Our Second Grade curriculum fully immerses your student in the world of independent reading and this propels them as learners moving from learning to read to reading to learn. Simultaneously, our second graders continue to hone their beginning writing skills by writing longer sentences and learning new rules of punctuation. They continue to express their own ideas in original compositions using the Lucy Calkins Unit of Study Writing Program http://www.unitsofstudy.com/toc_home.asp while also learning about non-fiction writing in science journals. Art, Music, Poetry and Literature continue to play an important part of each child’s school day. Music is taught twice weekly for a half an hour and art is woven into the curriculum in reading, social studies and science. They attend Physical Education in the gym twice a week also and go to the library once a week for a lesson and to check out books. Students visit the Woodland Park Zoo downtown and also go on a field trip to the Seattle Science Center. They also walk to a local theatre to experience a musical production.
Reading
Children continue to refine their reading skills with our phonics-based approach using either the “Read Well” program or Scott Foresman Reading Program. Students are grouped for reading instruction at their skill level. The emphasis of teaching reading begins to move from phonics to comprehension. Teachers use powerful read-aloud books that teach rich vocabulary. http://store.cambiumlearning.com/ProgramPage.aspx?parentId=074004094&functionID=009000008&pID=Read%20Well&site=sw
Math
Our classes use the state approved standards in math http://www.k12.wa.us/CurriculumInstruct/Mathematics/RevisedStandards/k-8-washingon-08april28.pdf and instruction that includes counting by rote to 1000 forward and backward. Second Graders begin addition and subtraction of two digit numbers and continue to build their skill in adding and subtracting numbers mentally. By the end of second grade students should have their addition and subtraction facts memorized. They learn our money system and how to tell time with an analog clock. They begin the study of multiplication and division conceptually although the memorizing of multiplication facts begins in third grade. Units taught in second grade are explained further at the following website. http://www.lwsd.org/Parents/Teaching-Curriculum/Math-Resources/Second-Grade-Math/Pages/default.aspx
Science
In science second graders study three units. The first is “Forces and Motion”, the second, “Rocks and Solids”, and third “Living Things: The World of Insects”. http://www.fossweb.com/modulesK-2/index.html
Technology
Our second graders increase their technology skills by beginning keyboarding, using Word for publishing written stories and use computerized math programs for help in memorizing math facts.
Social Studies
New Social Studies Curriculum will be adopted for the 2009-2010 school year.