2nd Grade

Computer Science 2

In the second grade curriculum, students begin working through challenges using Logo programming. These challenges require students to look for repeating units within structures and decide how to program them most efficiently.Other programming challenges apply math concepts. Students also are introduced to a graphical programming environment called Blockly that they use to program a suite of Wonder Robots.
Information Literacy 2

With assistance but evolving independence, second grade students continue to locate their own books on the library shelves. Gradually, they learn to pick a book that not only interests them but also is appropriate in reading level and size, no longer feeling that just carrying around a really big book means that you’re a good reader. They develop their research skills by practicing “skimming and scanning” to locate information and by extracting information from a variety of sources with assistance. Second graders learn to plan individual and group projects, and present more formal written and oral reports. Non-fiction is a focus; one in-depth unit highlights biography and how people change the world. The study culminates in an annual event at which students present biographical speeches to visitors, and in a web-based poster that includes their research and a video. Book tastings, book talks, and drama groups continue and students continue to use planning tools for writing and organizing information.

In keyboarding, second graders begin two-handed typing. They continue more advanced work in graphics and multimedia, and undertake longer-term projects. Students are also introduced to Web 2.0 technologies. Second graders become more sophisticated in their approach to the Internet, as they develop skills to navigate selected web pages. Internet safety is woven into all of our projects.
Language Arts 2

Second-grade students develop vocabulary, reading comprehension, and fluency through a variety of experiences, including reading independently, in pairs, and in small and large groups. They make more sophisticated inferences and predictions, draw conclusions, and differentiate between fiction and non-fiction. Second graders deepen their understanding of spelling patterns, phonics, and word structures. In their writing, students learn to organize their thoughts, improve their handwriting, and use proper writing mechanics. The basics of process writing are developed further, including writing narratives, opinion pieces, and non-fiction research projects. A growing awareness of parts of speech is also developed. There is a greater emphasis beginning in second grade on following written (as well as oral) directions, and on moving beyond phonetic spelling, as students proofread their work using tools such as a word wall, personal writing dictionary, and an editing checklist.
Music 2

Continuing the sequential study of the fundamentals of music, the rhythmic and melodic material gradually increases in complexity. Second graders are introduced to more involved exercises, and are required to master more challenging listening, instrument-playing, reading, and writing skills. Students learn both aural and visual recognition of repeated, similar, and different phrases in music, and begin to label them as A, B, and C to derive form. They practice recognition of material from notation (without hearing it), and compose and write notation for short songs and rhymes. Second graders continue to expand their musical vocabulary to include terms such as timbre, crescendo, and decrescendo.
Physical Education 2

Second graders participate in games with three or more rules, with a continued emphasis on fair play and safety issues related to movement. They integrate foundation skills with basic sport skills in simple lead-up games and cooperative activities.
Science 2

Second grade students continue to refine their skills of observation, exploration, questioning, and investigation. Students utilize these skills in the unit “Balance and Motion,” observing and exploring those concepts using various objects. These explorations lead to student questions that are then investigated as a class. Other second grade science topics have included a soil study, water cycle study, changes in matter, and various animal studies.
-Second Grade
Second Grade Math

Second graders continue to develop their understanding of place value and number patterning, and to work on strengthening their mastery of addition and subtraction facts. Using a variety of strategies, including algorithms, students work with adding and subtracting three-digit numbers. Second graders apply addition and subtraction skills to real-world problem solving, and begin to use bar modeling to visualize word problems. Second graders are introduced to basic geometry concepts, and measurement. Students also begin working with basic multiplication facts and fractions.
Second Grade Word Study

Second grade students develop reading comprehension and fluency through a variety of experiences, including reading independently, in pairs, and in larger groups. They make more sophisticated inferences and predictions, draw conclusions, and differentiate between fiction and non-fiction. Second graders deepen their understanding of spelling patterns, phonics, and word structures. In their writing, students learn to organize their thoughts, improve their handwriting, and use proper writing mechanics. A growing awareness of parts of speech is also developed. There is a greater emphasis beginning in second grade on following written (as well as oral) directions, and on moving beyond phonetic spelling, as students proofread their work using tools such as a word wall and an editing checklist. The basics of process writing are developed further, including writing narratives, opinion pieces, and non-fiction research projects.
Social Science 2

Highlights of the second-grade social studies curriculum include a study of how ideas, innovations and human choice impact communities. A hallmark of the year is the Second Grade Wax museum, where each student embodies a person who has made a positive impact on the world. Like other units, this study incorporates research, including the organization and synthesis of ideas. Second-graders also study the state of Delaware, as well as a study of inventors (problem-solvers) which leads to the research and development of their own invention.
Spanish 2

Second graders continue to develop their Spanish by learning and using more extensive vocabulary. As their vocabulary increases, they engage in conversation to express and exchange feelings and personal information with their teacher and peers. They practice using familiar phrases through repeated class activities, such as short dialogs, songs, and cooperative group games. Students learn about Hispanic holidays and celebrations, with a focus on Puerto Rico.
Visual Arts 2

The second grade curriculum continues with concept-oriented projects which last for consecutive classes. The topics and themes continue to connect visual arts with student interests, their environment, and other disciplines. Works are created using a variety of visual arts concepts, tools, and techniques including drawing, painting, rubbing, printing, and sculpting. These students explore various elements of design in more depth introduced the previous year. Color, texture, shape and form are revisited in each assignment. During open studio sessions, students collaborate, work independently, generate and investigate personal ideas, and turn ideas into works of art. Using tools appropriately and with care, repurposing and fabricating forms needed for creations are also recurring themes. Students are encouraged to talk about their work, respond to the works of others and document each project in their ongoing journals. Throughout the year they will produce works for and curate several group displays.

LS Curriculum Detail

2nd Grade