Language Arts
The second grade language arts program includes reading, creative writing, spelling, phonics, grammar and cursive handwriting. Daily instruction includes small and whole group lessons taught by the classroom teachers and reading specialists. The librarian supports the children's learning and provides individual and group enrichment.

Students in the Early Intervention program continue the structured phonics program which was begun in first grade. This program is supplemented with grade-level language arts skills, written expression activities and comprehension skills. The structured phonics program is designed for the small group setting.

Home assignments for the second graders reinforce classroom instruction. These assignments include nightly reading tasks and math reinforcement. The preparation of book reports and poetry recitations is featured throughout the year. The computerized Accelerated Reader Program is used to help individualize reading assignments for each child.

Students go to the Primary Library during their Activity Block rotation for story hour, Book Talks, and read-aloud sessions. They also visit at other times to check out and return books. Special events such as author visits lead students to discover various literary genres and to explore the works of a particular writer.

Mathematics
The Everyday Mathematics Program provides a hands-on, problem-solving approach to mathematics through real life situations and applications. Key features of the program include cooperative learning through partner and small-group activities and reinforcement through games, computer programs, and activity centers. The Differentiated Math packets, math pull-out groups, and Math Matters (an after school enrichment math club) provide opportunities for additional math challenges.

Social Studies
The second grade curriculum builds on the study of other cultures begun in first grade. Our study of “People and their Cultures” includes Japan, Kenya, African Americans and Native Americans. In the spring students and their parents celebrate Native American Day in an outdoor setting where they participate in activities related to the daily life of various tribes. Art projects, drama and trips to Wake Forest Museum of Anthropology enhance the curriculum. We incorporate national news through our “Weekly Reader” newspaper and through discussions of current events.

Science
Second graders continue to develop scientific concepts through experimentation. With a mix of biology, earth science, and physical science, students learn the basics about how the world around them functions. They study baby animals, habitats, classifications, oceans, heat, light, sound, and weather. As part of their Native American study, the students learn about natural dyes and medicinal plants.

Science Lab gives students a chance for in-depth study of ecology, animal science, plant science, Native Americans, oceans, weather, and energy (heat, sound and light). The material is presented through experiments, hands-on activities and field trips to locations that may include Reynolda Gardens, SciWorks, the Natural Science Center in Greensboro, the Lazy 5 Ranch, and Tanglewood Park.

Art
The Native American, Japanese and Kenyan studies correlate with an art curriculum that provides an exploration of media (painting, collage, printing, origami, clay, weaving, and drawing) and continued emphasis on elements and principles of art. Students problem-solve as they design and execute their projects. Famous artists are introduced as their work relates to the projects.

Computer
Students gain skills with the mouse, opening and closing application windows, saving onto the desktop and opening work saved on desktops, and from external media such as flash drives. They may also gain experiences with robotic projects. Students learn about all the uses of computers in today's world and practice various skills such as animation and design.

Guidance
The guidance curriculum centers on the following issues: self-esteem, social interaction, identity, appreciation of differences, safety, human development, problem solving and decision-making. Each month we focus on one virtue (goodness, compassion, e.g.). Historical and present day figures who exemplify these virtues also “visit” our students.

Drama
In the second grade, drama classes encourage children to be creative, expressive, and spontaneous. Drama lends itself well to the social studies curriculum. In the spring during the study of Native Americans, our focus includes the creation of Native American tribes and role-playing to solve problems the Native Americans may have faced. Each child creates an original Native American character whom he/she plays in class and on Native American Day.

Foreign Language
Daily oral expression exposes children to numerals, common vocabulary, idioms and parts of speech. They learn the language through questions and answers, games, imitation and repetition, songs and dances. They study one semester of Spanish and one semester of French.

Music
Melody, harmony, rhythm and form are some of the concepts that second grade students learn in music class. They sing, dance, create, move and play simple instruments as they develop their musical skills and creative capacities. Second graders perform in the First/Second Grade Sing and at Native American Day.

Physical Education
Each day the physical education staff provides appropriate instruction for building a healthy body, mind, and character in each student. Developing motor skills, a positive self-image, physical fitness, and desirable social behavior are the specific goals.