Second Grade Curriculum
The Second Grade curriculum at Mount Alvernia Academy focuses on the development of the individual and the choices each one makes. Done in conjunction the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist, the children gain an understanding the options they have and the consequences of these actions. It is a year loaded with exciting changes. Not only are the children becoming more actively involved in their Catholic faith, they are moving along in their studies—learning higher-order math skills, independent reading in chapter books, understanding of neighborhood and community as well as mastering cursive. The ultimate goal of the year is empower each student with the skills to become more confident, independent learners using different instructional strategies to designed to meet individual needs.
The emphasis in the Second Grade Religion program is to gain a greater understanding of God and our Catholic faith as they prepare for the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist. The second graders’ faith development is the major focus, and, as such, it is the thread woven into all aspects of the curriculum. While the children receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion in their own parishes, Mount Alvernia Academy holds a special First Communion Mass and celebration in late May for the children.
The standards–based instruction in the Mathematics program is thorough and complete. The children are provided guided instruction with hands-on lessons as they explore a new skill or concepts in addition, subtraction, word problems, time, and money. Problem solving, higher-order skills in mental math, and critical thinking are part of the instructional process. Under the Language Arts curriculum falls Reading, Phonics, Grammar, the Writing Process, Spelling, and Handwriting. In Reading and Phonics, the students will develop an understanding and appreciation for the different genres of Literature. Phonics instruction, a major component of our daily Reading lessons, helps the student gain a better understanding of how the letters and their sounds become words. This instruction helps the student with decoding and spelling strategies. There is a strong emphasis on spelling application and phonics. Vital to reading are comprehension strategies which move the children from the literal to the abstract, utilizing critical thinking skills. Incorporating the stories into the writing program allows the students to learn various writing purposes—letter reports, comparative, drawing conclusions, and persuasive writing. Using a guided reading program enables each student to succeed at his/ her own level. Through the study the rules of English grammar rules, practiced for both written and oral contexts, the students will be able to communicate effectively their ideas.
The focus of our Social Studies program is to allow the children to learn and explore life in their neighborhoods, country, and the world. The lessons incorporate history, geography, economics, and civics.
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