Second Grade Curriculum
Bible
The theme for this year’s Biblical Choices is “The God of Freedom.” The first half emphasizes the freedoms we have in Christ and the ways we can serve Him and others. New Testament stories and parables are extended into practical applications. The second half of the year, we follow the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt through the wilderness journey and into the Promised Land. The key points of Exodus through Joshua are highlighted. Second graders memorize and recite weekly Bible verses, books of the Bible, the Ten Commandments, and the Lord’s Prayer. Every week, students attend a school chapel service.
Reading/Phonics
The two reading texts, from Bob Jones University Press, are filled with fiction, non-fiction and poetry selections for enjoyment and development of vocabulary, comprehension, and decoding skills. The accompanying workbooks and resources further reinforce phonics skills. In second grade, we review vowels, blends, digraphs, and diphthongs; we further explore contractions, synonyms, antonyms, prefixes, and suffixes. The classroom is filled with exciting literary opportunities! Books are read aloud, silently, and with partners to promote comprehension, fluency and appreciation of literature.
Writing/English
Writing opportunities are provided for the second graders in many subject areas. From scientific observations to original poetry to informal journaling, they write! In English for Christian Schools, students learn about sentence forms, nouns, verbs, adjectives and punctuation. These skills are then applied to writing sentences paragraphs, stories, and friendly letters. A research report and book reports provide excellent opportunities to “unite” the reading writing speaking, and listening of the Language Arts.
Spelling
ACSI’s Spelling curriculum is used to practice the words in different ways. At the beginning of the week a pre-test is given. They are also given two bonus words. The post-test is given at the end of the week, with spelling words dictated. During the week, students practice using their words in sentences.
Science
“Full Option Science System” (FOSS) – Second graders explore three units of FOSS throughout the school year. “Pebbles, Sand, and Silt” is an exploration of rocks and other earth materials. “Insects” is an exploration on the life cycle, habitat, and needs of insects. “Balance and Motion is an exploration on how things move and work. The students also read about God’s many creations in A Beka Book – Enjoying God’s World Science Reader.
Social Studies
A Beka Book – Our American History/Geography Reader topics include “American our Home,” “The People Who Built America,” and Tomorrow’s America.” Second graders read and discuss current events through God’s World News, and learn of the history behind our holidays throughout the calendar year.
Math
ACSI Purposeful Design – The math focus for second grade includes concepts such as patterns, place value, addition, subtraction, geometry, measurement, time, double-digit addition and subtraction. We touch on fractions, multiplication, and division. We also use ICSP (Individualized Computational Skills Program) once a week, as well as a variety of math games to build numeric thinking skills.
Art
We try to have an organized art lesson once a week. The goal is to provide experience in as many mediums as possible and to promote creativity.