Language Arts

Phonics remains a major component of Second Grade and is integrated throughout reading, spelling and language arts programs.  Reading activities continue to develop fluency, word attack skills, comprehension and critical thinking skills. The SRA Reading Laboratory, an independent silent reading program, is an important supplement.  The study of grammar continues with major emphasis in learning parts of speech.  Grammar becomes an integral part of the creative writing program, and students become proficient in the use of encyclopedias, dictionaries, software and reference material as they learn to do research for written and oral reports.  Cursive handwriting is introduced during the first semester of Second Grade.  The texts used for Language Arts are:

Reading – Scott Foresman, Reading and SRA Reading Lab, Level B
Phonics – Sadlier Oxford, Phonics;  Educators Publishing Service, Explode the Code, Level 4, 5, & 6
Spelling – Zaner Bloser, Spelling Connections, Level 2
Vocabulary – Sadlier Oxford, Vocabulary Workshop, Grade 2
Educators Publishing Service, Wordly Wise 3000
Handwriting – Zaner Bloser, Handwriting, Grade 2c
Language Arts – Harcourt Brace, Language

Mathematics

Grade Two continues to expand addition and subtraction concepts.  Place value is broadened and regrouping is introduced.  Measurement, geometry and fractions help students with critical thinking, mental math, and problem solving strategies.  Multiplication and division are introduced toward the end of the second semester.  Manipulatives, computers and calculators are tools used in a variety of ways to enhance the program.  The texts used for Math are:

Houghton Mifflin, Math, Level 2 and Math Practice Workbook, Level 2
Houghton Mifflin, Math Homework Workbook, Level 2 

Social Studies

Second Grade students study the importance of good citizenship as it relates to history.  Citizens who made a difference in our nation’s history are studied in detail.  Early United States history is studied, as is the study of historic and modern Alexandria, Virginia.  Geography and maps are also studied.  Field trips and reports form an integral part of this curriculum.   The texts used for Social Studies are:

Scott Foresman, People and Places and People and Places Workbook
Modern Curriculum Press, Maps, Charts and Graphs, Level B
Harcourt Brace, Atlas
Scholastic News
Kids Discover
National Geographic Explorer - Pioneer

Science

Second Grade students explore the areas of life science, physical science, earth science and health.  In alternating years, they study plants, animals, energy, matter, machines and magnetism; or rocks, minerals, oceans, weather, the solar system and the human body.  The hands-on modular science kits by Delta Educational Products focus  upon Solids and Liquids, Balance and New Plants.  Our weather station is also incorporated into the science curriculum.  The texts used for Science are:

Harcourt Brace, Science, Level 2 and Science Workbook, Level 2
Science Discovery Weekly Newspaper
Delta FOSS Science Kits

Additional Academic Subjects

Second Grade students also receive instruction in Spanish, music/performing arts, computer/technology, religion, library, studio art, and physical education with special curriculum teachers.  These subjects are detailed later in this publication.