Reading and Writing: The second grade English Language Art program provides students with opportunities to use and develop reading and writing strategies. Journeys by Houghton Mifflin and Modern Curriculum Press Phonics are used to enhance the curriculum. Comprehension and vocabulary strategies are taught through the use of mentor texts and read alouds. Each child is supported at his or her reading level with small group reading time and leveled-readers in the class and on iPads. Step Up to Writing is implemented to teach students how to write narratives, persuasive and expository writing with organization and detail.
Math: The second grade Everyday Math curriculum is fully aligned with Common Core Standards. Second grade focuses on understanding place value and number relationships, as they add and subtract 2 to 3 digit numbers and use simple concepts of multiplication and division. They measure quantities with appropriate units, classify and see relationships among shapes, and collect & analyze data.
Technology: Second graders have 1:1 iPad ratio and develop skills for responsibly and effectively using technology.
Science: Our rigorous Stemscopes science curriculum is fully aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards. Second graders attend science class in the science lab twice per week. Students explore states of matter, properties of materials, heat, parts of plants and animals, protecting the young, trait inheritance, and quick and slow changes to land. The curriculum combines digital resources, supplemental print, and hands-on STEM experiences that engage every type of learner.
Social Studies: Students in second grade explore the lives of actual people who make a difference in their everyday lives. They learn the stories of extraordinary people from history whose achievements have touched them directly or indirectly. The study of contemporary people who supply goods and services aids in understanding the complex interdependence in our free market system.
Spanish: Students have Spanish class once per week in order to begin learning Spanish vocabulary.
Physical Education: The emphasis of P.E. is on body and locomotive movement. Students participate in physical activities twice per week that are enjoyable and challenging. In addition to the curriculum, sportsmanship and teamwork play a significant role in our program.
Art: Students meet weekly with art teacher, Mrs. Horowitz, to create a variety of masterpieces focusing on various art media, art appreciation, and art history.
Music: Students collaborate weekly to learn new songs, sing in harmony and learn vocal techniques.
Religion: Our Catholic faith is integrated throughout the day and is also taught as a core academic subject. Religion classes emphasize family life, conscience formation and virtue development, and Christian service. Gospel values are a central theme. The curriculum is Christ Our Life, by Loyola Press. Second grade is a very spiritual year of growth. Students learn that God is loving and forgiving as they prepare for their First Reconciliation and First Communion.
Service to Others: Second graders participate in a variety of service projects as a way of learning about Christian values. Every other month, they create cards for the elderly residents of the Corinthian House in Campbell. They also participate in the school food drive during the holidays. In the spring we hold our annual Penny Challenge. This is a friendly competition run by the Student Council which raises funds for charities.
Social Emotional Curriculum: Second Step is a program rooted in social-emotional learning (SEL) that helps transform schools into supportive, successful learning environments uniquely equipped to help children thrive.
