Reading

    Second grade literature is composed of:

• poetry

• nonfiction

• fiction

• fairy tales

Strategies and skills include:

• using word structure to decode
• improving fluency
• increasing number of words understood
• identifying main idea and supporting details
• sequencing story order
• summarizing through the use of story elements
• making predictions
• interpreting authors' and illustrators' ideas
• reading for different purposes
• identifying genres
• making comparisons across genre and reading selections
• alphabetizing groups of words
• research skills

Writing

Second grade students use writing to express themselves.  Students will:

• use correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization and sentence structure.
• use prewriting strategies to generate and plan ideas.
• communicate ideas in writing to accomplish a variety of purposes.
• produce final documents that have been revised and edited.
• work on paragraph development.

Handwriting

Second grade students continue to practice correct formation of letters and numbers throughout the school year.  Cursive handwriting will be introduced this year.

Listening

Second grade students listen for understanding.  They will:

• follow directions
• focus on and interact with the speaker.

Speaking

Students communicate ideas in whole and small group settings.  Students will:

• extend their vocabulary.
• present material orally.
• ask questions relevant to a topic.
• participate in discussions.
• speak clearly with expression.

Spelling

Spelling skills are integrated into the reading program.  Second grade students are taught a variety of spelling, phonetic patterns, and high frequency words in weekly lessons.

Information Fluency Skills/Technology

Technology skills taught to students in the classroom and media center are integrated throughout the curriculum to support and enhance learning.

Mathematics skills, strategies and concepts are taught through a variety of resources including textbooks and manipulatives for "hands on" experiences.  Thinking skills are developed as students learn different problem solving strategies.

Second grade students will be taught the following:

• addition and subtraction facts up to 18.
• addition and subtraction with regrouping.
• estimation.
• counting mixed coins and dollars.
• geometry.
• place value of numbers to 1000.
• time to the 5 minute intervals.
• measurement including length, capacity, and temperature.
• problem solving.
• calculator activities.

Science is a content area consisting of a variety of topics.  Inquiry into topics is pursued using textbooks, nonfiction literature, "hands on" experimentation and the scientific inquiry method.  The teaching and learning emphasis goes beyond coverage of facts to understanding concepts related to topics being studied.

Second grade students will develop an understanding of concepts through the following topics:

Plants and the Soil

• Interdependence impacts survival.

• Change occurs over time.

Nutrition/Health

• Choices affect health.

Social Studies is a content area.  District 118 uses concepts to focus the study of topics and promote in-depth understanding.  The primary purpose of social studies is to help young people develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for themselves and the public good.

Second grade students develop an understanding of concepts through the following topics:

Historical Individuals and Events

U.S. Government

North America and Our World

Economics

    The Fine Arts teachers in District 118 have constructed a comprehensive, integrated, sequential curriculum to develop the whole child.  Through "hands on" interaction, students will develop criticism skills, an aesthetic appreciation of the Arts, and study the historical perspectives that help shape our society.

Art

    In second grade the students will continue to explore various art forms.  Students will:

• communicate through art.

• take pride in their work.

• interpret artistic products.

Music

    In second grade the students will have an opportunity to further explore various cultures and styles.  Students will:

• learn by singing, playing, moving, listening, reading, and creating.

• match pitch independently.

• distinguish elements of music.

• identify musical notes and rhythmic patterns.

Physical Education

    The physical education program is planned around the growth and development of the child.  It provides a wide range of activities consistent with the requirements of our state goals.  In second grade students will:

• identify and demonstrate the basic elements of movements.

• participate in low organized games.

• identify lifestyle choices that affect fitness.

• learn to cooperate in a small group

• participate in creative activities.

Suggestions for Things to Do at Home

• Set aside a special time each day for reading with your child.  Ask "why" and "how" as well as "what" questions about what you have read together.

• Provide your child with frequent trips to the library.

• Limit the amount of time your child watches television.

• Write notes and messages to your child.

• Give your child special jobs to complete on a regular basis.

• Look for ways to use mathematics skills in everyday situations (Helping in the kitchen facilitates your child's understanding of measurement.)

• Practice math facts daily.

• Practice counting money and telling time.

• Engage in conversations about current events, the day's events, vacations, etc.

• Ask your child what he/she THINKS about a variety of topics.