Grade 2 Curriculum Guide

Reading/Language Arts/Writing - Course Description
Second grade students use the Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Treasures anthology, which is literature based and incorporates non-fiction, fiction, drama and poetry into the development of reading skills. The students will begin to read for understanding and information and develop the relationship between reading and writing. The curriculum strives to help instill a passion and enthusiasm for reading. This is supported though the introduction of the second grade classroom library full of rich literature of differing genres.

The F.A.S.T. reading system continues in second grade, highlighting the skills to develop high fluency rates of reading. Creative writing is emphasized through journal writing, book reports, and original stories. Speaking and listening skills are developed throughout the year allowing Academy
students to gain confidence as public speakers beyond the level of a typical second grade student.

Mathematics- Course Description
The second grade students build on their first grade skills (spiraling) as they work through the Everyday Math program in the second grade math materials. The same six content strands continue but the second grade-level goals introduce new curriculum areas that challenge the students through work with fractions, calculating and comparing values of money, qualitative probability, algebraic notation and solving number sentences. Teachers continue to differentiate, support, and augment the program for all learners.

Science - Course Description
In second grade, students are encouraged to be enthusiastic participants in the investigation and activities of the world of science. The program blends process and content. Curriculum areas include the study of living things, the human body, properties of solids, liquids and gases, the solar system, as well as simple machinery.  Important scientific skills are taught, such as observation, measurement, and prediction.

Social Studies - Course Description
The second grade social studies program introduces the students to the concepts of world, regional, and local geography and how these concepts impact their lives. Students study and construct relief maps and master geographical terms. Students experience the excitement of applying knowledge and skills to current events. All students are encouraged and expected to participate in
discussions and present oral and written reports. Students not only learn where in the world an event is happening, but what in the world is happening, both of which are critical in our global society.

OUT-Of-CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION (SPECIALS)

Visual Arts - Course Description
Drawing . Painting . Sculpture . Collage . Weaving and textiles . Artists and art styles . Art history

Christian Life - Course Description
Introduction to Old and New Testament stories . Holidays . Study of Biblical heroes

Creative Movement - Course Description
Awareness of body movement potential . Varied movement vocabulary . Problem solving through choreographic studies . Class presentation focusing on artist’s work

Environmental Science Lab
Adaptations . Animal and plant basic needs and limiting factors . Season changes in plants and animals . Animal communication & behavior

French - Course Description
Communication . Cultures . Cross-curriculum connections . Comparisons

Library - Course Description
Book selection . Characteristics of books . Library media procedures

Music/Performing Arts - Course Description
Symbolic notation . Rhythm & tonal dictation . Introduction to Orff instruments . Composers

Physical Education - Course Description
Participate successfully in selected health enhancing, lifelong physical activities l Develop & maintain healthy levels of cardiorespiratory and muscular endurance and flexibility

Technology
Use and understanding of desktop programs . Typing . Integrated projects with classroom curriculum

FIELD TRIPS

Detroit Zoo
(Curriculum connection: Science and Environmental Science)

Sterling Heights Nature Center (Curriculum connection: Science)

SPECIAL RESOURCES

Two full-time learning resource specialists to meet individual needs and provide classroom
enrichment

Licensed therapist on staff to help with social interaction

STANDARDIZED TESTING

Gates-MacGinitie Reading Test Fourth Edition - Level 2 (January)
Measures reading achievement in Word Decoding, Word Knowledge, and Comprehension

SPECIAL EXPERIENCES

Grade 2/3 Play
Buddy Program
Intramurals (Soccer, Basketball, Floor Hockey, T-ball)
Monthly Grade 1-8 Chapel Assemblies
Grandparents’/Special Friends’ Day
Halloween Parade
Thanksgiving Assembly
Lower School Christmas Chapel Assembly/Chapel Giving
Special Assemblies & Celebrations
Community Service
Author Visit
Creative Movement Presentation
Field Day
Extracurricular Activities (Chess Club, Yoga, Art Club)

Jennifer Kendall
Early/Lower School Principal
jkendall@gpacademy.org
313-886-1221 ext. 145