2nd GRADE CURRICULUM INFORMATION:RELIGION
The "Learn By Heart" religion curriculum is a 3-year cycle of Bible stories that leads the students sequentially through the Old and New Testaments. During the seasons of Advent and Lent we study stories from the life of Christ appropriate for those parts of the church year. Second graders participate in daily chapel services which include a Scripture reading, singing, and prayers. The students also memorize selected Bible verses, hymns, and parts of the Catechism. Students are nurtured in their Christian faith as they study and use God?s Word each day.
READING
In Second grade the foundations of reading are laid by explicit, systematic phonics instruction using the acclaimed Saxon Phonics. Learning is enhanced through daily review and consistent practice. Each new concept is built on what has previously been learned, promoting student confidence in their reading abilities. The Guided Reading method is used, with stories chosen form the Open Court reading series and other sources. This method gives each child material to read at his or her reading level in order to develop comprehension and fluency. A wide selection of fiction and nonfiction is used to provide experience with different types of literature. The students learn skills such as finding the main idea, making inferences, drawing conclusions, finding cause and effect, and using context clues.
The students also participate in the Accelerated Reader program, which develops skill and enjoyment of reading by using a variety of incentives to promote independent reading.
ENGLISH
The Shurley English Method uses repetition and student-teacher interaction to help students learn the parts of speech, correct grammar, and other skills. Students memorize jingles and a series of questions and answers as an easy and enjoyable way to classify the words in a sentence and to understand the functions of each part. The students have numerous opportunities to use their language skills by writing on many different topics.
SPELLING
Spelling in second grade is part of Saxon Phonics and Spelling. The students are given a weekly list of words which follow phonetic patterns they have already learned. The lists may also include sight words which have been studied, as well as sentences, which test the ability to spell words correctly in context.
HANDWRITING
The second grade is taught the D'Nealian handwriting method, which makes the transition to cursive writing very easy. At the beginning of the year the students review manuscript writing. During the second part of the year they begin to make the transition to cursive writing. Students are encouraged to develop neatness and correct letter formation in all their written work.
MATH
Saxon Math uses repetition and a multisensory approach to build a solid foundation in the basic concepts of mathematics. Early in each school day the students participate in a Math Meeting, which is an enjoyable way to review many skills. The main math lesson includes daily practice of math facts, teaching of a new concept, in-class guided practice, and independent written practice for homework. The addition and subtraction facts through 20 are practiced extensively.
The students learn to add and subtract 2- and 3-digit numbers, place value in 2- and 3-digit numbers, fractions, telling time to the minute, names for geometric lines and shapes, and measuring in the English and metric systems. Later in the year they begin learning multiplication and concepts of division.
SOCIAL STUDIES
The second grade Social Studies text is People Together: Adventures in Time and Place, published by Macmillan/McGraw-Hill, and developed with the partnership of the National Geographic Society. Citizenship and geographic literacy skills are stressed. The units cover communities, earth's land and waters, all about work, government, and our country?s past.
SCIENCE
The second grade science book, Science Discovery Works - Concordia Edition, explains scientific principles from a Christian perspective. The students use the text along with hands-on activities to learn scientific concepts. The main topics taught are the interactions of living things, light and color, dinosaurs and fossils, and solids, liquids, and gases.
Connections are made between the concepts of science and the Word of
God to help the students appreciate God?s power and majesty in establishing the universe and recognizing the constancy and order God designed for the natural world.
The second grade Health book is Health, Safety, & Manners published by ABeka. In this class students learn how to appreciate and care for the bodies God has given them.
SPANISH
The second grade uses the Elementary Spanish program produced by Northern Arizona University. This award-winning program on DVD?s leads the children to repeat Spanish words and phrases in many different contexts, which helps them learn the language in an enjoyable way. Activity sheets help reinforce their skills. The vocabulary includes words for family members, people and objects at school, names for days, months, and seasons, animals, and plants.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Students take part in a daily physical education class in which basic locomotor and manipulative skills are developed, including running, jumping, kicking, throwing, catching, and others. Physical fitness testing is done twice a year, for which students receive a certificate. Christian attitudes and good sportsmanship are emphasized in class activities.
ART
The students practice the basic art skills of drawing, painting, cutting, pasting, and crafting. Once a month an Art Appreciation volunteer comes to discuss a work of art with the class and to lead them in completing an art project.
COMPUTER
The students learn beginning word processing skills as they edit their English compositions on the computer. They also use the Internet to enhance their studies in other areas of the curriculum.
MUSIC
The students learn hymns and religious music that they use in chapel and in the classroom, as well as other songs and musical concepts. Several times during the year they sing in church. Every few years they enjoy performing in a school musical.
The Second Grade curriculum incorporates components of teh SMART/Boostup program.
