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Fine Arts

Mrs. Puckett

Kids' College

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Second Grade Curriculum

Language Arts: At BCES we understand that not all children develop language fluency at the same time or at the same rate. Consequently, the language arts curriculum in our primary grades is organized to meet the unique needs of each student.

Our 1-3 primary grade teachers work collaboratively to deliver reading, writing, and language instruction through multiage literacy focus groups, skills groups, interest groups, whole groups, and reading/writing workshops. Young readers in our multiage program are introduced to and immersed in the reading of literary works that represent a variety of notable children’s authors and genres. Through these works, students identify strategies authors use to capture the reader’s attention, develop the setting/characters/theme, create suspense, and bring the story to a satisfying ending.

Each piece of exemplary literature that is under analysis serves to model ideas and strategies that students can apply to their own process writing. In writing workshop, students experiment with writing a variety of genres for diverse audiences. Each written piece is developed to published form using the steps of the writing process. Self-assessment, peer-assessment, and student/teacher conferencing are means through which students improve and take responsibility for their writing. Students have opportunities to assume progressively more difficult writing challenges as they advance through the writing stages. When ready, students begin to write from different points of view and apply more sophisticated writing styles such as foreshadowing. Reading strategies, vocabulary, phonics, and language skills are taught through mini-lessons using the context of the literature students are reading. Teaching skills in context helps students make meaningful connections between language and their immediate experiences.

In addition to the multiage program, second grade students engage in daily homeroom activities including journal writing, penmanship, dictation, direct spelling and grammar instruction, and daily oral language in which students discuss and edit sentences for correct syntax and semantic meaning.

Mathematics: Math instruction is delivered using the scope and sequence of the Everyday Mathematics program. This program helps students apply mathematics to real world situations and encourages them to become critical thinkers and problem-solvers. The daily problem solving challenges incorporated in this program require the application of basic numeration, measurement, and geometry skills that are presented and reinforced in whole group, small group, partner, and individual activities. Students are required to communicate their understandings in math through writing or speaking. Writing in math then, is used as a tool for clarifying and organizing thinking. The Everyday Mathematics program integrates the use of technology as a learning and thinking tool. (http://everdaymath.uchicago.edu)

Specific second grade math benchmarks include: performs three digit addition and subtraction with regrouping, identifies place value to the thousands place, explores and manipulates 3D and 2D shapes, accurately uses and interprets a ruler, thermometer, scale, clock, and calculator, compares fractions and makes a relationship between fractions/decimals/money, identifies number patterns and deducts number rules, applies the processes of computation, measurement, and geometry to problem-solving, uses an array to diagram the concept of multiplication and division.

Science/Social Studies: Second grade science and social studies are integrated through the theme of SYSTEMS. Students have opportunities to explore SYSTEMS within the human body structure, SYSTEMS in natural communities, and organizational SYSTEMS in the physical world as they relate to science. Second graders are actively involved in creating a classroom learning community in which the world of work and the U.S. economic, democratic, social and judicial SYSTEMS are discovered first-hand. All that is learned about contemporary US communities is then applied to comparative studies of SYSTEMS in historical and multicultural communities.

Throughout our interdisciplinary study of SYSTEMS, children have opportunities to apply writing, reading, language and math strategies/skills. Map skills, graphing, fine arts, and the use of narrative and expository literature, primary/secondary resources, technology and field experiences are integrated into our SYSTEMS studies. Problem solving, inquiry-based learning, simulation and the use of science process skills are emphasized in instructional activities.

Economics: Economic education is based on the precept that every student is part of a greater community. Thus, students gain experience with the basic ideas of producing, consuming, exchanging, investing and specializing within their classroom community. Expanding studies focus on scarcity through human and natural resources, supply and demand, and basic opportunity costs. Hands-on experiences allow children to build understanding within our comprehensive program that builds upon prior knowledge.

Art: The elementary art curriculum centers on the study of the Principles of Design and the Elements of Art, and is supported by our textbook Portfolios by Barrett Kendal Publishing. The students utilize various equipment and media such as graphite and color pencil, watercolor and tempera paint, clay and concrete. Proper techniques for using these mediums are introduced and practiced. Through reading and discussion of our text, students are exposed to the elements of art and principles of design as they apply to the appreciation and criticism of works of art. We also study various artists and artistic movements in the history of art and the importance of art in the cultures of our world.

Library: The Berry College Elementary School Library holds a rich and diverse collection of children's materials, including approximately 6,000 children's books. The library and its staff serve students, teachers, and parents. It supports both the school's curriculum and children's individual interests. Students are encouraged to explore and discover during scheduled class visits and at other times throughout the school day with their teachers' permission. A master storyteller introduces children to a variety of books and stories during their library visits. Members of the library staff provide a comfortable, nurturing environment in which an early love of books is developed and nourished. Here, the imagination of children is captured and stirred, journey freely through new worlds introduced in literature.

Music: The elementary school music curriculum emphasizes the understanding of musical skills such as technique, playing, creating, singing, reading and listening. Students also explore the musical concepts of dynamics, tone color, temp, rhythm, harmony and melody. Learners demonstrate their knowledge of music through performance, listening, and appreciation of a variety of styles of music from different periods and cultures.

Physical Education: The focus of the elementary physical education program is the introduction and exploration of physical education skills and concepts. Physical education emphasizes the total development of the child (i.e. physical, motor, cognitive, social, and emotional development. At the elementary level students are guided through a series of developmentally appropriate experiences and activities that promote a desire to engage in physical activities, create a sense of self worth, encourage cooperation, self control, and lead to choices that promote a healthy life style. Physical education instruction includes vigorous physical activity, diagnosis and learning of neuromuscular skills, information about physical activity and fitness, and time to enjoy the application of skills and knowledge.

Spanish: Our Spanish curriculum fosters an appreciation and enthusiasm for the study of foreign language and culture. Emphasis is on communication which is taught authentically by a native Spanish speaker through songs, games, rhymes, and other activities. Grade specific themes are integrated into Spanish vocabulary study and activities.