List of 5 items.

• Language Arts

  Second grade language arts encompasses 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, 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 life cycles as they study insects and birds. The students witness the life cycles of painted lady butterflies, bees, ladybugs, and ants.
  Physical science is introduced with an investigation of the properties of liquids, solids, and gases. In all units, students learn scientific investigation skills including observation, comparison, note-taking, sketching, classifying, and reporting.
  Hands-on science is a big part of finding out how things work - the trip to the upper grade Science Lab to make Oobleck is legendary!
  
  

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

• World Languages

  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 everyday, recycled products.