Lower School

Second Grade

Brain science takes center stage at the beginning of second grade. Students start the year by learning about how their brain works, how knowledge is solidified, the importance of practice, problem-solving, and strategies to help their brain with self-regulation and communication. This empowers the scholars to not only understand how learning happens but also how to have positive interactions with peers and others within their community. This unit also provides the perfect segway into our year-long theme of community.

In second grade, we also spend time exploring producers and consumers, people of influence, government institutions and practices, properties, and states of matter, interdependent relationships in ecosystems, and processes that shape the earth. From attending a science lab day at The Tech interactive to exploring the Pinnacles, field trips play a vital role in expanding the learning that is happening in the classroom. 

The year concludes with an exciting STEAM week when students spend time in our science lab enjoying all things gooey, sticky, and messy...

Core Curriculum

List of 5 items.

  • Language Arts

    Second grade language arts encompass advanced phonics concepts, reading comprehension, literary response and analysis, word analysis, fluency, vocabulary development, and writing activities. Students read orally each day, and discussions of their reading emphasize critical thinking and giving meaning to the texts. Students compare and contrast plot, setting, and character, and look at different versions of the same stories from different cultures. As they read, their understanding of punctuation addresses expression and comprehension. Writing exercises include penmanship practice, working toward a transition to cursive in third grade, the use of reference materials, editing and proofreading, journal writing, and learning how to write letters and stories.
  • Math

    Second graders practice math skills interactively using manipulative materials, drawings, and oral and written language. Concepts taught include patterns, addition & subtraction and place value to three digits, multiplication, division, time, money, measurement, fractions, graphs, and estimation.
    Word problems and reasoning are practiced on a daily basis.
    Small groups for differentiation, students learn by using hands-on techniques, technology, art, music, and interactive centers for individualized math topics.
  • Science

    Second graders learn about the interdependence of ecosystems as research the Bengal Tiger Preserve. The students observe and learn about the changes that have occurred over time. Then, through research and experimentation, discover the reasons behind the changes
    .
    Physical science is introduced with an investigation of the properties of liquids, solids, and gasses. In all units, students learn scientific investigation skills including observation, comparison, note-taking, sketching, classifying, and reporting.
    Our Earth science unit is guided by investigations into landforms, erosion, and the power of water. Students study an ocean-side cliff where the cliff is changing and the man-made structures are getting closer to the edge. During this unit, students will be visiting local landforms to see the effects that the power of water and tides have on our own community. 

    STEM education includes a unit on recycled boat designing & building as well as a unit on bird houses.
  • Spanish

    Class instruction is held in Spanish. The focus in lower grades is placed on developing oral communication and conversation skills. Songs, stories, games, poems, and props are used to encourage children to participate actively in speaking the language. T.P.R. (Total Physical Response) Storytelling, a method that permits immediate comprehension of the input as students listen to and mimic the phrases in the target language, is used in grades 1 - 5. Students enact dialogues and readings, focus on conversational skills and expand their knowledge of Hispanic or Francophone countries through poetry, songs, and readings.

    Second grade Spanish reinforces concepts covered in first grade while placing a greater emphasis on conversational and writing skills. Colors, shapes, and family are among the various vocabulary groups introduced.
  • Social Studies

    Community is second grade’s year-long theme, with the goal of learning to work together. Students are taught a common language and problem-solving strategies to use to resolve differences.  The class also learns about different kinds of communities in the world, practices geography skills using globes, the almanac, and the atlas, and learns about different cultures and holidays. In the final unit of the year - "The Recycled Community” - students use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to construct a model community in the classroom using every day, recycled products.

Fun with Distance Learning!

List of 8 members.

  • Photo of Jennifer Vanoli

    Jennifer Vanoli 

    Lower School Division Head
  • Photo of Shelly Houseman

    Shelly Houseman 

    2nd Grade Teacher
  • Photo of Don Balch

    Don Balch 

    K-8 P.E.; Associate Athletic Director
  • Photo of Deanna Cleary

    Ms. Deanna Cleary 

    5th Grade Associate Teacher; K-8 After Care Coordinator
  • Photo of Melanie Klaumann

    Melanie Klaumann 

    Art Teacher
  • Photo of Shervin Mader

    Shervin Mader 

    K - 6 Spanish Teacher, Outreach Director
  • Photo of Andrew Marine

    Andrew Marine 

    Music Director
  • Photo of Tim Miller

    Tim Miller 

    Character Education Teacher; 2nd Grade Associate Teacher

2nd Grade Trip to Pinnacles Monument

All Saints Day School

8060 Carmel Valley Road
Carmel, CA 93923
831-624-9171
Contact Us Directions
All Saints Day School, in Carmel, CA, is the only independent, private school on the Monterey Peninsula that focuses solely on educating students in Preschool through Grade 8, and has been doing so, with a reputation for excellence, since 1961.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
All Saints Day School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, or sex in the administration of its educational and employment policies, admissions policies, financial aid programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.