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Grade 2: Language Arts

Literacy Overview

Second grade is a time of growth in which students' literacy skills develop in stages along a developmental learning continuum. Our young learners read with more stamina and comprehend at deeper levels. Students engage in discussion with one another about text, read shared texts together, and read independently for longer periods of time. Decoding strategies become established, and students learn to respond to texts orally and in writing. Students extend their understanding through a variety of writing genres and compose and write their own examples of various genres for varying purposes and audiences. Grade two students learn about the relationship of letters to sounds, as well as the structure of words to help them in reading and spelling. Continued practice and use of D'Nealian handwriting are ongoing with the transition to cursive writing by the end of the year. Whole class and small group forums for discussion and conversation help develop oral language and communication skills.

Literacy Goals

The goal for each child is to develop a love of reading and writing and to comprehend many types of texts as they read and write across various genres. Fluency and reading for meaning are emphasized, as well as developing the craft of writing through understanding organization, idea development, language use, word choice and voice. Independent reading is an integral component to the literacy program. Grade two students make great gains in reading and writing during the year and establish the foundation that will support their literacy development in the upper primary grades.

English Language Goals

Communication skills continue to be a goal in grade two. Immersion into a rich literacy environment provides a model for language development. The Writing Workshop model supports the writing process and ensures that children write from both personal experiences and about new learning. Spelling, word usage, vocabulary, grammar and sentence structure are integrated in reading and writing lessons. Students become more confident and comfortable speaking English by participating in class discussions and conversations, as well as reader’s theater, drama and oral presentations.

Resources:

• Continuum of Learning: Fountas and Pinnell
• Making Meaning Program: Developmental Studies Center
• Guided Reading: Fountas and Pinnell
• Spelling Grade Two: Rebecca Sitton
• Phonics Grade 2: Fountas and Pinnell
• Developmental Continuums: Bonnie Campbell Hill
• Developmental Reading Assessment K-3: Pearson
• Guided Reading leveled books: Scholastic and Rigby
• Leveled classroom libraries
• Units of Study for Primary Writing: Lucy Calkins

Students who successfully complete the grade two language arts program will be able to:

• Use phonetic skills for decoding and encoding
• Comprehend text using various strategies
• Read silently for extended amounts of time
• Develop vocabulary orally and in writing
• Read fluently at independent reading levels
• Use beginning dictionary skills and research skills
• Write across many genres (functional, narrative, informational, poetic)
• Use graphic organizers to brainstorm ideas and organize writing
• Apply knowledge of writing craft and conventions
• Engage in the writing process
• Appreciate language through listening, reading and writing
• Present orally to the class