COURSE
DESCRIPTION for GRADE 2
English
2 Course
# ENG02
Second Grade Language Arts integrates the development
of reading, writing, spelling, research and oral/visual
communication skills. Students are supported on site
by Adult Mentors. Directions for the mentors are included
in the content of each lesson.
Reading
Students use letter-sound correspondence knowledge
and structural analysis to decode words. They build
a stock of sight words that helps them to read quickly
and accurately with comprehension. Students acquire
vocabulary through exposure to language-rich situations
such as reading award-winning literature. Students
use context clues to determine the meaning of new
vocabulary. Students develop and learn to apply strategies
that help them to comprehend and interpret informational
and literary texts. They develop basic concepts about
print and how books work. Students learn to read diagrams,
charts, graphs, maps and displays in text as sources
of additional information. Students enhance their
understanding of the human story by reading a wide
variety of literary texts that represent many different
authors, cultures and eras.
Writing
Students’ writing develops when they regularly
engage in the major phases of the writing process.
Add to this daily journal writing, and writing skill
increases dramatically. Journals are provided in required
kits provided by the VLA. Students use a range of
familiar forms (e.g. letters). During the first semester,
they continue to build their skill in printing; during
the second semester they advance to developing the
skill of cursive writing, practicing both letters
and words. Students learn to master writing conventions
through exposure to good models and opportunities
for practice. Writing conventions include spelling,
punctuation, grammar and other conventions associated
with forms of the written text.
Spelling
They develop and extend their understanding of the
spelling system, using a range of strategies for spelling
words correctly. All of this is enhanced through the
use of magnetic letters provided in the required kits.
Research
They define and investigate self-selected or assigned
issues, topics and problems. They locate, select and
make use of relevant information from a variety of
media.
Communication
Students learn to communicate effectively through
exposure to good models and opportunities for practice.
Students learn to deliver presentations that effectively
convey information and persuade or entertain audiences.
Math
2 Course
# MATH02
In Second Grade Math, students have the opportunity
to investigate and develop skills involving numbers,
measurement, geometry, patterns, and data analysis.
Numbers
Students demonstrate number sense, including an understanding
of number systems and operations and how they relate
to one another. Students computefluently and make
reasonable estimates using paper and pencil, technology
supportedand mental methods.
Measurement
Students estimate and measure to a required degree
of accuracy and precision by selecting and using appropriate
units, tools and technologies.
Geometry
Students identify, classify, compare and analyze characteristics,
properties and relationships of one-, two- and three-dimensional
geometric figures and objects. Students use spatial
reasoning and properties of geometric objects to analyze
mathematical situations and solve problems.
Patterns
Students extend simple number patterns; use patterns
to make generalizations and predictions; and create
new patterns with consistent rules or plan. They use
objects, pictures, numbers and other symbols to represent
a problem situation. They understand equivalence and
extend the concept to symbols. They use symbols to
represent unknown quantities and identify values for
symbols in an expression or equation using addition
and subtraction. They describe qualitative and quantitative
changes, especially those involving addition and subtraction.
Data Analysis
Students pose questions and collect, organize, represent,
interpret and analyze data to answer questions. Students
read, interpret and make comparisons and predictions
from data. They use mathematical processes and knowledge
to solve problems. Students apply problem-solving
and decision-making techniques, and communicate mathematical
ideas.
Social
Studies 2 - People Working Together Course
# SS02
Work serves as an organizing theme for the second
grade. Students learn about jobs today and long ago
in the United States and in other parts of the world.
They become familiar with biographies of people whose
work has made a difference and use historical artifacts
as clues to the past. They deepen their knowledge
of diverse cultures and begin to understand how cooperation
can help to achieve goals. They develop an understanding
of government in America and citizenship rights and
responsibilities. Students continue their study of
social studies skills and methods.
Science
2 Course
# SCI02
Second-graders continue to relate science concepts
and skills to their life experiences. They compare
similarities and differences between people, animals
and plants. Living system functions and the interactions
they have with their physical environment are explained.
Focus is placed upon habits, and the interdependence
and survival of plants and animals in Ohio. Weather
changes both short term and long term are observed,
described and measured. Students discover how cycles
are present in their everyday lives through investigations
of Earth and sky, sound and light, and plants and
animals. Students recognize the purpose, process and
effects of technology, simple equipment and instruments
used in learning about science. Students develop an
awareness of repeated scientific investigations and
understand that under the same conditions the results
are similar or the same.
Rev. 05-26-06
