List of 13 items.

• Language Arts

  +
  The main focus objectives in second grade reading are comprehension and fluency. Learning techniques that include visualization, identifying important events and details, making inferences, questioning, and synthesizing information are emphasized. The students continue to apply phonics in their reading (decoding) and writing (encoding). The children advance their reading skills, augment their vocabulary, and construct spelling strategies through daily reading in a variety of genres, comprising literature from many cultural perspectives. Daily writing includes personal journals and stories, poetry, reports, letters, and responses to reading where they hone their capitalization and punctuation skills. Students learn the importance of editing and proofreading skills, which are taught and practiced to develop independence and to emphasize the writing process. Students are encouraged to contribute their ideas and opinions during cooperative learning activities and class discussions, as they become active listeners and participatory learners.

  
  Sources:

  Superkids Reading Program, Zaner-Bloser
  Scholastic Guided Reading Program

  Handwriting, Writing Our Catholic Faith

• Mathematics

  +
  The math program presents students with a balanced combination of procedure and understanding. Students continue to acquire unique strategies to build on four critical areas: extending understanding of base-ten notation, building fluency with addition and subtraction, using standard units of measure, and describing and analyzing shapes. To engage on a deeper level with mathematical concepts, students participate in problem-based interactive learning with visuals that illustrate concepts and enhance understanding. The major objective is to provide students with mathematical reasoning that enables them to transfer what they learn and solve real-world problems. Technology continues to provide students with active opportunities to expand numerous mathematical concepts. Second grade students gain habits of mind that enable them to make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.

  
  Sources:

  Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Go Math!

• Social Studies

  +
  Community and relationships are essential themes throughout the year as students develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of similarities and differences and the interdependence of people. Students delve into the roles and responsibilities of people living in a community through the study of family heritage and culture. Students engage in an active exploration of their classroom, school, neighborhood, and local community to enhance their study of the regions and land formations of the United States. In the “Farm to Table” unit, students learn about the government. They will examine the role of the President and other national government officials, the three branches of the federal government, and city and state leaders. Second Graders continue to explore the lives of people who have made significant differences in the world, stories of their ancestors, and of exceptional figures from history. They learn to use map keys and symbols, and the importance of caring for the environment. Field studies, fieldtrips, guest speakers, and unique service projects increase the students’ awareness of the needs in their community. In an interdisciplinary unit combining reading and social studies, students participate in the “Read Across America” challenge where they will participate in hands-on activities designed to teach them about national landmarks and characteristics of several states.

  
  Source:

  Reflections, People We Know, Harcourt School Publishers, ISBN-0-15-338499-9

• Science

  +
  Second graders connect with science in innovative ways that heightens their curiosity, extends their knowledge, and ignites their passion to learn more about the amazing world in which they live.
  
  Units of Study
  
  Earth Science
  Animals Through Time
  Rock Cycle
  
  Physical Science
  Materials & Properties
  
  Life Science
  Rain Forest Ecology
  
  Sources:
  Mystery Science
  Generation Genius

• Religion

  +
  Second grade religion lessons extend the understanding of God as the creator of all things, particularly human beings whom he asks to care for all creation. Lessons also expand on the seven sacraments. Students learn that the sacraments are holy signs of God’s love that celebrate Jesus’ presence among his people.
  
  This year we concentrate on developing a special understanding and prepare the children for two important sacraments, First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. Students read and study parables, or Bible stories, such as The Prodigal Son, The Good Samaritan, and The Good Shepherd and how they relate to the sacraments and their own lives. Students learn to make good and loving choices to strengthen their friendship with God and others. They learn how to ask for forgiveness and how to be forgiving people. They recite the Act of Contrition as they learn that God is full of mercy.  Second graders learn about the parts of the Mass as they participate, prepare for, and lead the liturgical celebrations in this important year in their faith journey. 

  
  In preparation for First Eucharist, students learn details about Holy Week and the Last Supper, and they participate with their families in an Agape celebration and attend a second grade religious retreat. As they prepare for and receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist, students gain a deeper sense of the Mayfield community and their role in it. Students develop an understanding of the importance of service to the greater community and those less fortunate by applying what they have learned in Reach Out activities and in their daily prayer presentations. Finally, all second graders create an online book to chronicle and reflect on their second grade faith journey.
  
  

  Sources:
  Catholic Children’s Bible
  Call to Faith, Harcourt Religion Publishers ISBN 978-0-15-902283-2
  Good News Pflaum Gospel Weeklies, Faith Foundation Program

• Art

  +
  Art History continues to weave through the second grade art curriculum. Students express their understanding of Van Gogh's "Starry Night" through swirls, dashes, and dots of pastels and paint and study Picasso's cubism portrait using pastels and tempera paint. They design a triptych panel altarpiece with images of the Nativity for Christmas in the style of Van Eyck and use crayon and watercolor in Monet style waterlilies. Creating a  clay cross is a highlight for the second graders in their Sacramental year. Another second grade tradition is drawing art for the Mayfield Christmas card. The school year ends with an art project that celebrates a beloved second grade character, Elmer the Elephant. To bring Elmer the Elephant to life, students sketch and paint checkerboard with colorful tempera paint that they then collage on a pastel background to create a bright and joyful piece of art.

• Drama: Using Our Imagination

  +
  Students use problem-solving skills to create their own stories. They learn theatre games and techniques to learn to speak loudly and clearly, use their imagination, and work as a team. Students have the opportunity to work with older students for the Second Grade mass. Second graders are able to apply their theatrical skill set and perform plays for a public audience. Students learn how to watch plays with a critical eye and reflect on the story elements of a piece.

• Music

  +
  Students learn how to control their breathing given the appropriate musical context. Reading and notating simple rhythmic patterns (eighth, quarter, and half notes and rests) is reinforced.
  
  Solfeggio (Do, Re, Mi, etc.) is introduced to students as they learn to read and notate simple melodies. Students advance their ability to sing alone, in duets, or with an ensemble in formal and informal settings with accuracy in an appropriate range and with correct pitch. They learn how to improvise melodies, themes, and variations and how to sing sacred literature for school-wide performances including Masses, Services, and 1st Eucharist. Students learn songs that they perform from memory during their First Communion Sacrament, Halloween Show, and the annual Christmas Program.

• Spanish

  +
  In this active and student-focused language course, students continue to learn Spanish three times a week for 20 minutes. Students are fully engaged in the language learning experience as they continue to sing, play, and begin to create their own skits in Spanish.

• Design and Engineering

  +
  In second grade, students continue to develop computational and maker thinking skills. The students are introduced to different materials and how they can be used in various ways. Creating maps and map keys allow students to expand their ability to communicate through making. They engage in Popsicle stick engineering projects to learn about design and engineering concepts, and the benefits and strengths of various materials. Collaboration skills grow as students work in pairs and teams on multiple projects. Second graders begin to learn about tolerating ambiguity by asking what might be missing, or why something isn't working as intended. 

• Technology/Computer Science

  +
  The second-grade Education Technology sequence is designed to introduce students to the fundamental concepts and skills necessary to navigate and utilize technology in today's digital age. Through engaging activities, hands-on projects, and interactive learning experiences, students will develop essential technological skills, digital literacy, and responsible digital citizenship.

• Physical Education

  +
  In second grade physical education, students will thrive as they continue to build upon their physical abilities and explore new skills. This will include a focus on enhancing coordination, balance, and overall fitness as well as building towards learning team sports. The curriculum will also emphasize the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship, as students collaborate and support each other to achieve success in their games and activities.
  
  With a variety of structured games and opportunities for creative play, second grade students will be empowered to take risks and try new things, while building self-confidence and physical skills. By the end of the year, they will have a positive and whole child approach to physical fitness and be eager to continue growing in their abilities.

• Library

  +
  Second graders are exposed to new concepts and continue to reinforce and build on their library skills. They read increasingly complex material and a wide representation of grade level appropriate text, including classic and contemporary literature, periodicals, online information, and informational text. Second graders become familiar with types of everyday print and non-print materials and identify these materials using academic vocabulary. Students can identify parts of a book such as the table of contents, index, glossary and dedication. They are familiar with the procedures for borrowing materials from the school library and caring for library resources, including technology devices. Students locate age-appropriate fiction and nonfiction materials in the library. They draw meaning from illustrations, photographs, diagrams, charts, graphs, maps, and captions. Students identify and use nonfiction text structures, such as main idea and supporting details, cause and effect, compare and contrast, and sequencing. They recognize the need for information by identifying a simple problem, developing questions that define the scope of the investigation and connect to the topic. Students organize prior knowledge and identify other sources that may provide an answer. They understand the concept of key words and perform a simple keyword search using an approved search engine or database. The library reinforces and builds upon computer skills learned in technology class. Students access online library material and adhere to the acceptable use policy as they learn to access educational databases, library catalog, and literature websites, and conduct basic research for class.