Academics by Grade

Second grade is a Sacramental year as the children learn about, and begin to understand the true meaning of forgiveness and repentance through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Preparations for First Holy Communion bring them ever closer to the mystery of the perfect love of our brother and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Second grade builds on the responsibility, values, and academics instilled in first grade. Students are challenged with new experiences. Second grade is a very special year of spiritual growth as students prepare for and receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist.

Religion — Students are instructed in the ways of the Catholic faith. Areas of concentration include love and forgiveness, the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, and Eucharist, sin and sorrow, Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, structure of the Mass, and the Church as the New People of God. This is a very special year for Catholic children. The school supports parishes in the education and preparation of students to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. The religious text, Faith First is used to guide instruction.

Language Arts — The Language Arts curriculum integrates reading, phonics, spelling, grammar, and writing. A combination of texts is used for instruction in these areas: Harcourt Trophies, Houghton Mifflin English, and Sadlier Phonics. Students read a variety of genres for comprehension. Vocabulary and word analysis skills are taught to enhance reading fluency. Grammar and mechanics used in written Standard American English are addressed. Students produce original writings including narratives, stories, and instructions.

Social Studies — Social Studies in second grade focuses around the community as it exists in America and in other countries. Students study geographical locations, cultural characteristics, and contributions made by the different communities. Students also study local, state, and federal government identifying the functions of the government and their leaders. Hands-on activities are enhanced with the use of Nystrom learning series and manipulatives, along with Scott Foresman Social Studies, and children’s literature.

Science — The second grade science curriculum is broken down into four main areas of study: life science, physical science, earth science and the human body. The science curriculum contains objectives for knowledge in each category as well as performance of science process and inquiry based discovery and investigation. Scott Foresman text is utilized in Science. Instruction is enhanced through experiments, reports, and field trips. Religious values of respecting life and God’s creation and stewardship are enveloped into lessons where applicable.

Handwriting — The second grade uses the Universal Publishing, Writing Our Catholic Faith text. This series correlates the mechanics of good handwriting by maintaining manuscript skills and teaching cursive with practice inclusive of Catholic terminology.

Math — Second grade uses the Saxon series based on the philosophy of that mathematics should build on prior learning. The instruction progresses at a pace that allows children to develop competence and confidence. Mathematical strands are integrated throughout the year. Mathematical vocabulary, higher order thinking skills references, and extension and enrichment activities are available in each lesson.

Service Projects/Field Trips — As part of an annual Christmas service project, second grade students prepare fruit bags for the needy in our community. A second grade tradition is the celebration of Dinosaur Day, following the study of dinosaurs in the science curriculum. Field trips include a visit to a local grocery store to promote healthy eating, and an in school museum dinosaur experience.