Curriculum
Reading
Our reading correlates with the “Reader’s Workshop.” The program offers a variety of methods to teach reading with a strong emphasis on phonics and writing. We will use a combination of novels for study, daily five rotations, guided reading, small group instruction, whole group instruction and book clubs as strategies included in your child’s reading. This provides opportunities to utilize differentiated instruction to accommodate different learning styles. Focus is on read, think, write, and present. Students should be transitioning from learning to read to reading to learn. Fluency is needed to spend less time decoding and more time understanding the story. Students are reading everyday and across the curriculum.
Writing
Our writing correlates with "Writer’s Workshop" as well as "Empowering Writers." This program emphasizes the writing process with pre-writing, editing, and rewriting skills. In second grade, we focus on narrative writing, expository writing, and opinion writing. We will also write letters and poems, as well as do research to create a writing piece. Grammar skills are taught and reviewed throughout the year. The students use Daily Oral Language to practice correct grammar and editing. Students should be able to write a complete sentence beginning with a capital letter and ending with correct punctuation when entering second grade. Students are writing everyday and across the curriculum.
Spelling
The spelling words will get more difficult as the year progresses. The main focus in spelling is application. Each child will have a differentiated word list each week. The words will consist of phonetic spelling patterns. Occasionally high frequency words will be included.
Math
We focus on mathematical skills, critical thinking, problem solving, and spatial visualization. We are differentiating math inside the classroom this year through small group instruction, math centers, intervention groups, enrichment groups, etc. This allows for more opportunities for groups to be fluid throughout the school year and to be based on the current skill we are learning. Math concepts we cover include numeration, place value, critical thinking, spatial reasoning, problem solving, measurement, time, and money, geometry, data, graphing, fractions. If your child can verbalize their thinking using math vocabulary, then they really know the concept. Please click the math resources page on this website to find more resources for practice and enrichment at home!
Science
Matter-properties and change
Sound Energy-forces and motion
Weather-Earth systems, structures and processes
Life Cycles-structures and functions of living organisms/evolution and genetics
Sound Energy-forces and motion
Weather-Earth systems, structures and processes
Life Cycles-structures and functions of living organisms/evolution and genetics
Social Studies
History-use timelines, study of important people
Geography- maps skills, continents, oceans, etc.
Economics- goods/services, producers/consumers, supply/demand
Communities-good citizenship, character education, voting
Culture-diverse cultures influence our communities
Geography- maps skills, continents, oceans, etc.
Economics- goods/services, producers/consumers, supply/demand
Communities-good citizenship, character education, voting
Culture-diverse cultures influence our communities
Paideia
Why do we utilize Paideia seminar in our instruction? Paideia Seminar is centered on ideas and values from the curriculum and the real world. Discussions develop skills that can be used across the curriculum, whether social studies, science, literacy, art, and more!
- High level speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills
- Thinking about new ideas with more depth and quality of understanding
- Synthesis of multiple perspectives
- A safe zone to exchange ideas
- Integration of new ideas with one's own
- Learning to graciously agree or disagree with others
- The use of texts to support their answers
- Discussions which move from a condition of simplicity to one of sophistication