Lower School
Second Grade
Brain science takes center stage at the beginning of second grade. Students start the year by learning about how their brain works, how knowledge is solidified, the importance of practice, problem-solving, and strategies to help their brain with self-regulation and communication. This empowers the scholars to not only understand how learning happens but also how to have positive interactions with peers and others within their community. This unit also provides the perfect segway into our year-long theme of community.
In second grade, we also spend time exploring producers and consumers, people of influence, government institutions and practices, properties, and states of matter, interdependent relationships in ecosystems, and processes that shape the earth. From attending a science lab day at The Tech interactive to exploring the Pinnacles, field trips play a vital role in expanding the learning that is happening in the classroom.
The year concludes with an exciting STEAM week when students spend time in our science lab enjoying all things gooey, sticky, and messy...
Core Curriculum
List of 5 items.
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Language Arts
Second grade language arts encompass advanced phonics concepts, reading comprehension, literary response and analysis, word analysis, fluency, vocabulary development, and writing activities. Students read orally each day, and discussions of their reading emphasize critical thinking and giving meaning to the texts. Students compare and contrast plot, setting, and character, and look at different versions of the same stories from different cultures. As they read, their understanding of punctuation addresses expression and comprehension. Writing exercises include penmanship practice, working toward a transition to cursive in third grade, the use of reference materials, editing and proofreading, journal writing, and learning how to write letters and stories. -
Math
Second graders practice math skills interactively using manipulative materials, drawings, and oral and written language. Concepts taught include patterns, addition & subtraction and place value to three digits, multiplication, division, time, money, measurement, fractions, graphs, and estimation.
Word problems and reasoning are practiced on a daily basis.
Small groups for differentiation, students learn by using hands-on techniques, technology, art, music, and interactive centers for individualized math topics. -
Science
Second graders learn about the interdependence of ecosystems as research the Bengal Tiger Preserve. The students observe and learn about the changes that have occurred over time. Then, through research and experimentation, discover the reasons behind the changes.
Physical science is introduced with an investigation of the properties of liquids, solids, and gasses. In all units, students learn scientific investigation skills including observation, comparison, note-taking, sketching, classifying, and reporting.Our Earth science unit is guided by investigations into landforms, erosion, and the power of water. Students study an ocean-side cliff where the cliff is changing and the man-made structures are getting closer to the edge. During this unit, students will be visiting local landforms to see the effects that the power of water and tides have on our own community.
STEM education includes a unit on recycled boat designing & building as well as a unit on bird houses. -
Spanish
Class instruction is held in Spanish. The focus in lower grades is placed on developing oral communication and conversation skills. Songs, stories, games, poems, and props are used to encourage children to participate actively in speaking the language. T.P.R. (Total Physical Response) Storytelling, a method that permits immediate comprehension of the input as students listen to and mimic the phrases in the target language, is used in grades 1 - 5. Students enact dialogues and readings, focus on conversational skills and expand their knowledge of Hispanic or Francophone countries through poetry, songs, and readings.Second grade Spanish reinforces concepts covered in first grade while placing a greater emphasis on conversational and writing skills. Colors, shapes, and family are among the various vocabulary groups introduced. -
Social Studies
Community is second grade’s year-long theme, with the goal of learning to work together. Students are taught a common language and problem-solving strategies to use to resolve differences. The class also learns about different kinds of communities in the world, practices geography skills using globes, the almanac, and the atlas, and learns about different cultures and holidays. In the final unit of the year - "The Recycled Community” - students use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to construct a model community in the classroom using every day, recycled products.
Fun with Distance Learning!
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Slime Science
Who doesn't like ooey-gooey slime? Or better? Who doesn't like to make it? Our second graders got a special treat - they got together by Zoom, and made slime to finish off their science unit on 'Solids & Liquids' properly with a bang! Follow along, it's sticky, slimy fun!
A Year in Second Grade
List of 8 members.
Specialty Classes
2nd Grade Trip to Pinnacles Monument
All Saints Day School
All Saints Day School, in Carmel, CA, is the only independent, private school on the Monterey Peninsula that focuses solely on educating students in Preschool through Grade 8, and has been doing so, with a reputation for excellence, since 1961.
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
All Saints Day School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, or sex in the administration of its educational and employment policies, admissions policies, financial aid programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
All Saints Day School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, or sex in the administration of its educational and employment policies, admissions policies, financial aid programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.