Second Grade
The Language Arts curriculum for second grade uses direct instruction to explicitly teach students three strands of language arts. The reading strand addresses phonemic awareness, phonics, word analysis, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, spelling, decoding, and word recognition skills. The language arts strand addresses communication and writing skills, and the literature strand is designed to provide students with opportunities to read a variety of different types of text and to develop vocabulary.
Children in 2nd grade develop mathematical skills through "hands-on" activities and games. Students learn to add and subtract within 200; measure objects by length; identify and work with shapes; develop skills in telling time, graphing, and word problems; begin to develop division skills through the concept of equal shares and arrays.
In 2nd grade science, children investigate to learn about how plants and animals survive in their ecosystem, how different natural materials are used, and the surface of the Earth.
The 2nd grade social studies curriculum begins with students exploring the concept of community, and what their community is like. Then students begin learning about citizens live and work together in a community, how communities change over time, and how citizens can affect a community.
Students go to Physical Education class for 50 minutes per week. During these classes students are given opportunities to develop Gross Motor skills and coordination. A variety of objects used in physical education will assist students’ development of eye, hand, and foot coordination. Students will be assessed on some locomotor skills, movements and actions. Students will also develop positive characteristics and attitudes conducive to physical fitness through exercise and activities. Through organized activities and game play, students develop a sense of fair play, and cooperation with others. Fitness components consist of but are not limited to endurance, upper body strength, core strength and flexibility.
The visual art curriculum for 2nd grade is taught by a visual art specialist. This highly structured, sequential framework has been specially designed to provide developmentally appropriate skills and knowledge while honing creativity, appreciation, historical understanding, and the ability to discuss and analyze art. In kindergarten, students will develop an awareness of two- and three-dimensional forms, manipulate art tools, be exposed to famous works of art, and learn to use a wide array of art materials. Throughout the year, student art may be displayed in individual school buildings and throughout the community.
An elementary music specialist teaches Vocal/general music. Students learn to make and respond to music through age-appropriate songs, dances, and activities. Basic instruction includes: Exploring their singing voices and other sounds; keeping a steady beat utilizing physical movement, dances, games, and rhythm instruments; learning a variety of traditional songs; and creating cultural awareness through songs, instruments, and ethnic dances.
An elementary technology teacher teaches 2nd grade students digital citizenship, typing, how technology is used in our world, how to create and communicate with technology, as well as research and problem solving with technology. Kindergarten students have technology once per week for 50 minutes.
Elementary students in South Lake are taught either Spanish or Mandarin. In 2nd grade students learn about others, getting around school, weather and climate, families, breakfast, and animals.