Literacy:

Literacy concentrates on reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Our focus for the entire year is on the following comprehension strategies: Making Connections, Forming Sensory Images, Asking Questions, Determining Importance, Inferring Ideas, Using Fix-up Strategies, and Synthesizing of Ideas. The speaking and listening portion of our literacy program is observed in part through weekly Oral Language presentations. Each student is responsible for preparing a short speech on the designated topic. Each child works on maintaining eye contact with the sender, facing the sender, refraining from speaking while listening, restating the message, and asking relevant questions.

Math:

Second grade math instruction concentrates on number relationships and measurement. First trimester’s topics are graphing, data, money, and tens and doubles, as well as grouping by 2’s, 5’s, and 10’s. Second trimester’s topics are addition and subtraction situations including regrouping. Third trimester’s topics are subtraction and measurement involving length, weight, capacity, and time. The children will have a daily mini-math and mental math review. Practicing addition and subtraction facts at home is also helpful for most children.

Social Science:

The Houghton Mifflin textbook as well as many trade books will be used as part of our social science program. The first trimester’s theme is Change. The students will learn about how the Naperville area has changed. Our study will include learning about Naperville’s history, government, economics, and the individual beliefs of citizens. The second trimester’s theme is Place. The students will be learning about how does the place affect communities. Australia will be our case study. The third trimester’s theme is Relationships. The students will explore the relationships in a community. Kenya will be our case study.

Science:

Our science units for second grade are Sink and Float, StarLab, and the Life Cycle of the Painted Lady Butterfly.

Health:

In health, we study germs. Guest speakers from Edward Hospital will come to Beebe during this unit. Also, to build self-esteem. each child in second grade will have the opportunity to be the Student of the Week in his/her class.

Homework:

The second grader will be responsible for filling out his/her Read To Succeed calendar each month. The calendars should be used as a record sheet for the amount of time your child reads at home. Reading can be done independently, with a parent or sibling, or a parent can read to the child. Students should read books that are easy. Once in a while a special project may be assigned to be completed at home. Oral Language presentations are to be prepared at home weekly.

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Revised on: Friday, February 24, 2006