Second Grade Curriculum

 Religion One in Christ: Exploring God’s World is a study of Bible stories from Adam and Eve to Moses and King David. Nine separate small unit booklets also include the coming of Jesus, His miracles, teachings and life. Students learn of God’s love for them. Second graders memorize selected Bible verses and the Ten Commandments. Each Wednesday students attend a school chapel service. 

Reading A-Z readers are leveled, downloadable readers that are used to encourage all levels of readers in second grade. Through fiction, nonfiction and reader's theater students will encounter many uses of the writen language. Students are benchmarked into levels that will lead them toward higher levels of fluency as well as comprehension. Along with A-Z readers second graders have Treasures by Macmillan to blend in with A-Z readers. Students will begin to read from these basil readers as they explore our rich use of language.

. Phonics/SpellingSaxon Phonics helps students read and pronounce words by learning the phonetic value of letters, letter combinations and syllables. Second Graders learn about short and long vowels compound words contractions, synonyms, antonyms, blends, diagraphs, and diphthongs—all skills to help each student learn to attack new words and make reading fun! Saxon Phonics incorporates spelling into the curriculum. Each week your child will have a list of 20 spelling words that will be tested on later in the week. This list goes along with the phonics lessons taught prior.   

WritingStudents are encouraged to write regularly. Writing is integrated throughout the day and intertwined in many subject areas. Students are asked to write in a journal along with illustrating what they have written. Students use the Scott Foresman-Addison Wesley D’Nealian Handwriting Practice and Review Workbook to review the correct formation of lower and uppercase letters in manuscript. Emphasis is placed on legible writing. Later in the year, second graders begin to learn cursive writing with single letter and word practice for upper and lower case letters of the alphabet.  

MathematicsSaxon Math leads your child in participating in a wide variety of mathematic activities. Through hands-on experiences, discussion, and exploration students will reinforce their skills through careful considered practice. Concepts and skills include computation, problem-solving strategies, pattern identification, measurement , geometry, money, time, fractions, graphs, and charts.  

ScienceScott Foresman SCIENCE is used to introduce scientific discovery through units including life science, physical science, earth science and the human body.  Many hands on experiments and projects bring science to life. Students use of a notebook aids in developing study skills. Social StudiesMacmillan/ Mcgraw-Hill  We Live Together includes the following units: Our Community, All About Earth, Our Past, Economics, Government. Students learn map and globe skills , as well as chart and graph skills.  

ArtSecond graders have art instruction each week. The focus of the art program is not only to teach students the elements of art (line, shape, form, color, texture, composition and perspective), but also to foster creativity.  

MusicStudents have music instruction during each week. Music involves singing, listening, and playing simple instruments. They learn a wide variety of Christian songs and hymns and participate in Zion Lutheran Church Sunday morning worship services.  

Spanish Elementary Spanish Northern Arizona University. Students view an engaging video for each lesson. Students play games, sing songs and echo what the instructor is saying.

Physical EducationSecond Graders have Physical Education twice a week. Students participate in activities to develop strength, endurance, and flexibility. They develop basic skills in individual and team sports. Emphasis placed on cooperation as a team and showing good sportsmanship.   

Cultural ExperiencesStudents go on field trips that are related to units and learning activities in class. They participate in our annual Art Day where each year they learn about three different artists, their history, style and famous artworks.