Second Grade
Curriculum

Listens to and chooses to read different types of materials for pleasure and information.

Selects reading materials at his/her comfort level.

Shows a positive view of self as a reader.

Recognizes Grade 2 sight vocabulary.

Uses phonics, meaning and picture clues to identify unfamiliar words.

Reads orally with fluency and expression and develops ease as a silent reader.

Previews stories.

Uses prior knowledge to make and modify predictions.

Monitors own reading for meaning and self-corrects when something doesn't make sense.

Uses story elements (characters, setting, problem, events, solutions) in story maps and retellings.

Recalls literal meaning and makes valid inferences about the text.

Analyzes, elaborates and responds critically to written works.

Uses writing as a means of exploring ideas encountered in reading.

Writes a fictional narrative that has:

A setting, characters and problem.

A logical sequence of events.

A solution and ending.

Writes an informational selection that has:

A clearly stated topic.

Ideas and facts gathered from personal experience or research.

Supporting details.

A summary.

Uses prewriting strategies such as:

Models of writing and collecting good language.

Clustering and webbing.

Story mapping.

Sensory lists.

Reads own writing and participates in peer/teacher conferences about the writing.  Revises for:

Variety of word choice at beginning of sentences.

Use of descriptive words that expand details.

Concept of noun/verb agreement.

Complete sentences.

Capitalization:  names of people, months, days and first word of sentence.

Use of periods, question marks and exclamation points.

Appropriate use of commas.

Standard spelling of high frequency words and phonetic spelling of less frequently used words.

Masters upper- and lowercase D'Nealian print alphabet.

Is introduced to D'Nealian cursive alphabet in late spring.

Learns and uses problem-solving strategies to explain, write and solve story problems.

Demonstrates calculator skills in computing numbers.

Reads, writes, compares and orders numbers to 100.

Represents numbers less than 100 with regrouping using base ten blocks.

Knows addition and subtraction facts to 18.

Adds and subtracts 1- and 2-digit numbers without regrouping.

Solves problems involving estimating to the nearest 10.

Extends or completes patterns with numbers and sorts a set of objects according to characteristics.

Measures and estimates length using standard units.

Identifies appropriate measurement units for length (inch, foot, meter, centimeter).

Solves problems involving time, elapsed time and calendars.

Tells time to the nearest hour, half-hour and fifteen minutes.

Determines the value of a set of pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters (no more than $1.00 in total).

Matches fractions with pictures of fractions (1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 1/5, 1/6).

Makes and interprets pictographs and bar graphs.

Interprets data from tables and charts.

Develops a sense of own relationship with family and community with an emphasis on West Hartford, Connecticut.

Develops decision-making, problem-solving and interpersonal skills through collaborative groupings.

Develops an awareness of current events.

Uses a map and a grid to explain direction.

Identifies continents, countries of North America, the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the northern and southern hemispheres.

Identifies and defines:  mountains, hills, rivers, plains, lakes and forests.

Develops a sense of personal history.

Develops a sense of U.S. history by studying the lives of famous Americans and national holidays.

Compares and contrasts the similarities/differences between Japan and the United States.

Identifies the basic characteristics of plants (roots, stems, flowers, fruits and seeds) and the role each plays in plant growth.

Describes the life cycle of plants.

Measures and compares changes in growing plants.

Understands and explains the processes of photosynthesis and pollination.

Reptiles and Amphibians

Identifies the basic characteristics which distinguish reptiles and amphibians from other living things.

Describes the basic needs and life cycle of reptiles and amphibians.

Describes the role reptiles and amphibians play in their environment and the features that help them survive.

Recognizes the importance and availability of water as a resource necessary for human, plant and animal life.

Identifies major sources of water in and around the earth.

Recognizes that water can exist as a solid, liquid or gas.

Recognizes that water moves between the earth's surface and atmosphere when heated or cooled as part of the water cycle.

Recognizes that the amount of water we have on earth can never increase.

Recognizes that objects fall to the ground unless supported, and an object is in balance when it does not fall over.

Understands that motion is a change in position over time.

Recognizes that objects move in different ways and the motion of objects can be compared by describing their general direction or type of motion.

Observes, records and communicates changes that occur over time.

Organizes or classifies objects according to their properties or characteristics.

Uses scientific information to make reasonable predictions regarding the outcome of experiments.

Recognizes the variables in an experiment.

Uses scientific tools (magnifiers) to examine objects.

Identifies people to whom the student can talk when there is a problem, and practices communication skills.

Learns about illegal drugs and describes their harmful effects.

Gains knowledge of the dangers associated with electricity, fire and strangers, and practices what to do in an emergency.

Studies the food groups as a way to practice making good food choices.

Explores difference between communicable and non-communicable diseases, and practices measures to prevent the spread of germs.

Learns parts and types of teeth and identifies ways of preventing tooth decay and mouth disorders.

Understands visual art in history and culture:

Romare Beardon (collage)

Paul Klee (abstract)

Claude Monet (color/feelings)

Produces visual expressions, designs and communicates through art.

Drawing:  explores materials and basic techniques.

Painting:  develops skills in two-dimensional media with emphasis on personal expression.

Three-Dimensional Forms:  develops skills in three dimensional media with emphasis on personal expression.

Experiences other mixed media art.

Perceives the qualities of visual art and makes judgments.

Uses grade level appropriate elements and principles of design and the language of art.

Makes informed opinions about visual art.

Creates feelings about works of art.

Sings in tune, clearly, alone and with others.

Sings simple two-part songs, e.g., rhythmic and melodic ostinati.

Performs rhythmic and melodic patterns, alone and with others.

Moves to and keeps a steady pulse while singing.

Reads and writes simple rhythmic and melodic patterns, e.g., half notes; do, re, mi.

Identifies simple form, e.g., repeat.

Listens to music with focused attention.

Responds to music with movement.

Uses terminology in describing music, e.g., repeat, variant.

Identifies ways in which other disciplines are interrelated with music.

Sings songs and plays games that explore cultural diversity, e.g., Japan.

Describes in simple terms the relation of music to history, e.g., Songs of the Underground Railroad.

Improves body and spatial awareness through partner activities and group games.

Develops striking skills appropriate for sports activities.

Develops body management skills such as climbing, hanging, swinging, supporting and balancing.

Combines locomotor and non-locomotor skills with manipulative activities.

Participates in moderate to vigorous activities that promote physical fitness.

Develops interpersonal skills through participation in group activities.