Academics ~ Second Grade

Second Grade Curriculum

The second grade year refines and develops the basic skills of reading, writing, and math. Learning experiences that are appropriate, challenging, and exciting take place in a caring, Christian environment. The emphasis is placed upon fostering independence, organizational skills, time management and responsibility. Problem solving and critical thinking skills are a part of the lessons taught through cooperative learning. Through classroom activities and discussions, the goal is to develop a positive classroom community by developing socially responsible individuals. The CASS program is used to develop positive peer relationships.

READING
The second grade reading program emphasizes comprehension using selections from a variety of genres.  A phonics strand is integrated into the program to promote decoding skills.  Reading skills are introduced and maintained through the use of various workbooks, long term projects, and extensions. The reading program is a total language approach with correlated lessons in reading, writing, vocabulary and spelling. During the final trimester children experience novel studies where they learn the basic components of a novel including characters, setting, plot, and new vocabulary.   
 

LANGUAGE ARTS
The second grade uses an English textbook to enhance the teaching of grammar and writing. Students learn to identify parts of speech as well as sentence structure. The D’Nealian Handwriting program is used to teach the proper formation of manuscript and cursive letters. This program enables children to transition from manuscript to cursive writing which takes place at the next level. A vocabulary program is used to assist children in building a strong foundation for word learning in school and throughout their lives.
 

MATH
The second grade math series is divided into chapters that focus on specific skills.  Students build a strong conceptual understanding of number through instruction which focuses on the development of   problem solving, reinforcement activities and games, and cooperative learning.  Over the course of the year students will learn number concepts, graphing, numbers through 100, geometry and fractions, adding two-digit numbers, subtracting two-digit numbers, money, time, measurement, and early concepts of multiplication and division.  Students master basic math facts in the areas of addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
 

SCIENCE
The science curriculum includes a hands-on approach and is divided into four basic strands: Physical Science, Earth, and Space Science, Life Science, and Science Technology. The second grade curriculum includes the study of positions and motion, weather, plants and sound systems.  The students have science twice a week in the lower school science lab. The lab includes a variety of animals for the students to observe and enjoy.
 

SOCIAL STUDIES
The second grade addresses many different areas of social studies including community, geography, government and economics. People and cultures will be compared and changes will be examined. The exploration uses the grade level scope and sequence guideline, teacher research, and supplemental materials. We have also added a textbook to be used during the second semester in preparation for the next level. Critical thinking skills are developed and cooperative learning is practiced. Students learn to gather and organize information. In addition the regions of the United States are studied along with a research project on individual states. Scholastic magazines are distributed in a timely manner to focus on national and international events. Once a week, the global issue of water will be incorporated into the curriculum.
 

ENRICHMENT SCHEDULE
In second grade the enrichment classes rotate every five days.  This allows for continuity and creativity in these classes.  The students participate in the following enrichments: Computer, Art, Music and Spanish.
 

VISUAL ARTS
The visual arts curriculum in second grade explores the study of themes in art, artists, art media and techniques, and the chronology and history of art.  Students develop skills to understand and appreciate artwork as they participate in hands on art activities.
 

TECHNOLOGY
Beginning in second grade basic Internet navigational skills are taught and designated sites are explored for simple research and document production. Social Studies and Science curriculums are supported in computer class as Microsoft Word is introduced. Skills from prior years are reviewed and reinforced. 

MUSIC
Second Grade music is based on Orff-Schulwerk methodology, incorporating speech, singing, movement, and instrument playing. The emphasis in each class is the active participation of each child. Students will build upon knowledge gained in previous years.  Students will improvise melodies from the rhythm of words, create dances, and play simple Orff arrangements using both pitched and unpitched percussion.

SPANISH
Second grade will focus on spoken and written language.  This period of the Spanish curriculum will encourage students to formulate and express ideas.  Students should be able to orally create and respond to statements and questions.  Gender of nouns will be the beginning of correct grammar.  Again flexibility is allowed for different levels of competency.

LIBRARY
During weekly visits second grade students enjoy story time and book checkout. Introductory library skills, responsible library usage, and literature appreciation are taught in library class. Award-winning stories and selections from the current Florida Reading Association list are included in the book selections. Folktales from around the world teach students to compare versions of literature and to see the common elements in all cultures. In addition to the scheduled library times, students may return independently for book checkout. A wide range of reading levels in the library collection supports the school’s Accelerated Reader program.
 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Recognizing that 2^nd graders enjoy interacting with others, the students continue to refine their fine motor skills, individually, with a partner, and in small groups three times a week. By continuing to develop coordination the student is also able to enhance their skills in team sports.
 

RELIGION
The curriculum and chapel services are rooted in the Episcopal faith. As part of the curriculum, the students are introduced to Christian Values, as well as the Sacred Stories of the Bible through a variety of activities.  Emphasis on how God wants us to treat each other with kindness, love, and respect, is a recurring theme throughout the year.  The whole school attends chapel services twice a week.
 

FIELD TRIPS/RESOURCE SPEAKERS

Field trips and resources speakers are coordinated with the social studies and science units. In addition, the students celebrate many special days in second grade.  Among these days are the 100^th day of school, Grandparent’s Day, Blessing of the Pets, Spirit Day, assembly performances, and Patriot Games.

St. Mary's Episcopal Day School
2101 South Hubert Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33629
(813) 258-5508
Fax: (813) 258-5603

 

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