Curriculum Grade 2
Integrated Language Arts - The Grade 2 Reading and English program promotes effective oral and written communication. The program is based on the writing process with all grammar, usage, mechanics, and spelling skills introduced, practiced and reviewed in the context of writing. Writing skills are taught through writing workshops and conferences. Reinforcement is provided through pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing activities. Oral language and listening skills are developed through daily formal and informal speaking opportunities. Manuscript (printing) skills are reinforced with an emphasis on legibility and consistency of letter formation and spacing. Students begin the transition to cursive.
Math - Second graders build upon basic math concepts using a combination of manipulative and mental processes. Key areas of study include numeration through 999, addition and subtraction with inverse and regrouping, use of inequalities (<, >), ordinal numeration through 20th, basic multiplication, measurement, time to the quarter hour, money, estimation, polygons, perimeter, and fractions (1/3, 1/8, 1/10). Thinking skills are further developed through mental arithmetic, making change, visualization, record keeping, data collection, and graphing.
Science - In science, special emphasis is placed on the research process in all grades. This includes making decisions about the generation and testing of ideas; prediction, measurement, data collection and representation; evaluation of sources of information; collaborative investigation; interpretation and communication of findings; evaluation and verification of findings and considerations relating to the social context of research. Second graders repeat observations to verify ideas and to explain unexpected findings. Metric as well as standard units of measure are utilized. Physical models are built to enhance understanding.
Social Studies - Second grade will continue to develop map skills by locating the equator, the seven continents, and the four oceans on maps and globes. The student will demonstrate map skills by constructing simple maps, using title, map legend and compass rose. The students will recognize that the U.S. is a land of people who have diverse ethnic origins, customs, and traditions, who make contributions to their communities, and who are united as Americans by common principles. They will investigate the influence of Native Americans .Powhatan, Sioux, Pueblo on American ideas. Students explore basic economics as they think about how we earn, spend, and save money. They will also grow in their understanding of how we are citizens of our country, citizens of our global community, and how all citizens must work together to accomplish goals.
Spanish- Exploratory Spanish for second grade students is designed to explore the language and culture of Spain and American Latin countries. Students learn Spanish vocabulary in various units through a traditional classroom setting. Students become aware of the Spanish culture through exploring Spanish customs and Spanish celebrations by participating in classroom games and activities.
Art- A yearlong study of the elements of art builds on their base knowledge from kindergarten and first grade. Students will experiment with many different types of mediums such as clay, paint, pencil, oil pastels, and wire. Students will further gain knowledge of different artists and artistic styles.
Computer- Students use up-to-date technology in all aspects of the academic program at all grade levels. Computers are used to reinforce and enrich skills in math, geography, science and language arts. Problem solving and logical thought skills are reinforced through the use of appropriate software. Word processing, graphic and desktop publishing programs are used to design and publish documents.
Library- At Ryan Academy all students visit the library weekly for selection of books for course work and independent reading. They learn library organization, proper care of books, and age-appropriate library skills.
Physical Education-The students will demonstrate an understanding of movement that fosters cooperation and sportsmanship. The students will be encouraged to give their best effort at all times.
Independent Project- At Ryan Academy all students grade 1 and up follow the steps to complete a research paper. They formulate an outline; find materials both print and electronic, complete note cards, a rough draft and a final copy. For the Independent Project, you should choose something you have not researched before. The project contains three parts.
1. Written Report (50%)The written report will include: a Title page, an Introduction, Answers to the Project Questions, a Conclusion, and a Reference Page.
2. Creative/Artistic Component (30%)This is your opportunity to create an artistic piece, which supports your project. The possibilities for this component are endless. Some suggestions are: a play, poetry, a hand-constructed model, a painting, or drawings. A minimum of 3 hours of work is needed to create & refine a quality piece of work. This piece should be fun to do! It should help us to see how important this topic is to you. It is NOT a visual aide such as a poster or power point presentation.
3. Share & Teach: Oral Presentation with Visual Aide (20%) Each student will present their findings to the class. Care should be given to construct a presentation that is interesting and teaches other students about your topic. INVOLVING the class in your presentation is a good way to ensure they are learning. A visual aide, such as a poster or power point presentation, is required.
Integrated Language Arts - The Grade 2 Reading and English program promotes effective oral and written communication. The program is based on the writing process with all grammar, usage, mechanics, and spelling skills introduced, practiced and reviewed in the context of writing. Writing skills are taught through writing workshops and conferences. Reinforcement is provided through pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing activities. Oral language and listening skills are developed through daily formal and informal speaking opportunities. Manuscript (printing) skills are reinforced with an emphasis on legibility and consistency of letter formation and spacing. Students begin the transition to cursive.
Math - Second graders build upon basic math concepts using a combination of manipulative and mental processes. Key areas of study include numeration through 999, addition and subtraction with inverse and regrouping, use of inequalities (<, >), ordinal numeration through 20th, basic multiplication, measurement, time to the quarter hour, money, estimation, polygons, perimeter, and fractions (1/3, 1/8, 1/10). Thinking skills are further developed through mental arithmetic, making change, visualization, record keeping, data collection, and graphing.
Science - In science, special emphasis is placed on the research process in all grades. This includes making decisions about the generation and testing of ideas; prediction, measurement, data collection and representation; evaluation of sources of information; collaborative investigation; interpretation and communication of findings; evaluation and verification of findings and considerations relating to the social context of research. Second graders repeat observations to verify ideas and to explain unexpected findings. Metric as well as standard units of measure are utilized. Physical models are built to enhance understanding.
Social Studies - Second grade will continue to develop map skills by locating the equator, the seven continents, and the four oceans on maps and globes. The student will demonstrate map skills by constructing simple maps, using title, map legend and compass rose. The students will recognize that the U.S. is a land of people who have diverse ethnic origins, customs, and traditions, who make contributions to their communities, and who are united as Americans by common principles. They will investigate the influence of Native Americans .Powhatan, Sioux, Pueblo on American ideas. Students explore basic economics as they think about how we earn, spend, and save money. They will also grow in their understanding of how we are citizens of our country, citizens of our global community, and how all citizens must work together to accomplish goals.
Spanish- Exploratory Spanish for second grade students is designed to explore the language and culture of Spain and American Latin countries. Students learn Spanish vocabulary in various units through a traditional classroom setting. Students become aware of the Spanish culture through exploring Spanish customs and Spanish celebrations by participating in classroom games and activities.
Art- A yearlong study of the elements of art builds on their base knowledge from kindergarten and first grade. Students will experiment with many different types of mediums such as clay, paint, pencil, oil pastels, and wire. Students will further gain knowledge of different artists and artistic styles.
Computer- Students use up-to-date technology in all aspects of the academic program at all grade levels. Computers are used to reinforce and enrich skills in math, geography, science and language arts. Problem solving and logical thought skills are reinforced through the use of appropriate software. Word processing, graphic and desktop publishing programs are used to design and publish documents.
Library- At Ryan Academy all students visit the library weekly for selection of books for course work and independent reading. They learn library organization, proper care of books, and age-appropriate library skills.
Physical Education-The students will demonstrate an understanding of movement that fosters cooperation and sportsmanship. The students will be encouraged to give their best effort at all times.
Independent Project- At Ryan Academy all students grade 1 and up follow the steps to complete a research paper. They formulate an outline; find materials both print and electronic, complete note cards, a rough draft and a final copy. For the Independent Project, you should choose something you have not researched before. The project contains three parts.
1. Written Report (50%)The written report will include: a Title page, an Introduction, Answers to the Project Questions, a Conclusion, and a Reference Page.
2. Creative/Artistic Component (30%)This is your opportunity to create an artistic piece, which supports your project. The possibilities for this component are endless. Some suggestions are: a play, poetry, a hand-constructed model, a painting, or drawings. A minimum of 3 hours of work is needed to create & refine a quality piece of work. This piece should be fun to do! It should help us to see how important this topic is to you. It is NOT a visual aide such as a poster or power point presentation.
3. Share & Teach: Oral Presentation with Visual Aide (20%) Each student will present their findings to the class. Care should be given to construct a presentation that is interesting and teaches other students about your topic. INVOLVING the class in your presentation is a good way to ensure they are learning. A visual aide, such as a poster or power point presentation, is required.
