Students are assessed in math, reading, and spelling and broken into groups that best meet their learning needs.

MATH

Math Logs: Once a week students work in their math logs to solve word problems. We discuss the techniques and various steps students use to arrive at their answers. The focus is on the process more than the result.

Small Group Instruction: The teacher works with students to introduce new math skills and develop the students’ conceptual thinking. The lessons are as hands on as possible, using manipulatives and group discussion.

Workbooks: Students work independently in their math workbooks at their own pace. The teacher or an aide assists students with questions. The teacher meets regularly with individual students to assess their understanding of the material.

READING

Reading Groups: Groups meet three times per week and receive small group instruction in reading and reading analysis. Students read fiction and nonfiction books that provide enrichment to subjects studied in other areas of the curriculum.

Silent Sustained Reading (SSR): Students are given time in class to read quietly out of a book of their choice. Students engage in reading response activities, which enhance comprehensive and critical thinking skills.

LANGUAGE ARTS

Writing is incorporated into various subject areas (i.e. math, science, reading, social studies, etc.) In addition to cross-curricular writing opportunities, students are instructed in the mechanics of writing through grammar and writing lessons, journal writing, editing practice, and Writer’s Workshop.

Journal Writing: Students have frequent opportunities to write in their interactive journals. This is a special place where they record memories, thoughts, ideas and feelings. During journal writing, the emphasis is not on perfect spelling and punctuation. Instead, students are becoming proficient in expressing themselves on paper.

Grammar: During grammar lessons the students learn the mechanics of writing using a grammar workbook as a guide. Students are given weekly editing skills activities in which they make appropriate corrections to incorrect sentences. The entire class discusses the corrections that were made.

Writer’s Workshop: Students engage in “process writing” three days a week. Students study the steps of the writing process. They pre-write, draft, revise, edit and publish several pieces of personal writing throughout the year. At the beginning of the lesson, the teacher presents a mini-lesson on an aspect of writing that the students will focus on in their writing. The students published work will be displayed at the County Authors Fair.

SPELLING & HANDWRITING

In each spelling group, students receive instruction geared toward their spelling needs. They engage in word pattern sorting activities and games. Students keep a spelling journal in which they record their word studies and discoveries. Students practice the basics of cursive handwriting.

SCIENCE

Students participate in four major science units throughout the year. Each unit allows children to take part in an abundance of hand-on activities, set up experiments using the scientific method, and conduct and present research.

Plants: Students learn the importance of plants in our lives while embarking on an exploration of their parts, functions, needs and life cycles. They also learn how plants are adapted to live in vastly different climates. Our Planets, Our Universe:  This ever-expanding unit begins with a study of our solar system, its components (planets, moons, asteroids, meteoroids, etc.) and their movements. After establishing our solar system’s location in the Milky Way, we continue outward, examining stars, galaxies, comets, black holes, and other exciting phenomena of the known universe along the way. Oceans: Students learn about our local, Monterey Bay ocean habitats; kelp forest, open ocean, rocky shore, sandy shore, and deep sea. We take several field trips including; Monterey Bay Aquarium, Long Marine Laboratory, Natural Bridges Tide Pools, and Save Our Shores beach clean up. Birds: Students learn what separates birds from other vertebrates. They will engage in several activities which help them understand how birds are adapted to live in various ecological niches. We study nests, eggs, and migrations patterns. Each student research and become an expert on a particular local bird.

SOCIAL STUDIES & GEOGRAPHY

Students learn about their own culture as well as other cultures as they study countries around the world. The countries studied depend on the background and interests of each individual class. We look for cultural similarities while gaining an increased awareness and respect for differences. The students learn the continents and countries within our cultural studies. Students work on mapping skills throughout the year.

FOREIGN LANGUAGES

Conversational Spanish is encouraged in an informal environment. Vocabulary and grammar are introduced and then reinforced through conversation, games, and music.

All students have weekly classes in Life Lab, art, drama, music and physical education.

Second Grade Weekly Class Schedule