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 SJCS Curriculum by Grade
SECOND GRADE
Second grade students are excited about school and eager to learn about God’s creation and their relationship to the world around them. This is an important foundational year; one that builds and expands on the basic skills taught in first grade in an exciting, nurturing environment. Students are challenged (at their own pace) to grow academically, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. We accomplish this by exploring God’s world, experiencing Christian community, enjoying individual gifts, and expressing creativity.
Highlights in Second Grade
Animals, Bones and Muscles (Science)
Native American Project (Social Studies)
Field trips
YSI: Alum Rock Park Ohlone Indians
San Francisco Zoo
Campbell Historical Museum
Theater/Plays
Grades 1-2 Musical (every other year)
Thanksgiving Feast
Holiday Centers
Grand Friends Day
Chapels and programs
Biographies, Animal Reports
CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
Bible- God’s Promises. (Christian Schools International)
In second grade we study the Bible--the story of God and his people. Second graders are beginning to realize through the study of God’s plan for his people that they are included in God’s plan. We study creation through the exile and return of the Israelites. We also focus on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus, as well as how we should live as Christians. We begin to learn how to apply Biblical truths to our lives through example, drama, storytelling, projects, role-playing, and memory verses.
Math- Math 3--An Incremental Development. (Saxon)
Second grade students learn through a step-by-step (incremental) study of math skills to understand the order in God’s creation. The goal of the curriculum is to enable each student to develop a solid foundation in the language and basic concepts of all areas of mathematics. These concepts include addition, subtraction, multiplication, geometry, fractions, money, graphing, and measurements. Students learn these concepts through discussion, group work, manipulatives, daily class work and homework, number fact practice, computer activities, and assessments.
Reading- Reading California: Adventures, Delights (Houghton Mifflin)
Our reading program is a wonderful introduction to God’s creativity in nature and his humanity through quality children’s literature. Through each story students are taught vocabulary and high frequency words, as well as phonics and comprehension skills. Students also practice the skills of basic listening, speaking, and studying techniques.
Language Arts: Writing/Grammar - Reading California: Adventures, Delights (Houghton Mifflin), D’Nealian Handwriting 2. (Scott Foresman)
Our language program is integrated with reading in order to develop writing and grammar skills. Students are given many opportunities for creative writing, including journaling, poetry, and publishing their own books. The study of the writing process and basic grammar enables students to improve the quality of their writing. Also, in second grade students begin to learn D’Nealian handwriting. The D’Nealian curriculum begins with printing letters and words to prepare students to learn cursive writing half way through the year.
Spelling - Reading California: Adventures, Delights. (Houghton Mifflin). Rebecca Sitton Spelling. (Sitton)
In second grade, students continue to build phonemic skills to help them become strong in spelling. They review concepts such as vowel sounds and patterns, spelling rules, digraphs and combinations, suffixes, prefixes, diphthongs, and multi- syllabic words. Students learn these skills through guided daily class work, weekly spelling lists, and quality literature. Word skills are practiced through Sitton resources, including weekly homework.
Social Studies- Making a Difference. (Harcourt Brace)
The main theme of our social studies curriculum is “making a difference.” We begin to learn about responsible stewardship of God’s creation, how to relate to and appreciate the diversity of God’s people, and how our actions can make a difference for God’s kingdom. The main topics include home and neighborhood, community services, cultural celebrations, map skills, community changes, freedom, and basic geography. Highlights include, drama activities, field trips and posters.
Health/Science- Science. (CSI) / Healthy Living: Healthy and Growing (CSI)
It is our aim that each child is filled with awe at God’s marvelous creation throughout the year. Main topics of discovery include animals, states of matter, buoyancy, bones and muscles. Students learn the basic science skills of observation, classifying, discussion, and forming hypotheses. We have fun experiencing creation through exciting integrated units, hands-on group work, field trips, art projects, stories, and individual projects.
The second grade Health program leads students to honor God by taking responsibility for their health. It addresses mental, emotional, social, spiritual, and physical topics. They learn how to appreciate and care for their bodies by exercising regularly and developing safe habits. Second grade students learn about themselves emotionally and socially and how they relate to their families and communities. Students learn about what a healthy relationship looks like through books, class discussions, activities and drama.
Computers- Techworks Level 2. (Teacher Created Materials)
Second graders expand their word processing skills and graphic art skills using the computer. Writing stories and practicing spelling words are two examples of how computers are integrated into the normal academic curriculum.
Music- The Music Connection. (Silver Burdett Ginn)
Second grade Music builds on the foundation of first grade Music. The building blocks of music increase in complexity and difficulty. Second grade students practice reading rhythms and pitches, singing worship songs and solfege (do-re-mi . . .), recognizing instruments, and listening. Special study is given to Beethoven and Saint-Saens. Throughout the year students experience music as a gift from God for us to enjoy and use for His glory.
Art- Art Fun. (F&W Publication)
Second grade art builds on the foundation of first grade art. Students mature in their artistic development by studying the principles and elements of art including color awareness, painting, collage, printmaking, ceramics, art history, and beginning art vocabulary. Students continue to develop an awareness through this curriculum that God is the ultimate artist as seen through his creation.
Physical Education- Physical Education K-2. (CSI).
Physical Education in second grade stresses the integration of fundamental skills and participation in regular exercise. Students are required to actively participate in the Presidential Fitness Test. Manipulative skill development, manipulative skill integration (running, throwing, hitting, and catching), and motor ability development are elements of team activities. Students are asked to practice integrity through sharing, caring for others, and playing fairly. |