2nd Grade
In District 68, we offer students a comprehensive educational experience that provides students with a range of programs and services to meet their educational needs. This grade level link is designed to provide you with an overview of the curriculum we offer our students.
Reading/Language Arts Curriculum
District 68 uses Balanced Literacy as the instructional framework during the reading instructional block. Click on the Balanced Literacy link for an in-depth description of Balanced Literacy as well as the components found within the Balanced Literacy block. Reading instruction takes place for 90-minutes daily.
Common Core State Standards
Illinois, along with 45 other states, adopted the Common Core State Standards to be used to guide teachers in what students at each grade-level need to learn in English/Language Arts. Each set of grade-level standards consists of literature, informational text as well as listening and speaking standards. The primary grades have standards for foundational skills. Grade-level standards build on knowledge and skills learned the previous year and create a stair-step progression across the K-8 instructional years.
Reading: Literature
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Reading: Informational Text
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Reading: Foundational Skills
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Writing
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Speaking and Listening
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Language
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Link to Common Core State Standards Website: http://www.corestandards.org
Comprehensive Curricular Resource
During the 2012-13 school year, District 68 underwent a R/LA curriculum review. After much research and numerous curriculum pilots, the Journeys Common Core Edition was selected as our comprehensive curriculum resource.
Mathematics
Math in Focus is a rigorous curriculum that is well-aligned to the Common Core Standards. Students are exposed to fewer mathematical concepts in great depth at each grade-level. Like the Common Core Standards, Math in Focus curriculum aligns to content standards and embeds mathematical practice standards throughout the curriculum. This rigorous curriculum provides children with rich educational opportunities through direct instruction by the classroom teacher where visual models and problem-solving are used regularly. Children also have time for guided practice, and differentiated grouping practices. Such approaches help to ensure the needs of all children are being met during their daily 60-minute math block. Throughout the year, children learn both the how and why of mathematics and in doing so, learn math concepts and skills that will help them demonstrate mastery.
Reference material:
Overview of the parent presentation on Math in Focus (Fall 2011)
Scope and Sequence of key concepts:
- Number and Operations
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Measurement
- Data Analysis
- Problem Solving
Operations and Algebraic Thinking
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Number and Operations in Base Ten
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Measurement and Data
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Geometry
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Mathematical Practices
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Science
Key Science Themes
Life Science - Animals and Their Environment
Physical Science - Matter
Earth Science - Land, Water, and Air
During the 2013-2014 school year, a science learning team will be launched to evaluate next generation standards.
By the end of 2nd grade, students will be able to:
- Investigate interactions of animals in their environments
- Describe the life cycle of the butterfly
- Observe and describe the properties of solids, liquids, and gases
- Classify matter as a solid, liquid, or gas
- Investigate impact of heat energy on phases of matter
- Observe and describe Earth's features of land, water, and air to explore their interactions to make weather
Social Studies
Significant Question:
How do people in a community support each other?
Students will explore the concepts of community,leadership, good citizenship, services, products, and geographical features by examining these as evidenced in the school and community. Students classify features of rural, urban, and suburban communities.
By the end of 2nd grade, students will be able to:
- Recognize groups and service organizations that work together to help our community
- Identify community leaders and their roles and responsibilities
- Discuss how the community of Skokie has changed over time
- Define what makes a person a "good citizen" of a community
- Distinguish among geographic features of a community
- Utilize map legends and read map symbols
- Determine what is needed to make and distribute a product
- Compare products in terms of use and economy
- Understand and respect rules of the school and community
- Show respect to others and take responsibility for personal behavior
Physical Education and Health
By the end of 2nd grade, students will be able to:
- Begin to develop hand-eye and foot-eye coordination as well as a better sense ofbalance
- Begin to master loco-motor movements
- Participate in game play and skill development related to soccer, tumbling, gymnastics, dance, floor hockey, volleyball, basketball, and track and field
- Work on social skill development while recognizing the dif fering athletic ability levels
- Use a variety of motor activities to enhance left and right brain development
- Practice activities that promote good health, illness preven tion, and safety
- Identify good and bad choices in relation to individual health
- Give examples of friendship and respect for one another
Music
By the end of 2nd grade, students will be able to:
- Perform, read, notate, and create rhythms using half, quarter, eighth notes and rests
- Perform simple two-part rounds and canons
- Demonstrate correct mallet technique on barred instruments
- Understand the musical terms piano and forte
- Demonstrate AB and ABA form through singing, speak ing, moving, playing, and symbolizing
Art
By the end of 2nd grade, students will be able to:
- Continue to develop and appreciate their creative abilities
- Explore visual elements such as line, shape, and color
- Use familiar materials in new ways
- Recognize that art is a part of their world
- Have experienced a variety of art materials and will have learned to use art tools correctly
Additional Programs and Services
- Reading Intervention Support (Response to Intervention info)
- Psychologist/Social Worker Services
- Speech
- English Language Learners
- Full Continuum of Special Education Services
- Library Media Center Instruction
- Before and After School Childcare (provided by Skokie Park District)
This site provides information using PDF, visit this link to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC software.