Second Grade Curriculum

Religion

The students in Second Grade hear, study, and recognize Jesus Christ as their Savior. They are growing in their understanding of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; recognizing sin and the forgiveness of sin; the importance of prayer; the Old and New Testament; Bible stories; and the assurance of God's unconditional love. The children worship and praise, learn and sing many songs, learn selected passages from the Bible and Catechism, and learn how to look up Scripture.

Math

The students in Second Grade will do addition and subtraction problems. The concepts of estimation, place value, and memorization of facts increase their understanding in these areas. Skip counting, telling time, and counting money help to prepare the students for higher level skills for the following year. Grouping and regrouping concepts continue with ideas such as graphing of data, fractions, and estimation. The concept of multiplication is introduced.

Language Arts

Reading out loud, silently, or listening to someone read, helps to increase personal enjoyment of literature, comprehension of what is read, reading with expression and flow. They recognize a large number of words automatically and use a variety of word identification strategies (Phonics) to figure out words they do not immediately recognize. Students enjoy a variety of literary forms and respond to them in various ways. Writing for different purposes allows the students to be involved in all phases of the writing process. The children learn to read information and answer questions by locating the answer from the information. Putting words in alphabetical order, finding them in the Dictionary, and learning how to use the Dictionary are necessary skills for writing purposes.

Handwriting

Manuscript writing is reviewed and used in written work throughout the year. Introduction of cursive letters and words begins at this level. Students are taught the correct slant, size, shape, and spacing to enable them to progress in their writing skills. Self-evaluation encourages a high level of neatness in all written work.

Social Studies

Looking from home, to the school, and into the community and neighborhoods, students look at the uniqueness and history involved in these areas. They begin to understand more about the enlarging circle of people in their immediate area and areas beyond when they learn about famous people who have influenced history. As neighborhoods and neighbors work together, they know the importance of rules and laws. Map skills begin as they observe keys and guides.

Science

Understanding how animals and humans grow, develop, and change is key to this year of science. Students are involved in hands-on learning as they conduct simple classroom and field investigations. In looking around themselves, students learn about and become more aware of the earth and all of its wonders, chemical and physical changes with matter, learning to use more tools for measurement enables them to weigh and determine temperature and mass. The major body systems are discussed as well as the importance of health, body care, nutrition, and exercise.

Art

Shapes, designs, and lines are made, identified, and used that reinforce work across the curriculum. Students experiment with color, texture, value, shades, and shadows. Projects are designed and made. Crafts provide a different medium for the students.

Music

Creating sounds that form a rhythm are fun for these students. They can begin to create short melodies as they recognize notes. Singing in rounds with partners is fun and provides opportunities for learning more about harmony. They can recognize many musical instruments and the sounds that these instruments make. Students begin learning about composition and in doing so, learn and use musical terms.

Spanish

Sequentially taught, students expand their understanding of the Spanish language, including the use of greetings, commands, phrases, numbers, colors, and other daily-use vocabulary. Students speak, count, tell time, and sing in the Spanish language. This well-rounded approach to acquiring another language includes singing Spanish traditional, popular, and Christian songs; learning about traditions and holidays of Spanish speaking countries; hearing Hispanic folk tales; and playing Hispanic games.

Physical Education

Team sports become more important at this age. Students are more willing and able to work together and enjoy such games as relay races. Muscles become more developed which allow students to enjoy activities such as climbing or lifting. Jumping rope is done with more ease. Dribbling the basketball or kicking the soccer ball can be fun and offers the students the opportunity to think “big.” Leadership skills become more defined, and the idea of good sportsmanship begins to evolve.