Second Grade Curriculum
Math
We are using a math series entitled Math Expressions in Byron Center. Because this math program teaches math concepts differently than the way you and I learned them, when work comes home, it can be difficult for you and your child to understand. Have no fear! Just know that any method the student uses to get the correct answer is an option, this series just gives many alternatives strategies to solving the same problem. Please let me know if you have any questions if and when they arise.
Reading
We use “Units of Study for Teaching Reading; A Workshop Curriculum” by Lucy Calkins for our reading curriculum. The workshop model uses a mini-lesson, independent reading, conferring, paired reading, and sharing as its primary methodology. Shared Reading and Interactive Read Alouds are also incorporated throughout the year.
Writing
For writing, we use “Units of Study in Opinion, Information, and Narrative Writing; A Common Core Workshop Curriculum” by Lucy Calkins. This program incorporates the same workshop methodology as the reading program.
Word Work
Our Word Work time is set-up as a word study system of learning. Word study provides students with opportunities to investigate and understand the patterns in words. Knowledge of these patterns means that students needn't learn to spell one word at a time. We do Word Work three times a week, for a three-week cycle. New words are given out on Day 1. We cut up our word cards and discuss the patterns that we see and hear. We then spend Day 2-Day 8 doing various activities with these words and word cards to gain a deeper appreciation for the sound and letter patterns in each word. On Day 9, we sort our words a final time and glue stick them into our Word Work Notebooks. We then have a permanent word vault of all the patterns we have practiced over time that we can revisit and use for spelling and reading practice. Word Work is done exclusively in school. You may see practice activities come home at the end of a cycle but those do not need to be returned to school.
Handwriting
Our district uses the Handwriting without Tears program. We will be using the workbook throughout the school year.
Science and Social Studies
We use a program called, “Social Studies Alive” for our social studies curriculum. In science, we are using a new curriculum this year called Mystery Science.
We are using a math series entitled Math Expressions in Byron Center. Because this math program teaches math concepts differently than the way you and I learned them, when work comes home, it can be difficult for you and your child to understand. Have no fear! Just know that any method the student uses to get the correct answer is an option, this series just gives many alternatives strategies to solving the same problem. Please let me know if you have any questions if and when they arise.
Reading
We use “Units of Study for Teaching Reading; A Workshop Curriculum” by Lucy Calkins for our reading curriculum. The workshop model uses a mini-lesson, independent reading, conferring, paired reading, and sharing as its primary methodology. Shared Reading and Interactive Read Alouds are also incorporated throughout the year.
Writing
For writing, we use “Units of Study in Opinion, Information, and Narrative Writing; A Common Core Workshop Curriculum” by Lucy Calkins. This program incorporates the same workshop methodology as the reading program.
Word Work
Our Word Work time is set-up as a word study system of learning. Word study provides students with opportunities to investigate and understand the patterns in words. Knowledge of these patterns means that students needn't learn to spell one word at a time. We do Word Work three times a week, for a three-week cycle. New words are given out on Day 1. We cut up our word cards and discuss the patterns that we see and hear. We then spend Day 2-Day 8 doing various activities with these words and word cards to gain a deeper appreciation for the sound and letter patterns in each word. On Day 9, we sort our words a final time and glue stick them into our Word Work Notebooks. We then have a permanent word vault of all the patterns we have practiced over time that we can revisit and use for spelling and reading practice. Word Work is done exclusively in school. You may see practice activities come home at the end of a cycle but those do not need to be returned to school.
Handwriting
Our district uses the Handwriting without Tears program. We will be using the workbook throughout the school year.
Science and Social Studies
We use a program called, “Social Studies Alive” for our social studies curriculum. In science, we are using a new curriculum this year called Mystery Science.