A second grader's typical day incorporates each of the main subject areas, however topics or themes from one area may be integrated across all subject areas. A routine day usually consists of a language arts block. This includes process writing, reading, spelling, listening and speaking. The day also consists of math and social studies or science. In addition, students attend music, art, physical education and library classes each week.
Homework is meant to build responsibility, to be done neatly and to reinforce skills in various curriculum areas.
Twenty to twenty-five minutes of a specific homework four times per week will be assigned . In addition to the assigned homework. or on nights when a specific assignment is not given, each child should read independently and practice basic math facts.
Learning to read and write is a developmental process, and parents of second graders will observe different stages and rates of learning as children continue moving from beginning to accomplished readers and writers.
Second graders still need us to read to them daily and to model reading and writing regularly.
Reading instruction is done in a variety of ways. the children are involved in a large group and self-selected reading times. They will use trade books, magazines, poetry and other sources to meet the reading goals of their individual level. As our progress report reflects, a child moves from being teacher guided in activities to independent levels of functioning.
Written expression is a process which includes pre-writing skills, drafting, revising, editing and publishing. Spelling skills as well as grammar and written mechanics are emphasized in the writing process.
Formation of cursive letters will also be taught during the second half of the year.
Emphasis in math will not only be on learning specific skills, but also learning to use these skills in critical thinking and problem solving situations. Many topics will be covered such as: counting and place value, addition and subtraction, measurement, time, money, patterning, geometry and fractions.
Second grade covers four major science topics during the year. While studying these topics, we will use a hands on approach stressing student observation. Books and videos will be used to generate discussion. The topics are: plant growth, physical and chemical changes in matter, soils and astronomy.
The following Social Studies topics will be our focus throughout the year: communities of Burlington and Harwinton, maps and globes, and holidays.