ELA (English Language Arts)

We use the following programs for reading and language arts.

HMH:  Into Reading

IMSE:  Orton-Gillingham approach

Heggerty  Phonemic Awareness

 There are 5 reading books in second grade.   Each week students will learn new high-frequency words, vocabulary words, phonics skills, reading strategies, and grammar skills to accompany the main story of the week.  Tests will be on Fridays (Or Thursday if there is no school on Friday.)   Most tests are open-book for the stories practiced all week.   There will also be cold-read tests.  A cold-read test asks your child to read a new, grade-level story, and answer questions independently.  Students work in Guided Reading groups in which they will have the opportunity to read books on their current reading level.  Groups allow for small group instruction, activities with peers, use of technology, and independent work.  Several times a year, students are assessed to determine their Reading Level.   The level represents where your child can read with good fluency, comprehension, and without frustration.    The benchmark levels for second grade are K, L, and M.  

HOMEWORK:  Each week your child be assigned a story to read in the reading book.  

Course Description for Second Grade Reading:

    The second grade English Language Arts program includes word-recognition fluency, deep understanding of text, and an increase in writing proficiency.  Second grade students work on becoming fluent oral and silent readers.  They learn comprehension skills and strategies to read and understand fiction and nonfiction grade-level text.  Second grade students apply comprehension skills and strategies to demonstrate understanding of text, as well as compare texts.  Second graders will acquire and verbalize grade-appropriate conversational, general academic, and domain-specific words and phrases.  Students use listening and speaking skills to clarify comprehension, gather information, and deepen understanding of text.  Second grade students will decode letter patterns using phonics, syllabication, and word parts.