International Private School

*Updated by J. Jessup 3-30-17

(Compiled from all faculty who teach 2nd grade subjects)

Reading
The phonics-based SRA Basal Reader used in second grade stresses phonemic awareness, phonics including encoding and decoding, oral reading with expression, reading comprehension, and listening comprehension. SRA Reading Lab -This program supplies reading materials and associated skill exercises which are organized into a series of color-designated difficulty levels that range both above and below grade level.

Accelerated Reader (1st Semester)
A computer-based reading program, which allows students to read books at their individual level, and take computerized tests.

Reading Plus (2nd Semester)
A computer-based reading program, which allows students to read books at their individual level, and take computerized tests.

Spelling
The McDougal, Littell Spelling program is organized to allow students to purposely and systematically discover and apply the patterns and principles that underlie the English system of spelling. Differentiated word lists and homework activities can be found on www.spellingcity.com/jjessup.

English
Houghton Mifflin – Covers such topics in creative writing as: a class story, a story about me, fantasy stories, instructions, description, personal letters. Grammar topics cover sentences, nouns, verbs, adjectives, capitalization and punctuation.

Language Arts
Handwriting - Cursive Italic
Italic is a modern handwriting system based on enduring letter forms that are highly suited to rapid and legible writing. Italic conforms to natural, rhythmic hand movements. Italic builds on previously learned concepts and the letter shapes remain the same from the individually formed letters to the connected cursive, eliminating the abrupt leap from "ball and stick" to looped cursive. Self-assessment is an integral part of the program.

Mathematics
Saxon math – a comprehensive system from Kindergarten through pre-calculus, which emphasizes learning in small increments and a spiral review of previously learned concepts throughout the year. Grades K-4 is primarily a hands-on approach working with manipulatives. Each night's homework consists of problems from previous lessons. For a detailed look at covered topics, see the Scope and Sequence (www.saxonpub.com).

Social Studies
Grades 1-6 use Harcourt Brace textbooks which emphasize critical thinking skills. Units are also related to literature. Grade 2 Units and topics covered:

Science
Grades 1-6 use Scott Foresman in which concepts are taught through hands-on experiments and classwork. Grade 2 Units and topics are:

Additional Subjects
Foreign Language (Korean or Spanish), Physical Education, Music, Art, Technology, Character Education.

Art
Textbooks/Materials used: Art Fun: A survival kit for art teacher (3 books), 501 fun-to-make Family Crafts

Units and Topics: Learn about and the use of art tools in safe, responsible manner, learn how to draw. Learn to draw what they see, not what they know. Learn how to compose a picture from the background to the front, from the big to small and the atmospheric perspective: big in the front and small in the back, less detail in the back more in the front. Learn how to use tempera, oil pastel, color pencils and markers and recognize their differences. Learn how to mix primary color to make secondary color or make light and dark colors.

Learn how to compose a pattern by repeated design or a mosaic design with paper tiles and recognize the need of contrasting colors for a more vibrant effect or similar colors for a more harmonious effect. Learn to see different design (pattern, balance) in natural organisms, insects and in art. Learn to construct sculpture from found objects and Plastilina. Fun projects: craft for different holidays, i.e. making snowmen with marshmallows and rabbits with flowerpots etc. and learn to glue fold tear and cut. Last but not least, learn how to express themselves and to have fun!

Korean Language
The Korean language program is designed for students to develop and polish their skills in reading, writing, and speaking the Korean language. In addition, students will be able to identify Korean language and culture through a variety of special activities.

Elementary school students are generally organized into four levels: kindergarten, grades 1 & 2, grades 3 & 4 and grades 5 & 6. For younger students, we use various materials and techniques, which are helpful to understand Korean vocabulary and culture.

Grades 1 & 2: students will take Korean class once a week. They will learn the Korean alphabet and simple conversation. Also, they will learn basic Korean words related with numbers, animals, colors, as well as Korean songs, drawings, and traditional customs.

Spanish Language
First Grade, Second Grade: Introduction to vocabulary and simple phrases through games, writing exercises and cultural activities. Each week a new topic is presented.

Music
Students will continue to build their foundation in tone color, dynamics, steady beat, long/short sounds, rhythms, tempo, form, and solfege. They will be introduced to whole, half, dotted half, quarter, and eighth notes and rests through singing, movement, and playing pitched and unpitched instruments. (McGraw-Hill’s Share The Music curriculum)

Units and Topics: Reading and clapping rhythms, singing different cultural songs, discussing the history of songs, learning to play instruments, learning about instruments, listening to different types of music, louds and softs, directions of notes, movement and dancing, expression, and geography of the songs origin.

Physical Education

Technology
Programs used: