GRADE 2
The celebration of learning continues in second grade, as students add to a solid foundation of skills in the core academic areas. Our student-centered approach and integrated thematic curriculum stimulates young students and easily captures their interest and curiosity by linking curriculum-based concepts and skills to daily life experiences.
In lower school, students start their day as a group, greeting one another, and sharing news and class projects in Morning Meeting. This experience brings the lower school together as a community and teaches students to be good listeners and confident public speakers.
Second grade’s core curriculum continues with an emphasis on language arts, mathematics, science, social studies and Spanish, with technology integrated throughout the program.
In language arts, Jolly Grammar progresses from what students learned in first grade, aiding students in refining language arts skills with special emphasis on writing and spelling. Writing skills are further enhanced utilizing the Six Traits of Writing.
In mathematics, students continue to develop their understanding of math concepts and strategies for problem solving. Areas of study in mathematics include number theory, addition, subtraction, place value, money, time, geometry, patterns, measurement, fractions, decimals and place value.
Students engage in hands-on, inquiry-based learning through integrated thematic units of study which include archeology, the Hohokam, weather, colonial America, tall tales, leaders, the solar system, magnets and electricity. Visual and performing arts, library and physical education are integrated into the second-grade curriculum in addition to hands-on activities, field trips and service-learning projects, continuing the development of students’ abstract, creative and critical thinking skills while further enriching their educational experience. An age-appropriate amount of homework is assigned in second grade, and is structured to help learners develop personal responsibility as well as practice basic skills.
As important as our academic curriculum is our social curriculum, Responsive Classroom®. Knowing each student individually, culturally and developmentally, and recognizing and celebrating each other’s similarities and differences, we create a culture of respect and reflective social interaction with students, educators and the rest of the community. The Responsive Classroom approach continues to support students in second grade as they develop friendships and acquire social and presentation skills.
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