Grade Two Program
Reading: Enhancing Comprehension and Literacy Skills in Grade 2
Writing: Developing Proficient Writing Skills in Grade 2
In Grade Two, students start by learning to craft powerful true stories based on their small moments. Next, they study nonfiction texts, incorporate text features into their chapter books, and craft persuasive arguments based on text evidence. Finally, students explore language by writing poetry and get to share their poetry through a "poetry cafe." Grade Two students are given numerous, rich avenues to express themselves in writing throughout the year, from student journals, news stories, expository writing about family treasures, and personal blogs.
Through the study of writing units, students acquire content knowledge and begin to answer some of the following questions:
Mathematics: Fostering a Love of Number Sense
In grade Two, we work on expanding our students' mathematical fluency and developing their reasoning skills. These skills are developed through small-group direct instruction, games, digital tools, and individual practice. In addition, math talks and collaborative tasks encourage mathematical thinking and creative problem-solving.
Through the study of math units, students acquire content knowledge and begin to answer some of the following questions:
Social Studies: From "I" to "We"
Students take a step back and take a broader view of the world. They take an in-depth look at the environment, government, and family and community traditions. These concepts are taught through Project-Based Learning activities, simulations, and hands-on group activities, allowing students to better understand the world around them.
Through the study of social studies units, students acquire content knowledge and begin to answer some of the following questions:
Social Emotional Learning: Identifying and Regulating Our Emotions and Behaviors
In Grade Two, Social-Emotional Learning is an integral part of our program. We spend time each week learning how to better understand ourselves and each other. We do this through group discussions, class meetings, role-playing, literature, and other hands-on activities.
Through our progression of SEL lessons, students acquire content knowledge and strategies to begin to answer some of the following questions:
Back
In Grade 2, students build on the foundational skills developed in Grade 1, focusing on advancing their reading comprehension and fluency. Our curriculum emphasizes the continued use of the Heggerty Phonics program to deepen phonemic awareness and linguistic knowledge. Students learn to decode challenging words, understand the author’s craft, and grasp overarching text themes by integrating these skills.
Grade 2 readers are introduced to book clubs, where they engage with both fiction and nonfiction texts. Exposure to various genres enhances their ability to analyze different text styles and types. A specific emphasis is placed on improving fluency and interpreting figurative language, which helps students better understand and enjoy complex texts.
Students explore a range of questions to deepen their reading experience, such as:
- How can I effectively tackle new and challenging vocabulary?
- What strategies can I use to enhance my comprehension through rereading?
- How can vocal expression improve my understanding and enjoyment of a book?
- What techniques help me navigate and understand terminology in informational texts?
- How can I interpret and analyze figurative language in stories?
- What patterns can I identify across different books or within a series?
Grade 2 students enhance their literacy skills through these focused reading units, fostering a richer comprehension of texts and a greater appreciation for diverse literary forms.
Writing: Developing Proficient Writing Skills in Grade 2
In Grade Two, students start by learning to craft powerful true stories based on their small moments. Next, they study nonfiction texts, incorporate text features into their chapter books, and craft persuasive arguments based on text evidence. Finally, students explore language by writing poetry and get to share their poetry through a "poetry cafe." Grade Two students are given numerous, rich avenues to express themselves in writing throughout the year, from student journals, news stories, expository writing about family treasures, and personal blogs.
Through the study of writing units, students acquire content knowledge and begin to answer some of the following questions:
- How do I choose a topic to write about?
- How can I write through the eyes of a poet?
- How can metaphors, repetition, and word choice strengthen my poem?
- How can I clearly state my opinion and support it with evidence?
- How can I write persuasive arguments that convince others to care also?
- How can I use mentor craft moves in my writing?
Mathematics: Fostering a Love of Number Sense
In grade Two, we work on expanding our students' mathematical fluency and developing their reasoning skills. These skills are developed through small-group direct instruction, games, digital tools, and individual practice. In addition, math talks and collaborative tasks encourage mathematical thinking and creative problem-solving.
Through the study of math units, students acquire content knowledge and begin to answer some of the following questions:
- How can the use of lists help to enhance understanding of story problems?
- What are the strategies that we can use when we solve problems?
- How do I decide which unit of measurement to use?
- How do numbers and functions relate to one another?
Social Studies: From "I" to "We"
Students take a step back and take a broader view of the world. They take an in-depth look at the environment, government, and family and community traditions. These concepts are taught through Project-Based Learning activities, simulations, and hands-on group activities, allowing students to better understand the world around them.
Through the study of social studies units, students acquire content knowledge and begin to answer some of the following questions:
- How does the government help its citizens?
- How do supply and demand affect the price of goods and services?
- How are families similar and different?
- How do celebrations and community traditions change over time?
- How can I make responsible choices that help myself, others, and my surroundings?
Social Emotional Learning: Identifying and Regulating Our Emotions and Behaviors
In Grade Two, Social-Emotional Learning is an integral part of our program. We spend time each week learning how to better understand ourselves and each other. We do this through group discussions, class meetings, role-playing, literature, and other hands-on activities.
Through our progression of SEL lessons, students acquire content knowledge and strategies to begin to answer some of the following questions:
- How am I feeling?
- How can I express my emotions in helpful ways?
- How can I get back in the "green zone"?
- How can I help a friend?
- How can I make valuable learning choices?
