Second Grade At a Glance Below are a few of the exciting experiences that await your second-grader in Langley’s Lower School: • Small, flexible instruction groups that allow teachers to differentiate their lessons according to each child’s strengths and capabilities • Combined first- and second-grade musical that builds confidence and stage presence The Langley School’s Arc of Development recognizes that the steepest part of a child’s development comes early, and that while every child’s path is unique, there are predictable cognitive, emotional, and social milestones. With this model, our students receive age-appropriate, inquiry-based instruction.
• In-depth study of Native Americans that fosters respect for and understanding of other cultures • Service learning projects that promote a greater awareness of the world • Weekly Lower School assemblies that build community and public-speaking skills
Learning in Action “After planting seeds, second-graders become packaging engineers as they figure out a way to get their plants home safely. They use their knowledge of plant survival needs, their problem-solving skills, and their creativity to design a package that can keep a plant alive and healthy for several days.” -STEAM Teacher “One of the highlights of the year in physical education is preparing for the annual Kickball Friendly in the spring. In addition to kickball skills, students learn about good sportsmanship, allowing everyone, regardless of their skill set, to enjoy the special day.” -P.E. Teacher “The second-grade architectural design lesson is a wonderful balance of both math and art disciplines. After learning about geometric shapes in math, students draw their own architectural designs. They study color theory in Paul Klee’s abstract work, focusing on warm versus cool colors, as they discover new techniques in painting with watercolors.” -Art Teacher
Units of Study: These units of study are examples of how we build age-appropriate, interdisciplinary lessons. The goal is to challenge, expand thinking, and inspire students to act on their curiosity, ask good questions, and solve problems. Social Studies: Immigration Essential Question: Why do people immigrate? Skill/Activity: Investigate an immigration story of personal significance and create a project to present your research Math: Multiplication Essential Question: How can we use concrete and pictorial models to solve multiplication problems? Skill/Activity: Using Excel, create a variety of multiplicative arrays to form a colorful landscape or portrait Language Arts: Fairy Tale Adaptations Essential Question: How does understanding text structure inform one’s writing? Skill/Activity: Compare and contrast a variety of fairy tales and write your own fairy tale STEAM: Properties of Matter: Designing Glue Essential Question: How can you design a mixture for a certain purpose? Skill/Activity: Through trial and error, make the most effective glue by investigating and analyzing the materials with the most desirable properties
Sample Schedule 8:00-8:25 a.m….........…Morning Meeting 8:25-9:25 a.m……...........................Reading 9:25-10:05 a.m……......Physical Education 10:05-10:45 a.m….............…Snack/Recess 10:45-11:30 a.m…….........................Writing 11:30 a.m.-12:10 p.m….........Social Studies 12:10-1:10 p.m……..........…..Recess/Lunch 1:10-2:10 p.m……...........................….Math 2:10-2:50 p.m……................................…Art 2:50-3:00 p.m...................Closing Meeting 3:00 p.m……........................…….Dismissal
What “Specials” Classes Will My Child Have? P.E. (3x/7-day cycle): sportsmanship; ball handling; gross motor development; manipulative and locomotor skills practice; introduction to sports skills Spanish (3x/7-day cycle): oral communication through immersion; cultural exposure; thematic units Art (2x/7-day cycle): elements and principles of design; critical thinking; problem solving; effective use of tools and media; art appreciation; exploration and imagination; collaborative brainstorming Music (2x/7-day cycle): singing (unison and two-part); rhythmic speech; movement; instrumentation; rhythmic notation; improvisation; musical terminology; music appreciation and history Library (1x/7-day cycle): reading for personal enjoyment and academic research; information literacy; selection, evaluation, and use of reliable/relevant resources
Since we believe educational programs should continually evolve to meet the needs of our students, all curricular lessons and schedules referenced here are examples and may change.