Religion

Blest Are We-Faith in Action Silver Burdett Ginn Religion
Structure and Method – The text is based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which gives an orderly management of the fundamental doctrines of the Catholic faith, morals, and practices inclusive of: the Sacraments, Mysteries of the Rosary, Stations of the Cross, Order of the Mass, and prayers, such as the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Prayer of St. Elizabeth Seton, Nicene Creed, Act of Contrition, The Apostles Creed, O My Jesus, and Hail Holy Queen. In addition, the students learn about the lives of the saints. These doctrines are taught through discussions about the text, small group work, reading from the bible, and prayer formation. Students participate liturgically in weekly school mass celebrations and daily prayer as a school. Students preparing for the reception of First Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist participate in sacramental preparation classes in their home parish.

The second graders will explore and better understand the four pillars of the Catholic Church through units broken down into: What Catholics Believe, How Catholics Worship, How Catholics Live, and How Catholics Pray. With an emphasis on sacramental preparation second grade lessons are focused on understanding the Catholic Church as a Eucharistic community. Students will be encouraged to familiarize themselves with the parts of the mass through weekly participation and hands-on activities in class. Lessons are enriched with music and special prayer devotions and experiences throughout the year.

Language Arts

Journeys Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Structure and Method- A comprehensive language arts program is provided through the use of an anchor text supplemented with a wide range of print and digital resources; fiction and nonfiction selections are experienced throughout the year. Students cultivate a rich vocabulary through group and independent reading opportunities. Spelling and grammar concepts are embedded within each lesson; with key ideas circulated throughout the year. Students will be asked to demonstrate research aptitude while developing writing skills in a variety of genres. Digital resources allow students to practice and observe speaking and listening skills. Independent reading is encouraged through the school wide Renaissance Place Accelerated Reader program.

Second grade students will become independent and proficient readers through group reading and discussion of the text selections. Students will be able to develop comprehension skills by utilizing beginning research techniques; context clues; chronological order; and drawling conclusions. They will have knowledge of sequencing; story elements, main idea/details; author’s purpose; and problem/solution; fact/opinion; and cause/effect. At the conclusion of the year a second grader will be able to predict; self-question; check other sources and make connections with their work. Students will develop fluency and proficiency in spelling, vocabulary, and grammar through writing prompts and interactive activities. Monthly Accelerated Reading goals allow for an individualized approach to independent reading that provides each student an opportunity for success and growth.

Math

Go Math! Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Structure and Method- Second graders will develop proficiency in math concepts utilizing a write-in textbook with embedded practice pages, so students record their strategies, explanations, solutions, practice and test prep right in their books. Digital resources and an e-book enrich lessons and provide differentiated practice throughout units. Individualized instruction is made possible through the use of math centers providing opportunities to remediate and/or enrich content.

Second grade students will continue to build on their knowledge of basic math facts through the use of models, estimation, mental math and computation. An understanding of number and operations in base ten will be stressed to provide the foundation for the introduction of multiplication in third grade. Concepts of measurement, time, and money will all be explored and practiced through a variety of hands on activities and differentiated assessment opportunities. Second graders will understand the importance of number patterns and extend this understanding to observing patterns in nature. Activities and lessons will reinforce how mathematical concepts and relationships demonstrate God’s presence in our lives.

Science

Science-The Diamond Edition Scott Foresman
Structure and Method- Science is presented using inquiry-rich content with scaffolded activities; cross-curricular connections that link reading and science skills in every chapter for all students. Exploration is encouraged with interactive activities that integrate math and writing within the science curriculum throughout each unit. The year is organized into four units – Life, Earth, Physical, and Space & Technology. Each unit contains a balance between key science content and hands-on activities that support each lesson.

Second graders will explore science concepts by concentrating on comprehension of critical vocabulary, identification of main ideas, and development of research skills. With each unit and lesson students will be given an opportunity to discover the connection between the beauty of God’s creation and humankind’s responsibility to care for all elements of that creation. Experimentation and investigation will allow an introduction to new topics and reinforcement of previously introduced themes.

Social Studies

People and Places Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Glencoe
Structure and Method- Social studies concepts are introduced in second with a focus on identifying essential questions and gathering supporting evidence. Leveled readers are utilized during language arts time to reinforce and enrich curriculum specific topics with an examination of primary and secondary sources. Units concentrate on American History, Civics & Government, Economics, and Geography. All instruction will reflect an understanding that history begins and ends in God.

Second graders will have the opportunity to develop an understanding of time and sequence by exploring the native peoples of North America. In addition, proficiency in map skills will include the ability to identify different types of maps, elements of maps, and the difference between a map and a globe. Students will participate in interactive activities that will allow enhance their understanding of rudimentary economics (goods and services). Second graders will understand the basic function of government and their roles as a citizen of the United States within the context of their place in their community.