Reading

Curriculum Overview

In second grade, fluency, comprehension, and analysis are the focus of reading instruction. Students ask and answer clarifying questions about text (e.g., who, what, why), use the features of text (e.g., headings, bold typeface) to locate key ideas and understandings in informational text, and consider the author’s purpose as they analyze text. Students use strategies to better comprehend their readings in all content areas. For example, they compare and contrast different versions of the same story from different cultures. Students write compositions by using correct English conventions. They learn to use reference materials to locate information for their writing and reporting. Students improve the organization and content of their compositions. Students develop initial skills in editing and revising text at this grade level. Students in second grade learn to give and follow multiple-step directions, provide descriptive details when telling stories or recounting events, and structure their oral presentations in a logical sequence. Students learn new vocabulary and academic language as they read and speak about grade level texts and topics. They use their knowledge of individual words to predict the meaning of compound words. IPSD Elementary School Curriculum

Units of Study

Below are the 5 curriculum units and the essential questions we use to guide them

Unit 1 - You Are Here

Essential question: How do different places affect us?

What can we understand about a place when we look at it closely?
How can people improve their neighborhoods?
How does living in a community help people?
How do different places make us feel?
How can a new place help us change and grow?

Project Based Inquiry: The Best Place

At the end of each unit, students will get the chance to apply what they have learned. To end Unit 1, students will write and present a persuasive paragraph about a favorite place in their community.

Unit 2 - Nature's Wonders

Essential question: What patterns do we see in nature?

What patterns can we notice in a garden?
What patterns can we see on a prairie?
How does a tree show patterns as seasons change?
How do patterns of behavior in animals help keep their young safe?
What migration patterns do we see in some animals?

Project Based Inquiry: Tree Bark

At the end of each unit, students will get the chance to apply what they have learned. To end Unit 2, students will conduct research on tree bark and write an informational fact sheet explaining what they know about bark.

Unit 3 - Our Traditions

Essential question: What makes a tradition?

What lessons can we learn from traditional tales?
What stories do people tell to understand the world around them?
How can a traditional story be told in different ways?
What makes a Native American tradition?
How does food help make a tradition?

Project Based Inquiry: Celebrate At School

At the end of each unit, students will get the chance to apply what they have learned. To end Unit 3, students will write opinion letters about a tradition they believe we should celebrate here at Steck!

Unit 4 - Making A Difference

Essential question: Why is it important to connect with other people?

How can others inspire us to reach a goal?
How can our creations affect others?
What can people do to make a difference in their communities?
How can people work together to solve a problem?
How can you get involved to improve your community?

Project Based Inquiry: Time Capsule

At the end of each unit, students will get the chance to apply what they have learned. To end Unit 4, students will learn about time capsules by collecting items for a group capsule, as well as write a letter to their future self about this project.

Unit 5 - Our Incredible Earth

Essential question: How does Earth change?

What are some of Earth's changing features?
How do natural events change the Earth?
How does weather change Earth?
How does a volcano eruption change Earth?
What can rocks reveal about how Earth changes?

Project Based Inquiry: This Is So Exciting

At the end of each unit, students will get the chance to apply what they have learned. To end Unit 5, students will create a TV infomercial that persuades their audience to agree with their opinions of the most exciting way Earth changes.

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