Every student will be a contributing member of their community and highly prepared for life after graduation.
Second Grade Curriculum Overview
This overview has been written to inform you about the academic program, skills and concepts being studied in second grade. It is intended to give you a broad overview of the core subjects, instructional goals and learning expectations your child will experience. Newington has a strong comprehensive curriculum, which includes sequential instruction at every grade in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, the arts and wellness.
The purpose of the Language Arts Curriculum is to develop all aspects of language (reading, writing, speaking, listening and viewing), so students are able to communicate effectively in a technological, ever changing world. We seek meaningful ways to guide our students to apply their knowledge of the language arts across content areas and in realistic situations through a balanced literacy program, including reader's workshop and the Harcourt Trophies reading program.
The second grade reading program includes reading aloud, where teachers read aloud quality literature for enjoyment and to develop literacy skills; shared reading, in which teachers demonstrate reading skills and engage students in the reading process; guided reading, in which the teacher reinforces skills and the child reads; and independent reading, when students read books they have chosen.
Second grade students also spend time with the writing process. The students work in developing their writing skills through writer's workshop. They work to develop quality narrative and informational pieces. Teachers guide students in developing organized, detailed writing with adequate word choice, sentence variety and proper mechanics. As a result, students develop increasing independence as readers and writers.
Students will:
The goal of the second grade math curriculum is to establish a solid foundation of concepts and skills. Students participate in specific units of study to further their understanding through meaningful and challenging tasks. The curriculum is aligned to the Common Core State Standards, which define what students should know and be able to do in their study of mathematics.
The second grade mathematics program includes direct instruction, where teachers target specific skills and concepts; guided math, in which the teacher reinforces and builds on skills with small groups based on individual progress; independent practice; and collaborative learning, where students have the opportunity to communicate their reasoning, cooperate, and develop critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Through activities, labs, daily practice and problems, and games, students will:
GRADE 2 MATHEMATICS PACING GUIDE
Second grade students are encouraged to explore and discover new ideas in science. The students make observations and predictions, ask questions, and seek information. They present new found knowledge in words, drawings, and graphs. Students work to classify materials as solids, liquids, or gasses based on their observable physical properties. The life cycle of plants is explored, as are the effects of light and water on seed germination and plant growth. The students investigate how soils can differ by particle size, color, and composition, as well as how they support plant life. Finally, the students learn about the specific nutritional needs of humans. The students classify foods according to the basic food groups, as well as learn how different foods satisfy nutritional needs.
GRADE 2 SCIENCE PACING GUIDE
All students in Newington are encouraged to appreciate and demonstrate respect, responsibility, and empathy. The goal of our health program is for students to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Students practice making healthy and appropriate decisions throughout each school year. Second grade students learn how healthy snacks and good grooming habits can help them to feel better during the day. They also learn how tobacco and caffeine have negative effects on the human body. The students also learn about common communicable and non-communicable diseases. In terms of safety, second graders learn how to keep safe when at home and what to do in case of an emergency. Finally, students explore how to best deal with peer pressure.
GRADE 2 HEALTH AND WELLNESS PACING GUIDE
Second-grade students will engage in the study of how people both past and present have made a difference in their community, country, and world as well as exploring how and what we decide to remember about the past. This interdisciplinary study incorporates history, civics, economics, and geography and requires that student generate and research compelling questions such as:
The technology education program provides students with direct instruction and practice in technology skills on a graduated basis. Students acquire a working knowledge and understanding of keyboarding, word processing, multimedia skills, and features in G Suite for Education Applications. Students demonstrate mastery of skills by completing grade appropriate activities and projects.
Art education promotes the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills as well as self-awareness, self-expression, and well-being. Art education also offers unique, creative experiences that help build self-esteem. The elementary art program promotes interdisciplinary experiences that aid students in the integration of ideas, concepts and processes, and in a holistic perception of their world. It promotes an understanding of the diverse cultures in society as reflected in the arts.
Students will:
Music education enhances learning, communication, creativity, teamwork, discipline, cultural awareness, respect for others and self-esteem through personal accomplishment. The music program develops these skills in children to help them succeed in school, society, and in life.
Students will:
The Wellness program in second grade is based upon movement concepts and skill themes. It is a child-centered movement program designed for young children. The program provides planned experiences concerned with what the body can do, how the body can move and where it can go. As the children learn these skills, the skills are then placed into the components of educational dance, educational gymnastics, and educational games.
Students will learn:
GRADE 2 HEALTH AND WELLNESS PACING GUIDE