Language Arts

Reading Goals:

The goal is for each child to develop a love of reading. Fluency and comprehension are developed through a variety of reading materials and oral discussions. Continuation and use of basic reading skills using phonetic principles are stressed. An appreciation for and mastery in independent reading are fostered through guided reading and the use of trade books. The teachers hold conferences with each student to discuss his/her independent reading.

English
Language Goals:

A great deal of emphasis is placed on the writing process in creating the child’s own stories. Spelling is a weekly and ongoing endeavor, and vocabulary continues to be stressed. Grammar, such as sentence structure, punctuation, and parts of speech, is introduced. Through daily writing and conferences, the child’s awareness and proper use of grammar skills are applied. Continued practice and use of proper handwriting are ongoing with the transition to cursive writing begun by the end of the year. Students become more confident and comfortable speaking the English language by participating in class discussions and conversations.

Texts:

Daily Oral Language
Classroom library books: fiction, science, poetry, biographies
Second Grade Novel Sets
Second Grade Celebrate Reading (Scott Foresman & Co.)

Phonics & Spelling:

Fountas and Pinnel Program

Handwriting:
Writing:

D’Nealian Handwriting Book 2
Write Traits; The 6 Traits of Writing principles and rubrics

Activities:

Beginning the writing process for the child’s own stories and poetry from prewriting to selected published stories
Writing assigned stories on specific topics studied
Journal and reflective writing
Book reports – written and oral, emphasizing beginning, middle, and end
Literature circles
Timed writing prompts
Instruction in compound words, synonyms, antonyms, homophones, similes, and contractions
Listening to story tapes

Students who successfully complete the Grade Two Language Arts program will be able to:

• Use of phonetic skills for decoding and encoding
• Vocabulary development
• Oral reading in texts and other materials for fluency, phrasing, and expression
• Silent reading for comprehension, decoding, and enjoyment
• Comprehension skills, i.e. finding the main idea, predicting, drawing conclusions, sequencing, comparing and contrasting stories, and characters
• Use of glossary and beginning dictionary skills
• Effective use of punctuation such as commas, capital letters, quotation marks and contractions;
• Appreciation of language through listening, reading, writing stories, poetry, plays and oral presentations
• Increased awareness of story elements such as leads and endings, pacing, transition words and expanded word choice
• Use of graphic organizers to brainstorm ideas and organize events during the writing process.