982 Durham Road
Madison, CT 06443 Main Number: (203) 245-6440
Fax: (203) 245-6446
Health Office: (203) 245-6442
Attendance: (203) 245-6442 School Hours: 8:50-3:25
Building Hours: 8:00-4:00
Early Dismissal: 1:00
Grade 2 Curriculum Overview
Below you will find an overview of the Second Grade Curriculum. Please understand that this just an overview… one that hits the highlights. Each teacher customizes their approach and tailors instruction to fit the changing needs of their individual classes.
LANGUAGE ARTS
Our reading program is based on a Reader's Workshop approach. This method includes direct instruction of reading strategies to build student fluency and comprehension. Instruction occurs through both whole group and small group guided-reading experiences that focus on grade-appropriate concepts and skills. Skills typically explored include: story elements, narrative vs. expository reading, conventions of print and written responses to literature. Our goal is to develop a sense of confidence and independence with the reading process for all students and develop an understanding that reading is an integral part of the school day. We integrate reading throughout all areas of the curriculum...i.e. social studies, math, science, and writing.
WRITING
The workshop format continues in the area of writing. The structure of Writer's Workshop typically includes: a mini-lesson, a sustained writing period and a whole group share. During Writer's Workshop, students have the opportunity to explore a variety of genres, including: fiction, non-fiction, memoir, and poetry. The students then pick a "seed" to write about, and are guided through the editing and revision process to final publication.
SPELLING
Our spelling program is the Sitton method. This program teaches spelling through a language-based approach. As the children progress through the grades the Sitton program “grows” with them. In second grade, the children are introduced to a list of 180 “core words” that are used for identifying and practicing strategies and skills, and language-related concepts. These are high-frequency writing words. Of the 180 core words, the first 80 will become “priority words.” These are the “no excuses” words that students are responsible for spelling correctly in their independent, everyday writing. During Writer’s Workshop, the children will be expected to edit these words for accurate spelling.
MATHEMATICS
The “Growing with Mathematics” program is the foundation of our math instruction. It makes wide use of manipulatives, has a strong focus on problem-solving, and links basic math skills & concepts to everyday life experiences. This spiraling program focuses on the following concepts in second grade: addition/subtraction facts through 18, geometry, 2-digit addition/subtraction with and without regrouping, graphing, fractions, probability, place value, time, measurement and money.
SCIENCE & SOCIAL STUDIES
Through a hands-on approach, the children are introduced to the district goals and objectives in the areas of science and social studies. These areas are integrated throughout the curriculum. Topics include: famous Americans; map skills; neighborhood; community; our country; pebbles, soil and silt; new plants; solids and liquids; and nutrition.
