2nd Grade
The mission and focus of Valley Elementary School
In our Valley Community, we are committed to every child’s success.
Valley Elementary Second Grade
Curriculum Highlights
Language Arts: The second grade language arts curriculum focuses on all the various components of a comprehensive literacy program. These include: oral language, phonemic awareness, phonics and spelling, vocabulary, reading fluency, comprehension, and writing. Reading is at the center of second grade and it is linked to all other content areas.
Second graders are rewarded monthly with a reading party for reaching individual reading goals.
Math: The second grade math curriculum provides students with mathematical experiences
in the areas of problem solving, addition, subtraction, geometry, measurement,
fractions, and an introduction of multiplication and division. We strive towards
creating a positive attitude towards mathematics that will continue throughout
their school career and lives. Math concepts are covered through direct
instruction and the use of small groups. Mathematic concepts are reviewed and
practiced through math oriented games and Center
activities.
Social Studies: The second grade social studies curriculum focuses on the students and how they relate to others in their families, classroom, school and community. Social studies concepts and skills will be explored utilizing a literacy based, hands-on approach. Each spring students have the opportunity to run a business during Business Day. Students set up a shop at their desks and are also able to trade their earned classroom money for things other students have made or brought in to sell to their classmates.
Science: The second grade science curriculum focus is on developing an awareness of the world in which we live. Science concepts and skills will be explored utilizing a literacy based, hands-on approach.
Art: Our second grade students explore many different art mediums while creating projects which complement our content learning.
Opportunities for extension of learning: “Catch up and Muster” (ketchup and mustard) time is set aside weekly for second graders to work on concepts and skills through independent practice or in small groups of children with similar learning goals. It is also used as an assessment time in order to gather data and to allow students to finish up missing work. Students are also encouraged to use this time to research and work on projects of their choosing. This is a valuable time for students to take ownership of their learning goals.
Second graders take walking field trips around the school and to the local fire station. We also go on a bus field trip down to The Nature Center yearly.
Remediation Techniques: Second grade students have the opportunity to work in small groups within the classroom. They also work with parent volunteers regularly. This is a chance to practice skills the students are learning in the classroom. When necessary, a student may need to work with a speech or resource teacher and will be pulled out of the classroom for a short time with other children with similar needs.
Other Learning Opportunities:In the spring, second graders present a puppet shows program. The children work in small groups on various puppet play adaptations of storybook favorites then create their own puppet characters. These puppet plays are a community favorite and the children are very creative.
Second Grade is Sensational!
Suggested 2nd Grade Supply List
- 1 pencil box
- 1 set of headphones
- 1 composition notebook
- 2 large boxes of Kleenex
- 4 rolls of paper towels
- 1box ziploc bags, any size
- 1 bottle Elmer's glue
- 4 glue sticks
- 1 pair child safety scissors
- 1 pkg. eraser caps, no large pink erasers
- 10 Ticonderoga plain yellow #2 pencils
- 3 containers of antibacterial wipes