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Second Grade
Our Philosophy
themselves in all they do. We create a safe environment to enhance each child’s spiritual, physical, emotional, and academic growth. We hope to inspire and motivate the children to believe in themselves and strive to do the best they can with each life experience.
Second Grade Curriculum
St. Francis offers a strong and varied academic curriculum for second grade students.
Religion: The religion curriculum prepares the children for two sacraments using the Faith First book series.. A strong formation of faith develops with the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We continue to build that faith as the children prepare to receive Jesus in their First Holy Communion.
Reading: Much focus is placed on the reading program in second grade. The children are exposed to many different forms of literature. They are given the opportunity to work in small- and large-group settings to help build strong reading habits. Students are encouraged to read, read, and read some more.
Phonics and Spelling: A strong phonics-based program produced by Modern Curriculum Press is used to develop the skills necessary for reading. The Zaner-Bloser spelling program we use reflects the skills introduced through a weekly work list.
Language Arts: Within our language arts curriculum the children are given many opportunities to learn the steps of the writing process. We use the Write Source text and incorporate many lessons of grammar to help build sentence structure and facilitate the flow of students’ writing.
Handwriting: While manuscript is the major focus of mastery, second graders are introduced to cursive writing. Using the Zaner-Bloser text, letter formation, slant, and flow are introduced.
Math: Our math curriculum covers many areas throughout the year using the Silver-Burdett Ginn test. We continue to build the children’s knowledge of basic addition and subtraction with regrouping two- and three-digit numbers. Money, time, measurement, and probability are also taught within the year. Hands-on activities are essential tools used in the development and mastery of these skills.
Science: The children develop their knowledge in life science, physical science, and earth science throughout the year. Participation in the Science Fair allows the children the opportunity to use the scientific method in predicting conclusions to their experiments.
Social Studies: The Scott Foresman series, People and Places, introduces our students to community life and takes us to places all over the world. Students participate in a wide variety of activities to stimulate their knowledge of economics, geography, and citizenship.
Enrichment
Specials and enrichment opportunities enhance the second grade core curriculum.
Spanish: Beginning this year, Spanish is being taught to all students. Second grade will build vocabulary and beginning reading, writing, and conversation in Spanish. Students will also learn about the Hispanic culture and Catholic faith with short prayers, songs, and traditions.
Specials: Each week our second graders participate in art, music, PE, computer, and library classes. The children also benefit from additional enrichment in the form of special assemblies and programs.
Parent Volunteers: Parents are given many opportunities to assist both in and outside the classroom. We look for parents to help with reading time, computer lab, secret storyteller, and T.O.P.S.
T.O.P.S.: This program (Techniques of Problem Solving) begins in second grade. It is a math-based program that focuses on problem solving strategies including critical and logical thinking. This program allows the children to move at their own pace to develop these skills.