Curricular Programs

Reading: Our reading program is a combination of literature and phonics based instruction, with sight words and vocabulary word building.  Our text is Houghton Mifflin Reading California.  We use leveled books for guided reading instruction and SRA for independent practice.  Your child will be instructed whole class and in small groups.  Our Spelling and Language programs are incorporated into our reading program a well.                                                                 Language:  The following list of skills will be incorporated into the reading and spelling curriculum.

Alphabetical Order                             Capitalization                          Punctuation                

Suffixes                                                Prefixes                                   Rhyming Words         

Singular and Plural Nouns                  Contractions                            Antonyms

Synonyms                                            Homophones                           Adjectives, Pronouns, Verbs

Letter, Journal, Research, and Story Writing

Math:  Our math curriculum is California Harcourt School Publishers Math.  In addition to the math book, your child will be given a 4 minute math fact test 3 to 4 times per week. This is to increase computation speed and retention of the basic math facts.  Clovis Unified has developed 12 Benchmark Math tests for your child to pass during the second grade year.  Your child is expected to pass the benchmarks with 85% accuracy.  On the 100 addition and subtraction math facts, your child must get all 100 correct in four minutes on three tests.

Social Studies:  Our Social Studies text is Harcourt “Reflections, People We Know”. This textbook covers the following units:  Families Now and Long Ago, Discovering Our Past, and People, Places, and Holidays.  We will be using the text along with other various teacher-generated units.

Science:  Various units in science will be covered.

Performing Arts:  Your child will be instructed in music each week for one half hour.

Physical Education:  Beginning in October, we will have students from Buchannan High School as P.E. tutors.  They will instruct your child three days a week for one half hour.  There will always be a teacher on duty while your child is with the students from Buchannan.  In the spring, your child will be tested on the following skills:

Running (800 meters)                                     Sit-ups                                     Pull-ups

Sit and Reach                                                  Trunk Lift

 

Grading Policy:  Your child will receive four letter grades each quarter.  They will be graded in Spelling, Math, Reading, and Writing/Editing.  Spelling grades will be derived from weekly spelling tests.  Math grades will be derived from weekly math tests, class assignments (5-a-day), and homework.  Reading grades will be derived from SRA reading assessment, comprehension and vocabulary tests, and leveled reading groups.  Writing/editing grades will be derived from weekly language tests, Daily Language Review, and classroom assignments (Line-a-day).  All other areas will be given an effort grade only.