Villa Maria Elementary

Second Grade

Grade Two contains structured activities in the areas of Language Arts (reading, spelling, grammar), the Sciences (science, social studies, and health), Printing/Cursive Writing, Mathematics and Religion.
During the week, students enjoy Art, Swimming, Physical Education, Library, Music and Computer. There are field trips, guest speakers, cooking, and time spent with fifth grade buddies. There is a mid-afternoon break and recess on a daily basis.



Language Arts
This program is designed to make the student a better reader and communicator through many opportunities for reading, discussion, writing, poetry, creative drama.


Reading
Comprehension strategies, analysis of story elements, literary genres, main idea with supporting details, fantasy vs reality, and vocabulary strategies.


English
Grammar and usage is focused on recognition of correct word order in sentences, of complete and incomplete sentences, kinds of sentences. Writing is done through journals, messages/lists, paragraphs, stories, description, personal narratives.


Spelling
Along with the correct sequence of letters, meaning of the word and its use in a sentence is emphasized. The importance of spelling is integrated into all subject areas.


Handwriting
Students practice and apply manuscript printing in all classes. There is a transition to cursive later in the year.



Mathematics 

The goal is to enjoy math, to make sense of math and to use it in purposeful ways, to view and use math as a tool for reasoning: math is problem solving. Topics include: the base ten system; addition and subtraction facts through 18, addition and subtraction with two and three digit numbers, estimation, identification of fractional parts, time, money, data collection, patterns and mathematical relationships. The use of math manipulatives provides student learning through hands-on materials.



Science

This program includes the major sciences areas of Life science, Earth science, Physical science and Health. The goal of the program is to have students discover science through hands-on experiences.



Social Studies
The theme for Grade Two is neighborhood. The topics covered include the origin of the American people, American leaders, landmarks, natural resources, holidays, and the system of democracy. Skills taught include recognition of neighborhoods in many forms, land forms, continents, rules and laws of communities, a sense of historical time lines, and care of the environment.



Religion
The theme for Grade Two is getting to know Jesus as God’s Son. Students study prayer, the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist, the Mass, and skills for Christian living.



Other
Art, Computer, Gym/Swimming, Library and Music are weekly specials provided by trained personnel.