Philosophy

Second grade is a year of increasing independence for students. Our workshop approach to teaching means that second graders spend most of the day working partnerships, small groups, or independently, and that instruction is differentiated. We spend considerable time developing strong classroom communities and work hard on social and emotional skill development.

Reading & Writing

Teachers conduct ongoing and interim assessments in literacy, sitting side by side and listening to each student read, discussing books, assessing high frequency words and spelling, noting what skills they have and which they need, and looking closely at their writing. Running records help teachers track student progress toward benchmarks and guide instruction. Consistent with the Common Core Standards, we have increased the amount of nonfiction/informational text in both reading and writing. By the end of second grade, children are expected to be able to read with understanding level L books.  Examples of level L books are Cam Jansen books by David Adler; Pee Wee Scouts books by Judy Delton; Horrible Harry books by Suzy Kine; Amelia Bedelia books by Peggy Parish.

Math

In math, we are strongly committed to a concept-based, problem-solving, hands-on approach to mathematics.  We believe children need to be involved in constructing meaning in math, deciding on which strategies to use as they solve complex problems.  We also know that children need to learn and practice basic math facts so that they can calculate quickly and efficiently, and so we do that as well. The Common Core Standards outline end of year expectations in math on each grade, and our pacing calendars are designed with that in mind. We draw on TERC Investigations, Math in Context replacement units, units developed by Metamorphosis, and more, and emphasize differentiating math instruction.

Some of the key end-of-year 2nd grade math benchmarks include:

• Deep understanding of place value to the hundreds –understanding the difference between a digit and the number it represents
• Fluently add and subtract within 20 using mental strategies.  By end of year, know from memory all sums of two one-digit numbers.
• Use addition and subtraction within 100 to solve one and two step word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions.
• Fluently add and subtract within 100 using strategies based on place value, properties of operations, and/or the relationship between addition and subtraction.
• Mentally add 10 or 100 to a given number 100-900 and mentally subtract 10 or 100 from a given number 100-900.
• Can tell and write time in 5 minute intervals
• Solve word problems involving dollar bills, quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies

Social Studies

In Social Studies, students study Early New York—Native Americans and Dutch, and all classes do one contemporary New York study, such as Jazz, Brooklyn Bridge, or Subways. The curriculum incorporates inquiry and engaging trips throughout the year.

Other Activities

All second graders have art, music, science, physical education, library, chess and dance. The day incorporates many opportunities for movement during transitions and recess.

Report Cards

Teachers are always informally assessing students to guide their instruction. Report cards are distributed in November, March and June.

Common Core Standards

For a detailed listing of the Common Core Standards for ELA and Math, please click here.