Second grade

Second grade is an exciting year during which students begin to use the skills that they learned in first grade and kindergarten as tools for further discovery. Students work independently and in small and large groups. We emphasize independence, cooperative learning, problem solving and approaching problems from multiple perspectives.

Language Arts
The second grade language arts program concentrates on guiding each girl to develop herself as a reader and writer who has preferences and makes thoughtful decisions. We work in small groups and as a class to support each student's development. During this time, we implement and practice word attack skills and comprehension strategies. We strive to develop confidence and fluency in each student's reading.

The word study component of the language arts curriculum has its foundation in children's developmental spelling stages. We work with the girls to recognize patterns in the English language through dictation, sorting, letter/sound manipulation activities, and games.

The writer's workshop occurs several times a week in second grade. Each girl is encouraged to express her thoughts and ideas through the writer's process. During writing lessons and in literature study, we place special emphasis on the traits of organization, ideas, word choice, sentence fluency, voice, and conventions. Our goal during writer's workshop is for each girl to see herself as a writer who is able to clearly and confidently convey herself through her writing. 

Mathematics
In second grade mathematics, we use the TERC Investigations program.
Second grade math emphasizes problem solving in the following areas. These
areas are explored in whole class and small group activities, guided
practice, and content rich games.

Numbers and Operations
Counting, reading, and writing numbers; place value of whole numbers;
fractions. Fluency with addition and subtraction.

Geometry
Describing, identifying, comparing, and sorting features of two- and
three-dimensional shapes and classifying polygons. Area measurement using
arrays.

Measurement
Using varied tools and methods to measure time, temperature, length, and
weight; exchanging money amounts and using money as a tool for developing
fluency with numbers.

Algebra, Patterns and Functions
Using tables and graphs. Recognizing and extending patterns and sequences.

Data Analysis
Sorting, classifying, representing, and describing data. Designing and
carrying out a data investigation.

Social Studies

People Who Make a Difference: American Experiences
We begin the year establishing a safe and welcoming classroom environment.
Through activities, projects, and discussions the girls will learn about
each other and the different types of families who make up our community.

 We continue with a focus on the inhabitants of North America in 1620. The girls will explore the daily life of the Wamponoag people and their relationship with the Pilgrims.

 Starting in January we will study the Civil Rights Movement in America by examining the motives and influence of the participants.

 Our next unit of study will explore and identify the work of American women who were pioneers in their field. We will learn about their challenges and discuss how they created opportunities for girls and women today.

 Following this, we will explore maps and landforms. The girls will learn to use maps, globes, and compasses.

 We conclude the year by studying the Westward Expansion of America in the 1800s, concentrating on the pioneers, geography of the United States, and native peoples.

 As celebration of their learning during these units, the girls will enjoy a Three Sisters Lunch, Women's Symposium and Tea, and a Pioneer Picnic.

Social Curriculum
The social curriculum is a vital part of the second grade program; it is
instrumental in developing and maintaining a harmonious classroom
community where each girl views herself as a valuable contributing member.
Much of the social curriculum is based on the Responsive Classroom
philosophy. Two components of the curriculum are morning meetings and class meetings. The
purpose of morning meetings is to build a sense of belonging in the
classroom community. Regular morning meetings provide an opportunity for
the students to improve their attention, listening, expression, and
cooperative interaction skills. Our class meetings serve as a forum to
discuss social matters and seek advice for solving problems when they
arise.Through these meetings, the girls strengthen their inter-personal
skills.

Homework
To provide each girl with an opportunity to be successful with the new responsibility of homework, we begin the year with a "soft start". The goal of the beginning phase is to develop routines, responsibility, and some skill practice.

Formal homework begins in the month of January. During this time we estimate students will spend thirty minutes a night on homework.