2nd Grade 

Statement of Philosophy

 

My educational philosophy is to provide a safe, stimulating and accepting environment which fosters an awareness and appreciation of the wonderful gifts God has given us and to have many opportunities to practice Christian values. I will guide students in determining appropriate behaviors and encourage students to make appropriate choices and to be responsible for their decisions. I believe in creating a Christ-like environment that nurtures the “whole child;” mind, body and soul.

 

CLASS MANAGEMENT PLAN

1. Be kind to each other

2. Be a good listener and take turns talking

3. Take good care of our classroom

4. Follow directions

 

POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT FOR APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR​

1. Praise

2. Special privileges

3. Free-choice time

 

 CONSEQUENCES FOR INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR​

1. Verbal warning

2. Loss of privileges

3. Write a behavior plan

4. Parent and Dean of Students Involvement

 

This system is first used to teach the students what is expected. Then it becomes the method for recording and applying consequences for inappropriate behavior and for recognizing and praising appropriate behavior.

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CURRICULUM

 

Religion Curriculum

Grades K-3 religion curriculum will include the use of the book Christ Our Life by Loyola Press.  The Christ Our Life Workbook, includes 5 units with a total of 24 weekly lessons.  Grades 3-8 will use the Pflaum Gospel Weekly series. Students will receive a “pamphlet” type packet that focuses on Catholic faith through the Gospels.  Students participate in daily prayer, school wide Liturgies, service projects and daily experiences in living Christian values. Special Liturgical seasonal activities include Christmas programing, Advent activities, St. Angela study, Lenten projects and Easter season activities. Teaching in the Ursuline tradition will allow the students to grow spiritually and emotionally while learning about God in a safe and supportive environment.

 

Circle of Grace Program

The Circle of Grace Program is designed to teach students personal safety skills that will enable them to take an active and necessary role in protecting themselves from crimes against children. This program strives for a balance that will preserve as much of the innocence and optimism of childhood while making students aware of potentially dangerous people and situations.

 

Science

 The scientific process is a part of the science program for second grade. We will be exploring a selected group of topics as well as seasonal topics of interest and relevant to second graders. We will also use the scholastic Science Spin as part of the Science program.

 

Birds, Insects, Health, Magnets, Light, Food Chains, Pollution, Astronomy, Meteorology, Properties of Matter, and Exploring Magnification.

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Reading

All children work with basic skills in all the language areas. The children are grouped by level and degree of competence and work to progress from their beginning level.

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Reading skills include:

Sequencing story events & other forms of book reports

Vowel sounds

Compound words                                        

Blend and digraphs

Irregular letter/sound combination Author studies           

Increasing reading vocabulary                                 

Exploring the value of reading

Reading for meaning/comprehension questions                 

Contractions

 

Writing

The goal for writing in the second grade is for students to gain competence in written communication using the writing process model and guided writing activities. The writing process includes brainstorming, a first draft, editing, a rewrite, illustrating and sharing. Guided writing gives students prompts and an instructional framework to help them complete a writing task. Students will be practicing these writing skills in journals, story writing and with comprehension questions.

 

Spelling

Spelling will be treated as a life skill. We will be exploring letter/sound combinations and finding successful ways to study and learn words. We will be using a list of words commonly used in children's writing. Each child will have a list of words to take home and practice for a weekly test.

 

Math

e will work together to explore basic number concepts with a focus on geometry, fractions, graphing, patters, estimating and problem solving. Second grade explores addition and subtraction to 18, working with numbers to 100, telling time and money. Our goal is to also experience addition and subtraction with regrouping. Students will also have chapter and unit tests for formal assessment.

 

Social Studies

Social studies is a literature-based trip around the world. We will use the Scholastic New and literature to explore culture and life in our world and in other parts of the world. We will incorporate map reading activities and geographic terms with each new unit.

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Gym

Second graders do not change their clothes for gym class. They will only need a pair of sneakers. Girls will need a pair of shorts to wear under their uniform.