Grade 2 Curriculum Guide

Reading/Language Arts/Writing - Course Description
Second grade students participate in a balanced literacy program through the Rowland Reading Foundation's Superkids program, 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.

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. 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 investigating 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 experience the excitement of applying knowledge and skills to current events.

OUT-Of-CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION (SPECIALS)

Visual Arts - Course Description

Christian Life - Course Description

Creative Arts Movement - Course Description

French - Course Description

Library - Course Description

Music/Performing Arts - Course Description

Physical Education - Course Description

Technology

FIELD TRIPS

Upland Hills
Detroit Zoo
GP North Planetarium
Sterling Heights Nature Center
Henry Ford Hospital

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
Creative Arts Movement Presentation
Field Day
Extracurricular Activities (Chess Club, Yoga, Art Club)
Parents' and Special Friends' Day

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