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Second Grade

Second grade is a year of reinforcement of the fundamental skills acquired in the early years. Through a strong phonics emphasis, we focus on strengthening decoding skills as well as building on the comprehension skills that will be needed as students transition from learning to read to reading to learn. 
  • Literacy

    Handwriting-

    Mastery of print is the primary focus of handwriting in second grade. Special attention is given to pencil grip and proper letter formation. Mastering these skills in second grade allows them to transition easily into cursive writing in third grade.

    Reading-
    We pair the McGraw Hill’s Imagine It reading program with additional authentic literature. We use the PAW Six Strategies as a way of maximizing student understanding of reading comprehension. Focus is put on fluency, accuracy, vocabulary, and comprehension. By focusing on these four key components it provides an effective way to instruct and monitor student independent progress.

    Phonics and Spelling-

    Our phonics and spelling program is based on the Orton-Gillingham method. This multi-sensory approach is used throughout the year to build a strong phonics and spelling foundation. Students learn phonetic rules, how to apply them, and how to identify exceptions. Students also learn the process of syllabication in order to read multi-syllabic words accurately.
  • Writing

    Our second graders focus on creative writing throughout the year. We use the Collaborative Classroom, Being a Writer curriculum. They learn the steps of the writing process: brainstorming with graphic organizers, writing rough drafts, editing, and publishing. Students learn how to write a paragraph, letter writing, nonfiction and fiction writing, research and book reports, biographies, poetry, and much more.
  • Grammar

    Students learn grammar and sentence structure through Collaborative Classroom, Being a Writer curriculum. This program teaches parts of speech and explicitly targets grammar skills.
  • Mathematics

    The foundation of our K-4 mathematics program is Math in Focus, a curriculum focused on problem solving through real-world and hands-on experiences. Students are taught to think critically about math by moving from concrete (manipulatives) to pictorial (bar models) to abstract (formulas/algorithms) learning. To achieve mastery, students will learn the “why” behind each mathematical concept before learning the “how”. The ability to apply knowledge to routine as well as non-routine math problems is an integral part of demonstrating mastery of math concepts.

    In second grade, students expand on their knowledge of place value to develop strong number sense as they move to solving more complex problems both mentally and by using standard algorithms. Strategies for solving word problems, time, money, multi-digit addition and subtraction, and single-digit multiplication and division are just a few of the important concepts covered this year.

    Math Facts-

    We believe success in math cannot be achieved without mastery and automaticity of math facts. Therefore, each grade level has its own expectations for math fact mastery guided by Wesleyan’s Math Matters program. Research shows students who are able to recall math facts quickly free up working memory that can then be devoted to higher-level problem solving.
  • Social Studies

    We use My World Interactive social studies curriculum. Our focus is on people. places, and nature including map skills, government, goods and services, heroes and biographies. The most popular activity is Famous American Day. Each student will research a famous American, writes a book report, and dresses up as their famous American at our Living Museum.
  • Photo of Tonya Walden
    Tonya Walden
    2nd Grade Chair, Lead Teacher
    University of Georgia - Bachelor of Science
  • Photo of Juliette Ball
    Juliette Ball
    Lead Teacher, LS Faculty Mentor Coordinator
    Piedmont College - Master of Arts
    Georgia State University - Bachelor of Science
  • Photo of Jennifer Hodges
    Jennifer Hodges
    Teaching Assistant
    Valdosta State University - Bachelor of Business Administration
    Mercer University - Master of Arts
  • Photo of Nikki Hurd
    Nikki Hurd
    Teaching Assistant
  • Photo of Judith Lumpkin
    Judith Lumpkin
    Lead Teacher
    Lincoln Memorial University - Educational Specialist
    Lincoln Memorial University - Master of Education
    University of North Georgia - Bachelor of Science
  • Photo of Sarah Kate Moody
    Sarah Kate Moody
    Math Resource Teacher
    Georgia State University - Master of Science
    Boston College - Bachelor of Arts
  • Photo of Jean Peake
    Jean Peake
    Literacy Specialist
    Auburn University - Bachelor of Arts
  • Photo of Emily Truong
    Emily Truong
    Teaching Assistant
    Valdosta State University - Bachelors of Arts