writing genres.
Science: Our science program is an integrated online and workbook program. The students are involved in an interactive online lesson which is followed up with more information in a hands on workbook. Some units studied are: animals, plants, resources, weather, the solar system, matter, and energy. We also do experiments, projects, and an animal habitat field trip.
Social Studies: Units studied are Land and Water Resources, American Heritage, World Cultures, Producers and Consumers, and Government. Second grade students also study United States’ symbols, good citizenship, holidays, contributions of great Americans, and maps.
Math: We use the Progress in Math series from Sadlier-Oxford for our basic math program. We cover addition and subtraction facts, data, graphing, probability, place value, number concepts and patterns, plane and solid shapes, fractions, regrouping with addition (up to three-digit numbers), regrouping with subtraction (up to three-digit numbers), money, time, measurement, and temperature. We also begin basic multiplication and division facts.
Handwriting: We begin cursive writing in January. We use the Beginning Modern Cursive workbook and cover all lower and uppercase letters. After all letters are practiced, students begin writing some assignments in cursive, but are allowed to print on many tasks.
Second graders are also involved in physical education, music, art, and Spanish classes.