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Holy Spirit Second Grade

Philosophy: The overall emphasis in Holy Spirit’s second grade is the application of the students’ maturing academic skills to enhance their critical thinking and problem solving abilities. With a continued emphasis on the core curriculum of Reading, Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies, the second grade year is a very important year for the religious development of the children as well. The children are introduced to Fine Arts as they explore new perspectives. In addition to these areas of study, the students are taught Music and P.E. as well. The following are the areas of study for the second grade year at Holy Spirit:

The Literacy curriculum focuses on increasing reading vocabulary, fluency and comprehension, and developing basic writing competence through a modified Patricia Cunningham “Four Block” modeled approach: guided reading, independent reading, working with words (phonics) and writing. For reading, areas of instruction include interpreting main ideas (elements) of a story, prediction and sequencing, understanding problems and solutions, detailing settings, and identification of main and subordinate characters. Students learn to distinguish between fiction and non-fiction texts, and are introduced to point of view, story comparison, and character relationships, as well as a heavy concentration on comprehension. Numerous opportunities for the children to participate in extended reading are promoted, including the Accelerated Reader program, Pizza Hut “Book-It” and a Spring Reading Challenge. Children learn how to read in first grade, now they transition into reading to learn.

Writing is taught as a basic and vital form of expression and communication. Beginning skills are developed into proper sentence structure and basic writing formats, with students focusing on spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar, and handwriting (the D’Nealian method). They learn a structured sequencing process, beginning paragraphing, friendly letter format, simple story writing, various poetry options, and editing skills. The second graders are assigned research projects, in conjunction with the science curriculum, which promote non-fiction writing skills. When possible, the students participate in a pen pal program in cooperation with ISU student interns or local peer classrooms. This initiative helps reinforce essential life long letter writing skills and general correspondence techniques. Yearly writing endeavors include the Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest and the Young Author’s Conference.

Students strengthen their Math skills in basic addition and subtraction facts, and are introduced to simple fractions, early multiplication and division, basic algebra and geometry. Skills are honed using interactive programs provided on the computers, or with hands-on manipulatives and concept specific games. Double and triple digit addition with regrouping (borrowing) as well as subtraction regrouping (borrowing) is introduced and practiced. Emphasis throughout the year includes patterning, place value, mental math and problem solving strategies, as well as learning how to create and interpret a variety of graphs and tables. Students reinforce time skills (hour, half hour, quarter hour, elapsed time), money skills (recognizing, understanding and manipulating money combinations), and standard linear and liquid measurement skills.

The areas of study in the second grade Science curriculum include learning about interactions between living and nonliving things, prehistoric timelines, matter, energy, nutrition and related seasonal science. Hands-on learning is stressed through interactive projects and simple chemistry experiments. Students complete two research presentations that include a written report with complimentary artifacts or posters, and a diorama. Internet usage and complimentary websites are encouraged.

The Social Science curriculum emphasizes neighborhoods and communities. The students study safety awareness, map reading, basic global geography, and significant holidays. Related field trips to enhance the curriculum include tours of the police station and city council, TV news studio, museum, library, veteran’s center, and recycling center. Outreach programs from Idaho Power and the zoo are included as well.

Fine Arts are designed to give the children an appreciation of all kinds of art forms. Students participate in various art contests, the Passion Play, Poetry Wall, and the Cre-Act Speech Festival.

In Religious Education, the focal points are the study, understanding and celebration of the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist, so very important to our faith. The children expand their comprehension of the Mass liturgy, as well as several basic tenants of the Catholic Church. They participate in the preparation of school Masses, Stations of the Cross, and other parish events.