2nd Grade
They're up for more challenges. And we're right there to push them forward. "Because of our small class size, we're able to offer more personalized instruction to meet our students' particular reading needs. Our second graders can read on a variety of levels through Accelerated Reader and Leveled Readers."
How We Think About Second Graders
Second graders venture from first grade ready to extend beyond the building blocks they have made both academically and socially. Second grade brings more independence and allows the student opportunities to expand upon the fundamental reading and writing skills they learned in first grade.
How We Emphasize and Reinforce Skills in Second Grade
Second grade skills are taught by whole group, small group, and individually as needed. Second graders are able to practice newly learned skills by interacting with their peers in reading groups, Center groups, and math exploration groups. Class discussion is a central part of reinforcing science and social studies skills, as well as hands-on activities inside and outside of the classroom.
How We Use Project-Based Learning in Second Grade
Our second graders are introduced to new skills weekly and are able to apply new concepts and skills while working on projects such as:
- Research in the computer lab and library
- Book reports
- Science lab experiments
In addition, second-graders focus on projects such as a teacher newspaper whereby they will learn to take a project from start to finish. Each student will select a teacher, develop interview questions, conduct an interview and publish the story in a collective newspaper.
How We Differentiate Instruction in Second Grade
Second graders have specific academic needs, and to meet each child's individual needs, ongoing assessment is crucial. Second graders have opportunities to read on a variety of levels through Accelerated Reader and Leveled Readers. Differentiated instruction happens in small groups for reading where students are able to read on their level with a small group of peers, while the teacher is able to personalize instruction to meet their reading needs. Students have opportunities for creative writing where they are able to move at their own pace on topics of their choice while still working through the writing process in both portfolios and journals. In math, skills are taught on a variety of levels so that students may obtain a deep level of understanding and a good grasp of number sense. As skills are introduced to the whole group, there are many opportunities for re-teaching and extending in small groups, as well as daily hands-on math experiences with manipulatives.
How We Develop Character and Social Skills in Second Grade
Second graders are actively involved with each morning's devotion with our chaplain. Good character development is at the center of classroom management, and there are many opportunities in the classroom for students to apply what they have learned in morning devotions and in chapel.
How We Prepare Second Graders for the Next Stage of Their Education
We offer our second graders a variety of challenges throughout the year. Seizing these opportunities helps to ensure that they are prepared for the academic rigor that accompanies third grade.