In second grade, students build on the foundational skills learned in first grade. It is a time for solidifying skills, gaining confidence, and reaching independence. The students continue along their reading journey by reading increasingly longer books, expanding their core of sight words, and learning more flexible ways of problem-solving words. Second graders sustain silent, independent work for longer and also develop their skills of working as part of a group. They solidify their knowledge of place value and build upon that knowledge and understanding, using it to add and subtract two- and three-digit numbers with regrouping. It is a fun and exciting year, and a special time as the second graders prepare to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist.
+ MATHEMATICS
In second grade, students extend their understanding of the base ten system, and develop their fluency with addition and subtraction within 100. They also solve problems within 1,000 by applying their understanding of models for addition and subtraction. Second graders learn to use standard units of measure (centimeters and inches) and appropriate measurement tools. They describe and analyze shapes, tell and write time to the nearest five minutes, and solve problems involving dollar bills, quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies.
+ LANGUAGE ARTS
In Grade 2, the students continue to grow in their journey as readers and writers through a multi-faceted literacy program. In Phonics and Spelling, they develop their skills with long and short vowels, blends, digraphs and diphthongs. In second grade, students have a rapidly expanding core of known words that are recognized automatically. They also learn flexible ways of problem-solving longer, multi-syllable words. Second graders learn to read with phrasing and fluency at appropriate levels. They work on comprehension skills such as sequence of events, cause and effect, and character, setting and plot. As writers, second graders sustain longer pieces (sometimes over several days) with attention to beginning, middle and end. They learn basic proofreading for capitalization and punctuation, and write with different purposes including personal narrative, informational writing, opinion pieces, and creative writing.
+ SCIENCE
In Grade 2, students describe and classify different materials by observable properties of color, flexibility, hardness, texture and absorbency. They learn about the states of matter and analyze objects to make conclusions about size, shape and weight. Second graders conduct experiments involving friction, and make observations about its effect on temperature and speed. In Life Science, the students compare how plants and animals depend on their surroundings and other living things to meet their needs.
+ RELIGION
The students begin second grade by learning about the Sacrament of Baptism as the sacrament of belonging. They see themselves as members of God’s church and the Catholic community. The students learn about God’s forgiveness through the parable of the Prodigal Son, and they grow in their relationship with Him through their preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The second graders deepen their understanding of Jesus’ sacrifice as they prepare to receive Him for the first time in the Eucharist.
+ SOCIAL STUDIES
The Social Studies curriculum in Grade 2 focuses on learning more about who Americans are and where they came from. Through the theme of E Pluribus Unum (translated as “from many, one”) the students learn about the United States as “the Great Melting Pot”. They discover more about their own family histories as well as those of their classmates. Studying stories of immigrants who came to this country over time, the students read and hear examples of traditions and customs from other countries that can be found in America today. Through the theme of Time, they use calendars and learn words and phrases related to time, and read and create timelines to represent events. They learn about Great Americans who made a significant contribution to society in a variety of ways.
+ SPECIALS
All students participate in specials that compliment the rigorous classroom curricula throughout the school year. Art, Physical Education, Music, STEAM, and Spanish are offered to all students from grades Kindergarten through grade 8.
Students begin to experience the Spanish language 1x per week starting in kindergarten through grade 5. Middle School students take Spanish 3x per week.
A Glimpse Inside Second Grade
