Grade 2

• Demonstrate competence in addition and subtraction of three-digit numbers with regrouping; apply this knowledge in one- and two-step word problems
• Understand and apply basic concepts of multiplication and division
• Comprehend fractional parts of a whole
• Use bar models as a problem solving tool
• Create, read, and interpret bar graphs and pictographs, and use the information to solve problems
• Use standard and metric measurement tools to measure length, weight, volume, and temperature
• Use analog clock to tell time to five minutes
• Review and practice coin and dollar identification; apply to real life word problems
• Understand and use basic geometric shapes and concepts such as perimeter and area

Reading

• Decode, comprehend, and discuss various genres, emphasizing fluency
• Relate various text ideas to own experiences; text to text, self, and world
• Apply independent reading strategies such as rereading, predicting content, using context clues and asking questions
• In proper sequence, identify the story elements (main idea, character, setting, problem and solution)
• Understand facts and details of a story, identify and analyze genre
• Answer comprehension questions in full, meaningful sentences
• Begin to use the dictionary as a tool for learning new vocabulary

Writing

• Write complete sentences using modifiers and correct punctuation, stressing legibility and letter formation
• Create and construct a short paragraph using a topic sentence, closing sentence, and detail sentences 
• Write a coherent journal entry, explore creation of descriptive poetry, write a biography and a friendly letter
• Create and publish a circle story using the iPad, complete with text and illustrations
• Organize thoughts and express them clearly in written work; utilize graphic organizers
• Use prefixes, suffixes, and other spelling rules to form words correctly
• Form uppercase and lowercase letters in manuscript and cursive

• Investigate plant growth, reproduction and gardening practices in the greenhouse and raised bed gardens
• Develop a system for carefully recording observations
• Practice careful metric measurement 
• Use collected data to form a conclusion in our kitchen chemistry unit
• Study and model the systems of the body and how they work together
• Learn about animal adaptation and develop environmental awareness
• Develop a connection to our natural environment through the ecology, weather, biology and geology in Tower’s woods 

• Understand and use cardinal and intermediate directions (N, S, W, E, NE, etc.), use and understand map symbols and map scale, and create simple maps
• Explore different roles in a community through research and interview; create a model of a community. Understand rural, suburban and urban communities.
• Study the states, capitals, geography, and unique characteristics of all fifty United States
• Explore the Peabody Essex Museum as a community using interview skills, observation, and critique; learn how to observe and critique a specific artifact at the museum
• Study of chocolate: learn about the process of growing cacao, processing it, and the creation of chocolate products

• Communicate using basic conversational skills
• Retell a simple story using learned text
• Learn introductory Spanish vocabulary, including: greetings, polite expressions, weather and calendar, numbers, colors, and family
• Describe the life cycle of a butterfly and butterfly migration in Spanish
• Study unique cultural aspects of Mexico 
• Explore Spanish and Hispanic culture through books, songs, and games

Second grade classes visit the library twice a week. During this time we learn to:

• Gain a deeper understanding of library organization.
• Learn to use the library OPAC to locate books.
• Read and research a variety of people from various backgrounds
• Begin to learn about online resources.
• Develop a love of books and reading.

• Our "Tech Tuesday" lessons include digital citizenship, typing, coding, robotics, video creation, audio creation, and digital drawing.

Students utilize iPads and Chromebooks to support classroom learning in reading (RAZ Kids, Accelerated Reader) and in writing various genre, including poetry, descriptive paragraphs, and narrative stories. Students use specific apps such Book Creator and Drawing Pad to publish books for the annual Author's Tea. In math, students use IXL and various math games to support skill development. In social studies, students use their devices to research the states and use apps such as Stack the States to learn about geography.

• Recognize, demonstrate, notate, and create with the rhythms: half note, whole note, half rest, and whole rest
• Identify notes on the staff starting with Middle C, D, and E and moving to the spaces F, A, C, E
• Identify, sing with accuracy, notate, and create with the melodic notes: do, re, mi, so, and la
• Demonstrate independence and accuracy when singing rounds, partner songs, and more difficult melodies
• Identify form, musical themes, and instruments in classical masterworks

• Become proficient with color mixing and be able to make neutral browns and grays using primary colors
• Strengthen awareness and use of both compositional space and detail in drawings
• Understand and create a realistic composition and an abstract composition
• Become familiar with artists who work in the abstract, such as Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse
• Introduce planning and revising as key components to the creative process
• Plan and create a collaborative art instillation
• Build a unique clay sculpture, using “score and slip” joints, coiling, and pinch pot techniques
• Participate in a community critique using second grade art vocabulary

• Develop proper tool techniques
• Understand when to use different kinds of sandpaper
• Appreciate wood as a building material, artistic medium, and important natural resource

• Perform various locomotor movements with ease while participating in general tag games
• Demonstrate continuance of manipulative skills such as overhand throw, a catch, dribbling a soccer ball, and rolling a ball to a target
• Demonstrate improving non-locomotor skill such as balancing on a balance beam, swinging on ropes, and other gross motor skill
• Begin to use rackets for various balloon, ball, birdie striking games
• Chase and dodge to avoid others in a game situation
• Demonstrate the rules and boundaries expected for participation the gym and on the outdoor field
• Demonstrate an understanding of strategies of large group games
• Work productively with a partner or small group