Moving Into the World

Eager to explore the world around them, second graders become more aware of their separateness from others. Students are inspired by fables, saints, noble figures, and humorous tricksters in stories from around the world, exploring moral themes and qualities of human character. They strengthen reading, writing, and grammar through main lesson book work, and continue developing mathematical confidence through times tables, place value, carrying and borrowing, prime numbers, and the four operations.

During Grade 2, all students receive a second grade screening. This information is used by the class teacher to address each child’s unique needs, and as a basis for further assessments or referrals where necessary.

❮❮ First Grade

Third Grade ❯❯

Second Grade Curriculum

Language Arts: Introduction to cursive writing, phonics, letter groups, simple composition in main lesson books, punctuation, read printed books in small group practice, class play (memorization and recitation)
History & Geography: Multicultural poetry, tales and fables, legends of noble individuals, modern heroes/stories of courage
Mathematics: The four operations using numbers up to 100, borrowing and carrying, times tables 1-12, working with place value up to four places, introduction to prime numbers and factoring.
Science / Nature Study: Nature walks, plants and wildlife through poetry and legends, and natural processes including the seasons, weather, tides, the water cycle, carbon cycle, and animals
World Languages: Spanish and American Sign Language
Fine & Practical Arts: Painting, form drawing, beeswax modeling, and knitting (simple stuffed animals)
Music: Pentatonic flute and singing
Movement: Cooperative and imaginative games, spatial awareness, clapping and partner games, jump rope, ball skills, string games, simple dances, tumbling, and parachute play
Eurythmy: Fables and saints’ legends with eurythmic gestures, mirror image forms and simple choreography are developed, and skill and rhythm exercises are continued
Field Trips: Pumpkin Patch or farm visit in fall, Mount Baker Theater
Adventures: Local walks in Stimpson Nature Preserve, Lookout Mountain; Local Beaches - Semihamoo, Birch Bay
Family Events: Evening Lantern Walk, weekend family camp out

Sample Daily Schedule

8:30am - Main Lesson
10:30am - Snack & Recess
11:00am - Eurythmy
11:45am - Form Drawing
12:30pm - Lunch & Recess
1:15pm - Spanish
2:00pm - Movement
3:00pm - Close
Early release Fridays at 1:15pm

Second Grade Highlights

Reading
Tricksters and Saints, Courage and Contrast
Martinmas Festival

Reading: Cracking the Code

Cracking the Code

In Second Grade, reading instruction establishes a firm foundation in phonics while continuing the emphasis on comprehension. Students methodically explore the rules for combining sound pictures from first grade (‘buh’ and ‘bear’, represented by the letter ‘B’) to form words, and practice using these rules to decode the written word.

Weekly reading groups, supported by parent and grandparent volunteers, feed second graders' hunger to learn and give them regular practice reading aloud. With phonics at the center, language arts in Grade 2 also includes writing, spelling, listening skills, and speech work.

Tricksters and Saints, Courage and Contrast

The stories of second grade beautifully reflect the two sides of the child: the "trickster" and the "saint." Second graders' energy swings between these two poles. One moment, they may surprise us with maturity and kindness. A few minutes later, they may turn into a plotting, sly fox or give the cold shoulder like a vain peacock. As children awaken to the feeling side of life, they experience strong feelings of sympathy and antipathy (liking and disliking).

Legends of noble people speak to the second grader's sense of what is right, sound, and magical. Fables from many cultures and tales of how things came to be, on the other hand, show the nature of animals as they are set against one another. These stories reveal humanity's basic instincts and shortcomings. At this age, children are developing the ability to size up and evaluate others, and they may unintentionally find faults in themselves and in those around them.

Hearing and reflecting on these stories gives children room to exercise their own will without being judged. It also helps them connect with their inner voice and with the wisdom of nature.

Martinmas Festival

Lantern Walk

Martinmas (or the Festival of Compassion) is celebrated in November, between Michaelmas (the Festival of Courage) and the winter holidays. Universally, it honors St. Martin's story, patron saint of beggars and outcasts, who was known for his gentleness and ability to bring warmth and light to those in need.

Waldorf education celebrates this festival by making lanterns with the children and gathering together for an evening Lantern Walk, acknowledging the light that shines forth from each of us. As we journey into the darkest time of the year, our inner light must shine ever brighter against the cold!