Second Grade

Language Arts

Language arts is part of an integrated and interdisciplinary curriculum at Browne Academy. In second grade, language arts includes reading, phonics, grammar, handwriting and literature. Objectives of the language arts program include developing independent reading skills as a tool for learning in all areas, exposure to all genres of literature, encouraging reading as a lifelong habit, understanding and learning phonics and spelling rules and applying them when reading and writing. Emphasis is placed on legible writing, complete sentence construction and the use of correct capitalization and punctuation. Much of each second grade day is spent strengthening language arts skills through oral expression, writing and reading. Children are expected to write, edit, and revise their work every day. Oral reports in many areas of the curriculum are required as well. The classroom is a print-rich environment to help reinforce sound/letter connection and word recognition. High frequency words in spelling are the most commonly used words in writing. Students are accountable for these words in all written assignments including paragraph writing, expository writing and creative writing. The handwriting program is used to continue to foster correct formation, spacing, and size of letters in printed writing. Cursive writing is introduced in the second semester. Instruction takes the form of whole class learning, group learning and individualized instruction. In addition to the language arts instructional time spent in the classroom, the students also have a weekly scheduled library visit, and may utilize the Library on other occasions, as necessary. In addition to Browne’s Library, each classroom has its own library through which books are circulated. The language arts program is also enriched with the use of computers as authoring tools and for research.

Mathematics

The mathematics program is designed to give second grade students opportunities to discover concepts and to apply and extend skills. This program is individualized to the extent that each child is challenged within the parameters of the concept he or she is studying. One of the main goals of the math program throughout Browne is that children realize the practical, everyday applications of math. The second grade math program begins to expand from the concrete concepts of basic math to the more transitional and abstract stages of thinking. The math objectives in second grade include: mastering number facts (addition and subtraction); beginning multiplication; continuing work with time, fractions, measurement, and geometric shapes; and developing the ability to use a variety of strategies in problem solving. The mathematics curriculum is enriched with the use of integrated computer software.

Science

The second grade science curriculum at Browne Academy is an inquiry-based, hands-on program that encourages curiosity and promotes critical thinking. Browne is located on an eleven-acre wooded campus traversed by a tributary of the Chesapeake watershed. The campus’s diverse natural habitats provide excellent opportunities for environmental education, plant classification and water ecology. The sciences are taught to second grade students through small group activities, group discussion, field trips, experimentation, and written and oral reports. Students develop their five senses as they make observations, classify objects and investigate their environment. Second grade students learn about resources and uses of energy, air and its composition, patterns and factors of weather, concepts related to water in all its forms, insects, endangered species and plants. Throughout the school year Browne’s young scientists continue to work on developing an understanding of the scientific method and how science influences the way they live.

Social Studies

The Social Studies curriculum in second grade focuses on neighborhoods and communities, and stresses history, geography, economics, citizenship and the humanities with lessons about countries in Asia and Africa integrated into the units for easy comparison. Guest speakers, field trips, posters, weekly copies of Time For Kids magazine, and written and oral reports are used by the students in addition to classroom study for a greater understanding of the world around them. Citizenship and community service are emphasized throughout Browne Academy regardless of age or grade.

Technology

Second grade Technology classes introduce Browne students to the computer and teach them to use equipment properly, while learning how a computer can help them academically. Students attend class once a week in the Computer Lab. Basic skills are developed by creating projects in conjunction with other curricula. The objectives of the second grade program are to introduce ‘home-key’ keyboarding using Type to Learn, New Keys for Kids, master technical vocabulary, and to create one-page documents with Microsoft Word, Paint, Publisher and HyperStudio in order to expand on lessons learned in first grade and to master basic skills.

French

The goals of the French program in second grade are to enter the French language and culture deeper and to increase their knowledge for cultural diversity. Students continue to expand their French vocabulary, which is taught through the use of constructive projects, field trips, games, movies and books. Vocabulary and grammar are more sophisticated in preparation for the third grade curriculum at Browne Academy. The students learn to count and to compute basic arithmetic in French. They learn the vocabulary for colors, numbers, weather, seasons, directions and other beginning language skills. The class also explores aspects of French culture such as what a typical child’s life in France is like.

Art

The art program for second grade focuses on reflecting upon their own experiences and surroundings while incorporating these ideas into works of art. The art elements and principles of design will be examined to emphasize secondary and neutral colors, outlining, ordered patterns and three-dimensional shapes like the sphere, cube, cylinder, cone and pyramid. Students have the opportunity to produce a painting using secondary and neutral colors, create a print by inking a textured surface, construct a clay piece by pinching and pulling, thread a needle, create a resist painting and draw from direct observation.

Music

The second grade music curriculum concentrates on rhythmic notation and proper musical terminology. The students start the year by learning the Italian musical terms for Loud - Forte, Soft - Piano, to get gradually louder - Crescendo, and to get gradually softer - Decrescendo. They also learn the correct terminology for tempo markings. For example, Andante - a walking tempo speed. Later in the year, the students are engaged in activities that help them better understand note and rest values. Rhythm games and songs are implemented to reinforce the concept. During the People Unit on Africa and Asia, the students are introduced to a variety of musical customs and traditions from these two continents.

Physical Education

The Browne Academy physical education curriculum is committed to providing students with a comprehensive, challenging and enjoyable program that will be the foundation of an active, healthy and productive lifestyle. All students are appropriately challenged regardless of their physical and athletic abilities. Good sportsmanship is discussed across all grades and is an expectation of every student.

The second grade physical education program emphasizes working together in teams while learning games and safety rules. Students are introduced to the components of personal physical fitness such as cardio-respiratory endurance and muscular strength and endurance, as well as flexibility. They are encouraged to engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity both during, and outside of, school. Team sports (basketball, soccer, street hockey and volleyball) are introduced and basic skills are developed. The meaning of teamwork and sportsmanship are stressed in order to develop these two important qualities for the future.

Field Trips

The second grade curriculum at Browne Academy includes several field trips throughout the year to augment classroom and outdoor learning on campus. Excursions include, for example, a trip to the Imagination Stage to see Le Petit Hapron Rouge to supplement French studies; an outing to the National History Museum to see an African Dance performance as part of the People Unit on Africa; and, a trip to the Thomas Jefferson Community Theater to watch a performance in preparation for the Browne Academy holiday show.