Second Grade Curriculum

Religion:

The focus of religion classes is the Eucharist and the calling to enter into a sacramental relationship with Jesus and the Christian community. The students are invited into the community of the church and to the table of the Lord. The theme of belonging leads the students in this preparation.

Language Arts: 

Students focus on the five main components (reading, writing, spelling, listening and speaking) of language arts. The Accelerated Reader and Standardized Testing and Reporting assessments are valuable tools in improving reading skills. Literature circles, Basil Reading, teacher readings and phonics are used to get students excited about reading. Using proper capitalization and punctuation, students focus on writing good sentences, short stories, poems and paragraphs. A variety of spelling games are used to improve spelling skills. Students are required to share and listen to each other’s work from the very first day of school.

Math:
The main focus of math class is the memorization of addition and subtraction facts. These facts are essential in achieving success in future years. Two and three digit addition and subtraction with regrouping, graphing, measurement, fractions, and time and money are used to enhance these skills.

Science:
Students focus on the life sciences by studying dinosaurs, animals and plants. They do an extensive unit on animals that culminates in a research project and paper mache model of an animal. They begin and end the year focusing on the plant life cycle. Students also grow a garden that is maintained by second- grade families over the summer months.

Social Studies:

The use of maps and globes are a major component of this year’s curriculum. Students learn how to create and use a variety of maps. They also spend a significant amount of time exploring the origins of the country, including the difficult choices that needed to be made. Students end the year by focusing on careers. Guest speakers and field trips are incorporated into this subject.