Group 2 Curriculum - Second and Third Grade

Math: The class uses New Ways in Numbers, which offers a strong foundation in mathematics and progresses smoothly from one skill to the next. At the end of each chapter, the elements covered are presented in a Unit Review, which students complete in class. The Unit Reviews act as a gauge to determine how each pupil has done in regard to the previous chapter. Approximately 30 minutes of homework is assigned every night.

Reading: Students have reading three days a week. In reading groups, they read story selections from the compilation, All Sorts of Things. This book contains selections in a wide variety of areas; fiction and nonfiction, poetry, stories about American history, as well as folk tales from other cultures. These stories are read out loud in a group giving students a chance to practice reading in front of others and to hear readers of similar ability. We also focus on comprehension projects related to the material. Some students read smaller chapter books in reading groups by authors Beverly Cleary and Judy Blume.

Along with reading out loud in groups, students keep a reading log that details their reading outside of school. One day a week students bring their own books to school for a period of individual reading. When a book is chosen, the name of the book is recorded along with the date each child started the book. Students even sign a contract that states this is the book they have chosen to read cover to cover. Students use book report forms to write about the book they have chosen.

Early Reading Comprehension workbooks are arranged by ability level from A (beginners) to D (advanced). Each book contains short passages or stories followed by a set of multiple choice questions, vocabulary questions, time lines and short answer questions. Students have 20-30 minutes of reading comprehension homework weekly.

Once a week we have journaling once a week, when students put down on paper thoughts, feelings or events they have experienced. Students are required to produce a specific number of full sentences for each journal entry. Entries not completed in class are assigned for homework. Students have a folder and notebook used in class to track progress from the beginning of the year.

Twice a week we work on the basics of writing with the Write on Track system, a handbook that focuses on the writing process, the tools of writing, types of writing and proofreading.

We use two workbooks for manuscript and cursive handwriting. Students occasionally have homework and supplemental assignments aside from weekly lessons in the workbook.

Science: Weekly science lessons include but are not limited to Science Alive!

History: This year’s unit of Social Studies Alive! pertains to community life. It poses questions like: What is a community? How are communities different? How do communities change? What does a good citizen do? Students have textbooks and workbooks with varied assignments and occasionally have homework based on weekly lessons.

Spanish: We focus on Spanish conversation, vocabulary and grammar. Students are engaged in conversation with the teacher and with each other during each class period. The students learn songs and various holiday customs throughout the year to enhance their understanding of Spanish