Second Grade Course of Study
English Language Arts and Reading
Students will use the Purposeful Design Publications’ Language Arts series to study all the different components of English Language Arts and Reading. This curriculum is research based, but also focuses on the Christian Worldview which integrates Biblical values, engaging literature selections from a wide variety of genres, rich content, infusion of local and global issues, and quality illustrations that draw learners to literature. The series incorporates comprehensive components which include: research-based phonics instruction, implicit and explicit vocabulary instruction, systematic spelling instruction, integrated grammar and writing instruction, engaging literature and a comprehensive reading program which follows the guidelines of The Fountas & Pinnell Literacy Continuum.
Students will also be introduced to quality literature to include narrative text as well as expository texts. As students become more fluent readers, they will make critical thinking observations about the content of each text. Through balanced reading instruction students will learn strategies enabling fluency improvement as well as comprehension. Through this lens of instruction students will be able to transfer each strategy into the reading of God's Word. Additional texts include: Flat Stanley, The Boxcar Children, Eve of the Emperor Penguin, Penguins and Antarctica, Charlotte’s Web, and Little House in the Big Woods.
Mathematics
Content mastery includes whole number concepts, value of coins, the fractional concept of “part of a whole,” whole number addition and subtraction, patterns and relationships, identifying geometric shapes, measurement, time, graphs, problem solving, and reasoning using the enVision Math curriculum.
Science
Students will use the Texas STEMscopes to study physical science, earth science, and life science. Through physical science students will explore themes of physical properties of matter, physical changes, motion, and sound. In earth science, they will explore objects in the sky, weather conditions, changes to land, resources and human impact, and environmental characteristics. In life science, they will investigate food chains, plant structures and functions, animal structures and behaviors, and unique life cycles as they see, touch, and experience God's creation.
In conjunction with the animal structures and behaviors unit, students will be learning about the habitat of Antarctica and the Arctic biome through a study of penguins. Students complete an outside research project on an assigned penguin species.During the unique life cycles unit, students will learn about insects and their characteristics through exploration of spiders. This unit correlates with our novel study of Charlotte's Web. In addition, students complete an outside project on an assigned butterfly species, which accompanies the in class instruction on Butterflies.
Social Studies/History
Students will explore God's Creation in the Garden of Eden through Egypt’s fall to Rome in 30 B.C. Teaching strategies include the use of songs, picture flashcards of events/people, projects, and games using The Old Testament and Ancient Egypt (Veritas Press) curriculum. Students can see God’s providence on a daily basis and will come to realize God’s faithfulness as they learn from the past.
Bible
The Story of God and His People, Calling of God’s Tribe (Christian Schools International), and the Positive Action Bible curriculum is aligned with the History curriculum, providing an excellent opportunity for cross-content learning. Scripture is covered from Genesis through Ruth, while reciting memory verses weekly aids in hiding God's word in our hearts. Students each have their own Christian Standard Bible.
Field Trips
Field trips are an essential part of the learning experience. Students participate in curriculum extensions allowing real world learning opportunities to formulate a Biblical worldview. Field trips include the Cameron Park Zoo, the Houston Museum of Natural History, along with various special presentation field trips held at George H.W. Bush Library and Museum, and Texas A&M University’s MSC OPAS Jr., just to name a few.
Computer
During once a week 30-minute sessions, students will begin keyboarding lessons through Typing Club. Students will create documents and presentations in Microsoft Word and practice computer navigation using www.abcya.com. Using Dash, Sphero Bolt and Indi Robots, our students will be introduced to coding and robotics. All students will learn Digital Citizenship throughout the year and practice applying Christian principles and a Biblical worldview in the digital world.
Art
The goal of Visual Arts in the second grade art curriculum is to lay a firm foundation for the development of individual creative potential. Additionally, students will develop and sharpen observation and problem-solving skills through the exploration of a wide variety of art media with an emphasis on God’s elements of design, which include Line, Shape, Color, Value, Form, Texture, and Space. Also, students begin exploring the fine arts through the study of artists past and present and learn to apply design techniques to their own inspired artwork. Throughout the year each student will have opportunities to create a variety of both two-dimensional and three-dimensional art pieces.
Music
Students explore the musical world by singing, playing instruments, creating, and listening. Movement and play are key elements of the child-centered curriculum informed by the philosophies and practices of Orff, Kodály, and Dalcroze. Keyword: synthesis. Students will sing in several programs throughout the year which include the Christmas play, Grandparents Day, In His Steps, and weekly in chapel.
Library
Students will be introduced to many different authors and illustrators, while enjoying shared reading covering a variety of literary genres. Activities include Author visits, guest readers and a variety of school wide reading events.
P.E.
Students will explore motor skills and movement patterns using an integrated curriculum. They will learn responsible personal and social behavior in a variety of physical activity settings. They will be provided frequent and diverse opportunities to engage in physical activities necessary to support a healthy mind and body. Students attend P.E. four times a week for 30 minutes each class. At least one day per week will be dedicated to our "Eagle Running Program," a self-paced activity specifically focused on improving cardiovascular fitness.
Chapel
Grammar School students enjoy Chapel once a week in two sessions: PreK through second grades and third through sixth grades. In order to study and apply meaning, the yearly school-wide Scripture is divided into sections for each month. In Chapel, Grammar School worships in song, Scripture, and prayer, followed by a special speaker who teaches the specific passage in a developmentally appropriate way. Our speakers include local pastors, children’s ministers, youth leaders, Christian camp directors, parents, and BCS teachers, staff, and administrators. All would agree that Chapel is the favorite time of the week!
Recess
Students have the opportunity to learn socialization skills through play and free activities outdoors. Lunch recess occurs after students are dismissed after eating and generally is 10-15 minutes per day. In addition, students enjoy a 20-30 minute recess daily