The second grade curriculum is composed of the traditional language arts, mathematics
instructional programs, and a series of multi-subject units.
These include the
study of apples, culminated by an all-school Apple Festival sponsored by the
second grade, a career unit which includes establishing and running a school
postal service, and a unit on feelings which features a special tribute to mothers
with a Mother's Day Breakfast featuring poetry, original stories and songs. Each
of these units is composed of concepts and activities that reinforce the mastering
of math, reading, writing, social studies and problem-solving skills.
The second graders eagerly look forward to our unit on careers. We begin by
establishing and operating a postal service for the school during the month
of February. Hallways are named as streets, numbers are assigned to rooms and
offices, and a directory is compiled and distributed throughout the school.
Postal jobs are performed by the children as they sell handmade stamps, collect
mail, cancel stamps, and sort and deliver properly addressed letters to the
appropriate mailboxes. Money earned from the post office is used for a community
service project.
While the children are learning to run a business, parents are invited to
come to the second grade to tell about their careers and to be interviewed
by the students. Information gathered is recorded in their special journals.
The students also read and write about careers that are of interest to them
and give some thought to careers for themselves in the future.
Second grade at Meadowbrook School is an exciting learning experience for
all. Our philosophy is that "What you learn with pleasure you never
forget."
Language Arts Philosophy
The second grade language arts curriculum builds upon the language arts skills
presented at the first grade level. The second grade language arts program
endeavors to develop and nurture a positive attitude through the discovery
and enjoyment of reading, writing, speaking and listening. We strive to develop
thoughtful and critical readers and writers.
Reading
Students learn word recognition through the study of long, short and irregular
vowel sounds, consonants, consonant blends, consonant digraphs, and rhyming.
They expand their vocabulary through the study of new words for basal stories
and chapter books. Students develop word meanings through the study of synonyms,
antonyms, prefixes, and suffixes. They learn to better understand stories using
comprehension skills to inference, details, and compare and contrast. Through
the study of characters, setting, main idea, problem, solution, and plot students
learn to analyze fictional writing. Through the use of basal readers, chapter
books, and library books students examine various authors, illustrators, and
styles of written language. Students learn the structure of fairy tales.
Writing
Students learn sentence types and correct use of punctuation marks. They learn
to use capital letters for proper nouns and at the beginning of sentences.
Through the use of journals, students learn to organize their ideas. With the
use of dictionaries, students are introduced to entry words, guide words, alphabetical
order, and word meanings. Students learn the steps of the writing process.
Through research reports and book reports, students learn to record information
and to summarize. They learn the proper form of a letter and an addressed envelope.
Students are introduced to cursive handwriting.
Speaking and Listening
Students present to the class their written stories, poetry and reports. Students
present various information in assembly either as a group or individually.
Through verbal experiences, students utilize comprehension skills. Through
the use of audio tapes, students experience proper enunciation and expression.
The use of puppets enables students to experience acting out a story, play
or poem. Through the use of teacher read or taped novels, students appreciate
literature as a listening experience. Students develop an understanding of
poetry through daily recitation of the poem of the month.
Math
The second grade math curriculum builds on the skills taught in first grade.
Students learn through a variety of hands-on materials to aid their concrete
thinking. We follow the principles and standards set forth by the N.C.T.M.,
the Houghton-Mifflin mathematics series, and the various enrichment materials
available in the classroom. We aim to provide opportunities for students to
become proficient in the areas covered by the second grade curriculum and to
produce students who can utilize problem-solving skills in their everyday life.
Social Studies
The second grade social studies curriculum develops an awareness of the self
and others in the child's immediate world and in the community. By studying
family structure, the school, and the community, the students understand the
value of mutual respect, cooperation, and responsibilities within a group.
Special Events
Apple Festival
Students announce the date of the Apple Festival in assembly. This is through
recitation of poetry, choral speaking or songs. Students create posters to
advertise the upcoming Apple Festival. Students taste various kinds of apples
and use adjectives to record their responses. Students create a cinquain poem
about apples. A description and personal response to the Apple Festival is
written by each student
School Post Office
Students practice using alphabetical order when creating and using the class-made
directories. Students categorize when sorting mail. Students address envelopes
and write letters using correct form. Students read addresses when delivering
mail. Students gain experience in public speaking when announcing the event
in assembly.
Mother's Day Breakfast
Students write about their mothers and present their stories to them. Poems
are memorized and recited as choral speaking.