Curriculum

Second Grade Curriculum

Second grade is a time for children to grow in many different ways and learn many new skills! Here is a closer look at our curriculum.

Reading: The largest growth your child will make this year is in reading. We use the Lucy Calkins Units of Study for our curriculum which is integrated into a Reading Workshop structure. Through this program students will learn to decode, read fluently and comprehend both fiction and nonfiction stories. Students are involved in whole group mini-lessons, independent reading practice time, partner work, whole group sharing, and strategy reading groups to enhance their skills. We learn to read and talk about books in a variety of ways. 
In second grade, your child will learn to use decoding strategies, recognize familiar letter patterns, retell stories, focus on characters and their traits, read nonfiction to learn new information, compare and contrast books and themes, and discuss books with classmates. We use sticky notes and reading journals to track our thinking as we read. Your child is expected to read 15 minutes at least 5 times a week. Books should be at your child’s independent level and should be easy to read. Reading on a daily basis builds confidence, provides essential practice, and establishes positive habits.

Writing:
 Writing is another important area in second grade. We use the Lucy Calkins Units of Study for our curriculum. Each day, students participate in a Writing Workshop that consists of a whole group lesson, independent writing time, partner work, and whole group sharing. We will be working on narrative, informational, and opinion writing. Some writing that comes home will be published and have spelling and grammar corrected and some will be in rough draft form. Please take the time to read and celebrate your child’s writing together.

Math:
 Our Math program is called Math Expressions. This series combines standards-based instruction with traditional approaches, incorporating real world problem solving with the goal of helping students to build mathematical ideas that make sense to them. In order to clarify their own thinking, students will make math drawings and use “Math Talk” to describe their methods to others. Math Expressions encourages kids to explain their math thinking rather than simply “doing” it. We will discuss and practice using different ways to solve equations. Homework is sent home frequently to reinforce the concepts that are learned in school.
 
Science/Social Studies: Your child will be learning some exciting things this year including plant life, earth surface features, the uses and properties of water, and our community. Our school also uses the Mind Up curriculum, a program which helps children learn strategies to self-regulate their social and emotional systems.
 
There will be lots of learning and many new changes happening during this year for your child. Most importantly, you are your child’s first and best teacher so please continue to support learning at home!