Integrated Instruction
Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies are integrated in the second grade curriculum through thematic units. This motivates students to explore not only varied content areas, but many learning processes as they are exposed to an abundance of quality literature. Students are presented with experiences in our own community (field trips, guest speakers, etc.) that connect with the literature. This produces concrete opportunities for students to use their reading and writing skills, as well as their knowledge of the scientific process and social studies concepts. At the same time, each child is making a connection that we hope will foster a genuine concern for his/her community today and inspire him to become an active citizen tomorrow as an adult.
Thematic Studies
Our studies for the year will be planned through seasonal themes. Each teacher will draw from a variety of content areas and select those best suited to the needs and interests of her class. Your child’s second grade experience will begin with a study of himself/herself. Other studies include America, animals, Texas, plants and weather, and the environment. We will draw on local resources to allow students to explore concepts and skills through actual experiences. By exposing them to real-life issues, we hope to encourage them to become involved and informed citizens. These children are our future!
Language Arts
The Saxon Phonics program is a success-oriented program that enables students to develop a solid foundation in phonics, and thus become successful readers. The Saxon lessons build on prior learning. New learning is presented in increments, and each increment is reviewed throughout the year. This provides every student with the exposure he/she needs to achieve success.
Our literature-based approach to reading instruction builds on the foundation that the Saxon lessons provide with the use of a high-quality basal reader and the richness of a variety of other exceptional children’s literature. This allows us to add strong elements of relevance and interest to our students’ reading experiences.
Once a week, the second graders are given a list of words to study at home. Each list contains words that are made of those sounds that have been taught in the Saxon lessons. Language skills are taught through dictation sentences that are given to students each week.
Students engage in daily writing. By responding to the literature they read, their creativity and curiosity are challenged. Students are encouraged to publish stories in the Starkey Publishing Lab. As the year progresses, children are introduced to the writing process, including journal, descriptive, narrative, and how-to writing modes. Gradually, students apply their language arts skills while revising and editing their own stories before they are published.
Mathematics
The Saxon Math program is the core of second grade math instruction at Starkey. Each day begins with a daily class meeting where students practice their mathematics vocabulary as they discuss the events and choices currently important to the children.
Skills are introduced in easy-to-understand increments using a variety of activities and manipulatives. Short daily homework assignments are required. Students are also provided with many opportunities to learn and practice math skills as they investigate the science and social studies skills related to various themes.
Character & Citizenship
Respect for others and self are necessary lifelong skills. These skills are critical components of our students’ growth towards becoming responsible, productive citizens. “Character Counts” teaches the children six pillars of character – trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.
These skills will be taught through modeling and acknowledging the students’ use of them on a daily basis. They will set the parameters of how to perform in a social setting and what to expect from others, not only as children but as adults.
The second grade teachers’ conference time is 1:10 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Please call the school office (257-2210) to schedule a conference.
SECOND GRADE FACULTY
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