The goals of reading are comprehension and fluency. Reading skills will be developed and practiced daily. In addition to our reading anthology and workbooks, the reading curriculum will be supplemented periodically with leveled books and chapter books. Students will also complete reading logs at home as part of the reading program. Reading aloud facilitates fluency, and 10-15 minutes a night will be assigned.
The goals for reading include:
- using phonetic skills and context clues to decode words
- improving comprehension of words, sentences, and stories by drawing conclusions, predicting outcomes, and sequencing story events
- previewing reading material and using prior experience and knowledge to gain understanding of reading passages
- building and expanding reading vocabulary
Step Up to Writing
Students will develop and refine their writing and speaking skills each day. An emphasis on paragraph and story writing will be taught throughout the year. Writing will also be integrated with other subjects, such as religion, reading, social studies, and science. Grammar will be taught and reviewed weekly. By the end of second grade the students will be able to:
- write a complete sentence with correct punctuation and capitalization
- write an eight sentence paragraph
- write a letter using correct form
Phonics
Phonics will be one of the tools used to teach and develop decoding skills for reading. Each day phonics practice will be integrated with our reading instruction.
Spelling
We utilize the Sitton Spelling program. It is a researched based program that utilizes High-Frequency Core Words and Priority Words to create the students’ spelling lists. Approximately 150 words will be introduced, practiced, tested, reviewed, and retested throughout the year. Each day there will be opportunities for word study, and spelling strategies will be regularly reviewed. Spelling homework is assigned several times a week. This approach helps students remember spelling words in long-term memory.
Handwriting
Text: Handwriting: Grade 2 by Zaner-Bloser
For the first half of the year, students will learn and practice the Zaner-Bloser manuscript letters. The students will be encouraged to master this manuscript alphabet. In January, the students will be introduced to lowercase and uppercase cursive letters. The students will practice cursive writing for the remainder of the year.
