Confidence and enthusiasm are the watchwords of second grade. Students become more confident in their own skills and are eager to share what they’re learning. This is a pivotal year between the primary and intermediate grades. Children make enormous leaps in understanding and independence.

Second Grade: A Time of Discovery
Second graders are becoming independent learners—taking responsibility for their own work, discovering new interests, and becoming more socially adept and physically skilled. By now, most students are reading picture books fluently and even chapter books. Quality children’s literature and poetry, as well as commercial reading, phonics, spelling, handwriting, and recreational reading programs advance students’ growing proficiency in the language arts.  

Second graders practice manuscript writing and begin cursive handwriting. They practice the mechanics of writing, such as sentence structure and punctuation, by writing frequently for different purposes and audiences including narratives, friendly letters, and reports. They continue to grow as writers using the six traits of effective writing introduced in first grade. Students keep individual writing journals and have many opportunities to publish their work.

Challenges and Connections
Students build on the mathematical concepts introduced in first grade such as time, measurement, patterns, addition and subtraction. New concepts include basic geometry, temperature, money, and graphing. Units in elementary geology, balance and motion, and the rainforest are the highlights of second grade science. In both math and science, a hands-on approach helps students make connections between classroom learning and “real life.”

In social studies, second grade students read and discuss Jesus’ parables, learn geographic concepts and skills, further their understanding of communities, study Native American and other global civilizations, and strengthen their interpersonal skills. They continue to have special art, music, Spanish, and P.E. classes throughout the week and visit the school library.

Throughout the year, second graders continue developing and refining good character traits including honesty, obedience, compassion, cooperation, and positive communication.