Since second grade is considered a part of Early Childhood Development, the format utilized in kindergarten and first grade is continued with adjustments made to ensure a smooth transition into the traditional classroom setting in third grade.
A modified center format similar to the one used in first grade is used to teach language arts, spelling, reading, writing and listening. Lunch and recess are followed by math, religion, Spanish, art, music, physical education, science and social studies.
As in kindergarten and 1st grade where students are paired with middle schoolers, second graders are paired with eighth grade mentors. The mentors sit with them during the all school Friday Mass and help them as they prepare for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist.
Curriculum Overview
Language Arts
- Reading continues to be a priority in second grade. Immersing students in a literature-rich environment, filled with classical and contemporary fiction, as well as grade-appropriate non-fiction, encourages an exploration of various literary forms.
- Students in second grade will be able to speak and listen in classroom discussions, use a combination of strategies when reading and read with comprehension. Students will be able to identify main ideas, make predictions and formulate questions. In addition, students will write stories, letters and simple explanations, apply simple grammatical principles to writing and locate information in reference materials.
Mathematics
- Second grade instructional time will focus on six critical areas: (1) extending understanding of base-ten notations; (2) building fluency with addition and subtraction; (3) developing a foundation for understanding fractions and multiplication; (4) using standard units of measure; (5) collecting and analyzing data; and (6) describing and analyzing shapes and numbers.
Science
- Science education in the second grade extends the foundation that began in kindergarten and first grade. Changes in rate, development and properties will be the focus of student investigations.
- At the second grade level, investigations include slightly more detailed procedures. Students will also take measurements and write short descriptions of their findings.
Social Studies
- Students in second grade will study the features of neighborhoods and the community in more detail. Students will also explore the lives of extraordinary people from history whose achievements have affected them directly or indirectly and, in addition, students will continue their map skills, which will include an interpretation of charts and timelines. Civics standards will consist of distinguishing the basic functions of the government. Finally, second grade students will enhance their understanding of basic economic concepts.
Religion
- Second grade religion will focus on preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. In Reconciliation, we express sorrow for our sins and we celebrate God’s forgiveness. In Eucharist, we are nourished with Jesus’ Body and Blood.
Click here for the complete Diocesan Curriculum.
Enrichment
- Art
- Music
- P.E.
- Library
- Computer
- Spanish
Special activities and celebrations
- Special activities with 8th grade buddies, including Ribbon Mass
- Trip to Bishop Kelley High School to see a play
- ITBS testing
- Grandmother Spider comes to tell stories
- Adoration