Second grade
Second grade is an exciting year during which students begin to use the skills that they learned in first grade and kindergarten as tools for further discovery. Students work independently and in small and large groups. We emphasize independence, cooperative learning, problem solving and approaching problems from multiple perspectives.
Language Arts
The second grade language arts program concentrates on guiding each girl to develop herself as a reader and writer who has preferences and makes thoughtful decisions. We work in small groups and as a class to support each student's development. During this time, we implement and practice word attack skills and comprehension strategies. We strive to develop confidence and fluency in each student's reading.
The word study component of the language arts curriculum has its foundation in children's developmental spelling stages. We work with the girls to recognize patterns in the English language through dictation, sorting, letter/sound manipulation activities, and games.
The writer's workshop occurs several times a week in second grade. Each girl is encouraged to express her thoughts and ideas through the writer's process. During writing lessons and in literature study, we place special emphasis on the traits of organization, ideas, word choice, sentence fluency, voice, and conventions. Our goal during writer's workshop is for each girl to see herself as a writer who is able to clearly and confidently convey herself through her writing.
Mathematics
The second grade math program emphasizes study in the following areas. These concepts are taught through the use of large and small group activities, individual instruction, guided practice, and games.
Numeration and Counting
Saying, reading, and writing numbers; place value of whole numbers; fractions.
Operations
Number facts; fact families; addition and subtraction with tens and hundreds; introduction to multiplication.
Geometry and Spatial Sense
Exploring two and three-dimensional shapes and classifying polygons.
Measurement
Using tools to measure time, temperature, length, weight, capacity, and volume; exchanging money amounts, using money as a tool for place value and decimal concepts.
Algebra and Uses of Variables
Missing numbers, properties of operations, patterns, and sequences.
Social Studies
People Who Make a Difference: American Experiences
We begin the year with a look at families. The class will discuss the meaning and importance of family and learn about the different types of families who make up our community.
We continue with a focus on the inhabitants of North America in 1620. The girls will explore the daily life of the Wamponoag people and their relationship with the Pilgrims.
Starting in January we will study the Civil Rights Movement in America by examining the motives and influence of the participants.
Our next unit of study will explore and identify the work of American women who were pioneers in their field. We will learn about their challenges and discuss how they created opportunities for girls and women today.
Following this, we will explore maps and landforms. The girls will learn to use maps, globes, and compasses.
We conclude the year by studying the Westward Expansion of America in the 1800s, concentrating on the pioneers, geography of the United States, and native peoples.
As celebration of their learning during these units, the girls will enjoy a Three Sisters Lunch, Women's Symposium and Tea, and a Pioneer Picnic.
Class Meetings
Both second grade classes have regular class meetings. The purpose of these meetings is to help the girls develop and strengthen their inter-personal skills. These meetings serve as opportunities to talk about social matters and seek advice on solving problems when they arise.
Homework
To provide each girl with an opportunity to be successful with the new responsibility of homework, we begin the year with a "soft start". The goal of the beginning phase is to develop routines, responsibility, and some skill practice.
Formal homework begins in the month of January. During this time we estimate students will spend thirty minutes a night on homework.
