Second Grade

The second grade program focuses on building independence, while encouraging responsible practices. Strong readers emerge in second grade and writing in all three genres begins to blossom. In addition to the core subjects, all students participate in a theatrical performance, emphasizing teamwork and friendship. These social skills are also developed at other junctures during the day. The ultimate goal of second grade is to prepare responsible citizens for the final year of primary elementary.

Reading and Phonics

In the reading program, instruction takes place through flexible small groups and centers, as well as whole-group discussions. Students are engaged in novel units, as the focus of instruction moves from strengthening decoding skills to introducing more comprehension strategies and exploring different types of literature. Students also continue to build their reading fluency and use of expression. Students continue direct phonics instruction on a daily basis, integrating listening, speaking, reading, and writing words to build a solid foundation for decoding new words and meanings. Vocabulary is enhanced with rich literature and discussions, as well as encouragement to use these words in their writing as well. Students are encouraged to read as a writer and write as a reader.

Writing and Grammar 

Writing and grammar are taught together in a writing workshop style. Emphasis is placed on students’ understanding of plot structure, craft of writing, and elaboration. Students begin to understand that writing is a process, and the separate steps of the writing process are reiterated, to strengthen their writing. Second graders begin the year with a focus on personal narratives, but are exposed to informational as well as opinion and persuasion genres. Grammar is embedded and explicitly taught at the editing and punctuation stage of the writing process. Here, specific lessons help to encourage students to recheck and continually improve their work.

Mathematics

The math program continues to place a strong focus on establishing a basic understanding of the foundation of numbers and critical thinking skills. At the onset of the year, students take a pre-assessment of the coursework and are appropriately placed in a math group that meets their needs. Key concepts are covered as mathematics continues to be taught using whole-group and flexible-ability groups. Using manipulatives and inquiry-based learning, these groups are differentiated to meet the needs of students at all times, and in different concepts. There is an emphasis on creating an independence in thinking as students begin to learn strategies to evaluate their own work for accuracy. There is a continued emphasis on word problems and applying skills to conceptual applications. By talking about numbers, symbols, words, and numbers, students begin making connections across disciplines.

Science

In science, students utilize the Scientific Method as they are challenged to predict, analyze, collect data, and formulate conclusions. Second graders learn about solids and liquids, pebbles, sand, and silt (and their respective properties), as well as plants and insects (butterflies), and more process-based concepts. At all grade levels, FOSS Science encourages students to enjoy cross-curricular projects and connections. A major highlight of the program includes STEAM day, which engages students and their community in the discovery of focused science experiments.

Social Studies

Students start the year with a strong commitment to classroom expectations and what it means to be a friend and part of a classroom community. They then look at power, how it is used, the government’s role in the creation of laws, and the process of how new laws are made. Next, students study the similarities and differences between long-ago, and yesterday. A unit on heroes and their impact on changing society provides an opportunity for students to learn about how just one person can make a big difference. Finally, students discover the differences between urban, rural, and suburban areas on a map, while sharpening their skills with North American geography.