Academics

Reading:

Reading is a very important subject in second grade. Reading is taught for approximately 1.5 hours a day. I encourage the children to read daily, both in the classroom and at home. A test will be given at the end of each book unit. From time to time, the children may read to a partner or to the teachers. The children are encouraged to check out books from the classroom library. A book report will be assigned each month.

Language Arts:

Nativity School has implemented a Word Study program. Assigned words will begin on September 4, 2017. The week's final test is each Friday. A copy of the words will be sent home on the first day of the week and appear on the class website. Please look for these in the take home folder coming home every day. The words in the baggie need to come back to school every day. Your child may not have the same list of words that his/her friend does. Handwriting is taught along with Spelling. Language Arts is assigned daily and a test will be given after each unit is completed. The children will learn to write letters, recognize word patterns, spell words, identify basic parts of speech, and the steps to write complete paragraph. I encourage children to share what they have learned at home.

Math:

Math is done each day for a minimum of 50 minutes. We will complete pages in class and workbook pages may be assigned for homework. I will have math games and centers available for the students to practice the math skills. The children will be responsible for knowing their addition and subtraction facts. Please check that your child completes his/her math homework. A test will be given at the end of each unit.

Social Studies/Science/STEM:

• The students will have each of these subjects once a week. I will send home worksheets and projects throughout the year for your child to complete. Participation is very important in these and all subjects. Science will be in the lab upstairs.
• I-STEM is an integrated learning model that includes Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The idea of the integrated learning model is to increase student interest and motivation by using instructional methods that are inquiry-based. Students in second grade will participate in this type of learning by working on a specific topic of interest that is project-based and allows students to brainstorm ideas, research to extend knowledge and learning, problem solve to come up with creative ways for sharing, and to provide opportunities for students to think and reflect on the results of their learning. This new way of integrating the curriculum is an exciting adventure as we journey into another way of learning this year in second grade.