Language Arts
In the Second Grade, language arts skills are refined through speaking, listening and writing.The girls are exposed to a variety of genres of literature to increase comprehension and fluency.Phonics rules are practiced as a means of decoding and encoding.Written work emphasizes literal and inferential comprehension in response to questions about test.
Writing Workshop allows the girls to write thoughtful and well-organized compositions.Additionally, the girls regularly write in their reader response journals.Rules for nouns, verbs and adjectives are introduced as part of the spelling program.Correct grammar, punctuation and writing mechanics are practiced throughout the curriculum.Proper formation of lower case cursive letters is introduced through practice in the second half of the year.
Mathematics
Students explore many topics at more complex levels:numeration and place value, number and operation sense, estimation, patterns and functions, geometry, time, money, measurement, fractional relationships, and data collection, analysis and graphing.They also broaden their knowledge of problem solving through the use of various models and strategies, develop algorithms for addition and subtraction, and explore multiplication and division concepts.Manipulative materials, tools, and games provide a concrete experience base.
Social Studies
In Social Studies, the girls explore a variety of cultures and their environment. Each girl has the opportunity to research a holiday from a culture around the world and present her findings to the class.The girls come to realize the impact environment has on shaping societal customs and lifestyles.They explore the Native American regions throughout the United States, with a special emphasis on the natural environment as the determining factor of culture (food, shelter, division of labor, clothing and recreation). During the winter months they follow the Alaskan Iditarod Race. Literature and writing workshop incorporates these themes. In the spring the Second Grade does a presentation highlighting Native American folk tales. This is a culmination of their comprehensive unit of study.
Foreign Languages
Second graders have weekly language lessons with our foreign lanugate teachers, starting with Mandarin in the fall and French in the winter. These early language experiences are integrated into Baldwin’s rich and vibrant Social Studies curriculum; hence, homeroom teachers work together with our foreign language teachers to implement the activities.
Art
The second graders begin to look at and appreciate art of historic and cultural significance while making products in response to their observations.They explore the arts and crafts of the Native Americans, at the same time expanding their knowledge of two-dimensional and three-dimensional materials and techniques.The students strengthen their cooperative learning skills and have the opportunity to design and then paint on a large scale, working as a team to create scenery for a class play.They use their imagination to create works of art that enhance concepts and themes influenced by their studies in Science and/or in Social Studies.
Music
Students learn melodic and rhythmic skills through clapping and singing exercises, playing instruments, and creative and listening activities.Part-singing, through rounds and partner songs, are a major focus, as well as learning to sing with proper technique in a choral group.Music reading and writing continues with more sophisticated rhythmic and melodic patterns.Multicultural activities in include a special unit on Native American music, correlated with Social Studies.Each child is given an opportunity to take a leadership role and express her individuality.Students work cooperatively in various musical performances throughout the year.
Science
Grade II students learn that all organisms grow, reproduce and use energy by studying different types of animals and their habitats. This part of the grade’s natural study helps them to look at the characteristics and needs of living things. They learn about endangered animals and why they are at risk through online and text research. Students investigate the properties of matter through air and water experiments, and explore the physical science principles of force and motion, magnetism, and light by using different materials. Active investigations and questioning are hallmarks of grade II science. Some grade II topics are: aquatic and terrestrial habitats, endangered species, levers and ramps, air, mixtures, and birds.
Physical Education
Activities include the introduction and development of movement concepts, motor skills, station work, and cooperative games.Presidential and National Physical Fitness testing is administered three times a year.The results are used to help improve the girls’ fitness levels. Girls work to refine movement and motor patterns to be used and practiced in games and specific sports. Skill practices are provided in throwing, catching, striking, dribbling with objects of a variety of sizes.In weekly swim lessons, girls continue to develop and refine freestyle and backstroke techniques. Skill work based on the Red Cross Program is introduced to girls as they demonstrate readiness.Enjoyment of the water continues to be a goal.