Second Grade Strands

Numbers

 

Our goal this year is for students to become mathematical thinkers.  Students focus on four areas: fluency in addition and subtraction operations, base-ten notation (place value), acquiring an understanding of standard unit of measurement both linear and fluid, and describing and analyzing shapes. They learn to use a variety of methods and strategies to problem-solve: such as calculation, pictograms, arrays, diagrams, algebraic thinking, mental math, and projects.

 

Reading Lab 

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Our students' understanding and appreciation of literature is increased by the group readings of novels, true stories, traditional myths and folktales, and poetry. Reading activities include book clubs, independent reading projects, art and theatre activities, and oral reports. Reading fluency is increased by practicing known word strategies, building upon established decoding skills and phonics.

 

Writer’s Workshop 

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Students delve into opinion writing, informational and explanatory texts, fictional narratives, and scientific writing. They focus on the skills and techniques that are required for proficiency and fluency in each style. Perseverance in writing is one of our goals.  We work with students to encourage their practice of writing in engaging activities that make sharing their ideas meaningful. Students practice the skills of revision and editing to continue their growth as writers.

 

Inventors and Inventions

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Throughout the year, students gain an understanding about the importance of an Inventor's journey as well as the inventions they create and how they helped to solve problems in everyday life. Students learn about  inventors who developed and designed machines, products and techniques that are used in day to day life and contribute to our society.  Students learn and practice the techniques designed by these inventors and discuss and see the challenges, set-backs, and successes they had along the way. Students conduct experiments that support their understanding of the scientific process of discovery and creation. Ada Lovelace, Alexander Graham Bell, and Johannes Gutenberg are some of the inventors we have explored.

 

First Peoples  

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Students study the cultures, traditions, lifestyles, and crafts of the native peoples of the northeast with an emphasis on the Lenape and Iroquois nations.  Our study will include myths, folk tales, and creation stories and is grounded in learning the culture and traditions of the tribes from their stories and perspective.

 

Language
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Students learn Spanish through song and hands-on activities this year. They will work with Spanish through stories, art and beginning conversation. Our focus is on developing the skills necessary for conversational Spanish.

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The Arts

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​Students participate in a class choir directed by an extraordinary voice teacher.  They perform pieces from musicals, opera and traditional choral music at our Winter and Spring pageants.  In visual arts, students explore techniques and mediums including beginning painting technique, oil pastels, concept of perspective,  annd beginning discussions of art history.  Theater arts begins with an exploration of how to tell a story with your body, voice tone, and words.  Theater games are played on a regular basis to support collaboration, community building, and personal expression.  We encourage students to move and play games during daily recess.

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Home Learning 

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Throughout the year, we send home learning assignments and activities that support the learning being done in school. Students are asked to complete it by the due date of each assignment. It is important that students complete it by the due date to continue and contribute to the lessons that will follow.