Second Grade
Second Grade Overview
The goal of the second grade curriculum at FRA is to instill in each student an excitement for learning and a positive attitude toward school and the learning process. Our daily schedule provides students with a warm and inviting atmosphere where learning is fun and challenging. Teachers utilize a variety of instructional techniques that allow differentiated learning and social development. Lessons are taught in a variety of ways, ranging from whole-class to small-group to individual instruction. Children are taught in a loving, Christian environment while being provided an interactive, engaging learning experience based on current research and proven educational practices. The children are involved in philanthropic activities that encourage them to care for their communities. Children are also provided with opportunities to showcase their talents in performing arts through leading a devotion for the lower school, a special second grade Christmas program, and performing in the spring musical.
Program Highlights: We provide a variety of meaningful learning experiences that foster each child’s character and academic development. These opportunities lead students along their educational journey.
• Philanthropy Focus: Second grade’s philanthropy focus is on community members with special needs. Students learn how animals are used to help provide assistance to people, as well as participating in a Craft for a Cause through First Steps. Last year, we learned about a special therapy horse named Hershey and met Robert, a service dog used to provide assistance for the blind. During their Valentine’s Day party, students also made sensory bottles that were given to the children at First Steps.
• Second Grade Christmas Program: Each year the second grade puts on a spectacular Christmas program. They grace the audience with acting, singing, and choreographed dance pieces, while telling a special message about this magical season of love and faith. After presenting the program to their parents and the lower school student body, students present the program again at a local retirement center.
• 1:1 iPads: Every student in second grade is provided a school-owned iPad that will support and enhance classroom lessons. This tool allows the students the opportunity for further differentiated learning opportunities, interactive collaboration, and provides a medium for more extensive research of curriculum topics.
Academic Highlights Literacy: • • • • • •
Reading appropriate grade-level texts with accuracy and comprehension Reading fluently with expression Applying a range of reading strategies when drawing meaning from the text Making connections: text-to-self, text-to-text, textto-world Visualizing using mental imagery Using high-frequency words in a variety of contexts
• • • • •
Demonstrating an understanding of lesson vocabulary Applying accurate spelling patterns to writing Writing in complete sentences using capitalization and correct punctuation Focusing on a topic and support writing with details to convey ideas and information clearly Fountas and Pinnell reading program - whole group literary lessons, read alouds, and small group guided reading
Math: • • •
Understanding numbers and meanings of operations and computing fluently Applying and adapting a variety of strategies to solve problems Making sense of measurable attributes of objects using appropriate techniques, tools, and formulas
Science: • •
• • •
Social Studies:
Investigating and studying earth science, life science, • and physical science • Engaging in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) learning activities
2021-22
Identifying and analyzing properties of lines, angles, and geometric shapes Collecting and analyzing data to answer mathematical questions Understanding patterns and utilizing models to represent mathematical situations Obtaining and utilizing map and globe skills Study of beliefs, customs, ceremonies, and traditions of the various cultures represented in the U.S.
Second Grade Program Schedule 7:45 a.m.
Arrival: Students begin arriving in the classroom, unpack their backpacks, and engage in morning work activities.
7:50 a.m.
Devotion: During this special time, students will have the opportunity to share prayer requests and praises. We then read together and discuss a Bible story and verse before closing with prayer time. On Wednesdays, we attend a lower school chapel program led by various FRA staff members and individual classrooms.
8 a.m.
Math: The Math in Focus curriculum uses problem solving to develop deep conceptual understanding. Concepts are taught through a concrete, pictorial, and abstract progression involving real-life, hands-on experiences. The major units of study in second grade are: place value, comparing numbers, patterns, mental math, estimation, addition and subtraction, multiplication and division (0’s thru 5’s), money, time, geometry, fractions, and measurement (customary and metric). Our math time includes a wholegroup anchor task, guided learning through the use of technology and partnership discourse, and differentiated small-group instruction.
8:45 a.m.
Physical Education: All second grade students will participate in P.E. together for 30 minutes daily.
9:15 a.m.
Literacy Block: Students work on developing an enthusiasm for reading as well as skills and strategies that will enrich their enjoyment and understanding of the written text. Students apply these strategies to a variety of literary genres and reading materials. Our mission is to cultivate independence and a strong love for learning. Whole-Group Lesson: Students participate in a whole-group lesson that addresses a literacy strategy or skill. Small Group: Students work with the teacher in a small group. During this time, the teacher provides differentiated instruction that addresses the students’ specific needs as readers. Small groups will feature skill study, literature circles, and readers’ theater. Daily 5 Stations: As the teacher is meeting with small groups, students will be participating in a reading workshop. This program fosters greater independence and daily practice in all major components of literacy: independently reading to self, reading to someone, working on a writing piece, word study, and listening to fluent reading. Individual Conferring: The student and teacher meet together one-on-one to discuss reading or writing.
11:20 a.m.
Lunch
12:00 p.m.
Being a Writer: The Being a Writer program provides a writing process approach to teaching writing that interweaves academic and social/emotional learning. We use authentic children’s literature to create a collaborative classroom environment where teachers facilitate student discussion, provide a model for the respectful exchange of ideas, and help students develop their own voices. Students also participate in grammar lessons to develop their understanding of the written language.
12:30 p.m.
Recess: Second grade students enjoy a common recess time on the playground.
1:15 p.m.
Enrichments: Students attend one of five enrichment classes for 45 minutes each day:
STEM Lab • Guidance • Performing Arts • Visual Arts • Spanish • Media Center
2 p.m.
Science/Social Studies: We use the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) as a guide to our science curriculum. Students explore units in life science, earth science, physical science, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). In social studies, students learn about the world in which they live by learning various map skills, studying landforms, and exploring the seven continents.
2:40 p.m.
Departure: Students gather their belongings and record their homework in their student planners before going to After School Extended Care, an after-school enrichment, or home. 2021-22
4700 Franklin Pike Nashville, TN 37220 FranklinRoadAcademy.com