What to Expect in Second Grade

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Mark 10:14

Classroom Curriculum

BIBLE: Students read the Bible, focusing on Genesis and Exodus, and discuss people and their struggles and triumphs. They memorize multiple Bible verses, practice them frequently, and learn Red Star Scripture passages and recite them from memory.

HISTORY: Our study of history begins with Creation and continues to the fall of Egypt. Teachers use various materials, including the Bible, Story of the World, topical books, and history cards.

READING: Students read novels such as The Courage of Sarah NobleNo Longer a Nobody, and The Drinking Gourd. They also study Little House in the Big WoodsTut’s Mummy and Mummies Unwrapped are read to support the study of Egypt in history. They continue to learn good comprehension strategies and begin to learn critical thinking skills.

LANGUAGE/WRITING: Students review pre-cursive penmanship; learn cursive penmanship; review phonics; practice spelling; learn grammar jingles; write, label, and classify sentences; and continue to use the writing process to develop as writers.

SCIENCE: We focus on God’s creatures with units on animals, dinosaurs and fossils, and bones and muscles. Students practice observation and classification and study solids and liquids.

MATH: Students use concrete and pictorial models to create a set with up to 1,000 objects. They learn to use <, >, and = to compare whole numbers and base-ten models and place-value charts. Students compose and decompose multi-digit numbers and connect geometric concepts with fractions. They add and subtract three-digit numbers with and without regrouping, use mental math strategies, and use bar models to represent multiplication and division.

Enrichment

PERFORMING ARTS: Students are provided the opportunity to explore and showcase their God-given gifts and talents in the areas of music performance, movement, drama, and worship. They are taught fundamental concepts of reading music, music theory, and acting and speaking skills to help them cultivate an appreciation for the arts.

SPANISH: Students learn practical and age-appropriate Spanish. They participate in Spanish prayer and study Spanish-speaking countries and their cultures.

ART: Students study various artists, cultures, and elements of art while exploring different types of media and techniques to create their artwork. Students’ understanding of Egyptian civilization in 2nd grade are enriched through the study of Egyptian art.

STEM: Students integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics through engaging, hands-on projects with a biblical worldview. They learn to be creative problem solvers by exploring the Engineering Design Process. Cooperative and purposeful teamwork helps students listen, improve, and succeed.

TECHNOLOGY: Students learn to be safe digital natives in our technology enrichment classes, and they learn grade-level appropriate computer and keyboarding skills. As they progress through lower school, students learn various aspects of Google Software for Education that help prepare them for middle school and beyond.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION: Students have P.E. each week. They learn the basics of a myriad of sports and engage in activities that promote character and good sportsmanship.

LIBRARY: Students visit the library media center weekly. They are provided lessons to enrich their reading skills and promote a desire for life-long reading and are given time to browse and check out books for independent reading.

CHAPEL: Our vision is to transform new generations of students who use their minds, hearts, hands, and feet to be culture makers for Jesus Christ. We focus on developing winsome Christian character and strong biblical knowledge.

RECESS: Students have recess daily.

Special Events

Special events include Speech Meet, Egyptian Day and An Evening of Truth, Beauty, and Goodness (an annual Hill Country fine arts event).

Students participate in several service projects, including a Baby Shower for Jesus, where gifts are given to the Agape Pregnancy Center, and Easter clean-up, where students do cleaning projects around the school facilities.

Our field studies enrich the curriculum and include visiting the Austin Aquarium and Pioneer Farms.