Second Grade at a Glance

IB Planners

The IB planners provide students with knowledge and skills to explore the six trans-disciplinary themes.  Each unit has a central idea and lines of inquiry that students will further investigate.  The planners integrate across the curriculum by focusing on social studies and science.

These are the six trans-disciplinary themes along with the 2nd grade Central Ideas:

How We Organize Ourselves: Structures influence the way communities function.

Where We Are in Place and Time: Innovations pave the way to where we are today.

How We Express Ourselves: Creative expression helps deepen our understanding of self and others.

Who We Are: Individuals and experiences can influence our values.

How the World Works: Knowledge of cycles informs decision-making.

Sharing the Planet: Awareness of resource imbalance can lead to action.

Mathematics

Math in Focus® helps students learn the language of math. Through hands-on learning, visualization, and pictorial representations, students' understanding, confidence, and love of math grow.

Problem-solving is at the heart of [our] math curriculum. Leveraging global best practices and research to create a unique approach based on powerful visual models, engaging hands-on activities, and a consistent K–8 pedagogical approach, this solution empowers students to develop critical-thinking skills, positive attitudes, and confidence needed to set the stage for achievement.

Language Arts

The Daily Five is a learning structure that is taught and practiced with the purpose of fostering effective daily literary habits. It includes these components: Read to Self, Read to Someone, Listen to Reading, Work with Words, and Work on Writing.

Read to Self - The goal of this component is independence in reading. Students are taught how to pick books at an appropriate level and create an effective reading environment. Over time students build reading stamina and focus on specific literary strategies.

Read to Someone - The goal of this component is to increase reading involvement and attention to reading. Students take turns reading in pairs on an individually appropriate text.  They are encouraged to listen for accuracy, discuss the story, and share comprehension strategies.

Listen to Reading - The goal of this component is to help the students become better readers by hearing new stories and vocabulary.  Students are taught how to manage the materials needed in this station and follow independent expectations.

Word Study - The students interact with a variety of word parts, patterns, and sorts. Then they work to apply these skills in their written work.

Work on Writing - In writing, students will take their writing pieces through the writing process.  Students will also have many opportunities to write in their draft books, publish stories, and share their work in class.