Language Arts
SRA Open Court Reading
D’Nealian Handwriting
Spelling for Writers
Through many different forms of reading, writing, discussion, and dramatic presentation, students explore and practice print awareness, reading and speaking skills, alphabetic principles, verbal fluency, reading comprehension strategies, spelling accuracy, research, technical and creative writing, and parts of speech. Students also master manuscript and begin cursive letter formation in second grade at Aiken Preparatory School.
Mathematics
Wright Group/McGraw-Hill Everyday Math
The second grade math program at Aiken Preparatory School consists of many hands-on explorations along with practical applications of numerical operations, mental math, estimation, data organization, probability, statistics, addition, subtraction, metric and standard measurement, identifying and counting money and telling time - all with a focus on thinking skills and problem solving. These concepts are applied using a spiraling curriculum, which allows for skills to be revisited and reviewed regularly assuring mastery.
Science
Through in-depth units of study that are integrated into the curriculum, students learn about life and the world around them. The units of study include space, weather, electricity, animal habitats, ocean life, dinosaurs, geology, simple machines and magnets. They read books, write about, and play games based on these topics.
The students participate in many exciting field trips in second grade to help reinforce what they learn in the classroom. Some of the field trips include exploring life in Turkey Creek, an all-day visit to Hunting Island with their 9th grade Science Buddies, a tour of the Lake Thurmond Dam, four visits each year to the Ruth Patrick Science Center, a visit to the Savannah River Ecology Lab, a visit the Phinizy Swamp, and four visits to the Council on Aging to sing for and visit with the senior citizens. We also invite scientists from the Savannah River Site to speak to our class on topics we have studied.
The second graders regularly utilize the resources of the science lab to perform experiments. We also complete several lab exercises with our 9th Grade Science Buddies.
Social Studies
The students are exposed to topics in social studies in many different ways. We read many stories based on history, traditions, and cultures. We participate in the Flat Stanley project, sending a paper doll all over the world. The people who receive the doll send postcards back to the class and we chart Stanley’s travels on a world map.
The students also write letters to the president and read many books about the president’s job and presidents of the past. We also discuss other aspects of democracy and our government. Second graders participate in one major stage production each year that focuses on either Greek Mythology, Ancient Greece, or Ancient Egypt.
Physical Education
Physical Education is very important in maintaining good overall health. Second grades students participate in a 45 minute physical education class every day. Students also have an outside recess period each day (weather permitting).
Music
Second grade students develop their talents and self-esteem with an emphasis on singing, playing instruments, rhythm, movement, performance and musical drama. Students sing in the Lower School Chorus and are invited to join the Minstrels, a choir of third, fourth, and fifth grade students who participate in the SCISA Music Festival. Students continue to play recorders, xylophones, boomwackers, and hand bells. Studies continue in music theory and selected composers. Additionally, second grade students perform for Grandparents’ Day, Christmas, and the Spring Concert.
Spanish
In Second grade, more in depth Spanish vocabulary is practiced orally through
songs, finger play, books, videos and games. Children learn greetings, numbers,
the alphabet, colors, parts of the body, clothing, animals, transportation,
classroom terms, family, food, household terms, directional and question words.
We use a workbook to read and write Spanish words. Simple verb conjugation
begins in second grade. Computer programs provide a more interactive
experience. A visit to a Mexican restaurant is one of the highlights of our
unique Spanish program!
Library Storytime
Listening and viewing skills; story discussion; introduction to periodicals, reference materials, and card catalog; care and organization of library materials; library etiquette; weekly book check out.
Art
In 2nd Grade, we are using Books the Kids Love to learn the basic elements of art: line, shape, color, value, texture, form and space. We are also learning how to draw different animals and characters in a "step-by-step" process to make a keepsake book.
