LOS ALTOS SCHOOL DISTRICT
201 Covington Road
Los Altos, CA

COURSE OF STUDY

SECOND GRADE

Revised 8/06

MATHEMATICS

Adopted Programs:
SRA Math Explorations and Applications 2
CSL Success with Math Coach 2
Replacement Unit: Place Value
Creative Publications: The Problem Solver 2

By the end of second grade, students understand place value and number relationships as they add and subtract, and they use simple concepts of multiplication.  They measure quantities with appropriate units.  They classify and see relationships among shapes and paying attention to the elements that compose them.  They collect and analyze data and verify answers.

Problem solving with students choosing their own strategies or thinking of multiple possibilities.

Manipulative materials used in lessons to introduce, help explain, and reinforce math concepts.

Cooperative learning activities fostered in small group situations.

Provision for a variety of experiences to develop number concepts and facility with facts.  Examples include:  real life situations, concrete experiences, applications, justification of reasonableness, and mental computation.

Estimation used frequently to promote a common sense attitude toward math.

Sequential lessons meeting the needs of all  children presented from the following strands: number sense, algebra and functions, measurement and geometry, statistics (data analysis and probability), mathematical reasoning.

READING

Adopted Programs:
Houghton Mufflin, Reading
LASD Reading Standards

Word analysis, fluency, and systematic vocabulary development
Students understand the basic features of reading.  They select and know how to translate letter patterns into spoken language using phonics, syllabication, and word parts.  They apply this knowledge to achieve fluent oral and silent reading.

Reading Comprehension
Students read and understand grade level appropriate material.  They draw upon a variety of comprehension strategies as needed, including generating and responding to essential questions, making predictions, and comparing information from several sources.  Students read a good representation of grade appropriate narrative text.

Literary Response and Analysis
Students read and respond to a wide variety of significant works of children’s literature.  They distinguish between the structural features of text and the literary terms or elements (i.e., theme, plot, setting, and characters).

LANGUAGE ARTS

Adopted Programs:
Houghton Mifflin, Language
Language Arts: What We Teach (Gr. 2)
LASD Multisensory Program
LASD Language Standards
"Read Write, Type" Computer Program

Writing Strategies
Students write clear and coherent sentences that develop a central idea.  They are exposed to the stages of the writing process (i.e., pre-writing, drafting).

Writing Applications (Genres & Their Characteristics)
Students write compositions that describe and explain familiar objects, events, and experiences.  Students writing demonstrates a command of standard English and the drafting, research, and organizational strategies outlined in Writing Standard 1.0.

Written & Oral English Language Conventions
Students write and speak with a command of standard English conventions that are appropriate to each grade level.

Speaking Applications (Genres & Their Characteristics)
Students deliver brief recitations and oral presentations about familiar experiences or interests that are organized around a central idea.  Student speaking demonstrates a command of standard English.

Listening and Speaking Strategies
Students listen and respond critically to oral communication.  They speak in a manner that guides and informs the listener’s understanding of key ideas, using appropriate phrasing, pitch, and modulation.

SCIENCE

Adopted Programs:
FOSS, Balance and Motion
Physical Science Program: Weather/Water
Life Science Program:  Life Cycles
Elementary Science Laboratory Program

Concepts and Content:
Life cycles of plants and animals
Scientific method
Observing, recording, drawing inferences and conclusions
Energy conservation/conversion
Heat, light and sound (eye and ear)
Properties of water, water cycle
Weather changes
Clouds, wind, conservation of resources
Rock, soil, crystals

SOCIAL STUDIES

Adopted Programs:
Scott Foresman, Then and Now

Concepts and Content:
Past and Present
Map and globe skills
Basic economics
Citizenship and responsibility and laws
Heroes

REFERENCE SKILLS

• Location and making choices from fiction and non-fiction books in the library.
• Main parts of a book.
• Identification of title page.
• Identification of Table of Contents.
• Use of book to gain information.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Children receive daily physical education, concentrating on development of eye-hand coordination, fine and gross motor skills, and ability to cooperate/participate in organized games.  A P.E. specialist works with the children every week.

FINE and PERFORMING ARTS

All primary students receive weekly instruction in art and music, plus dance and drama on a regular basis.  The District provides trained volunteers through an Art Docent program and a site-based art aide.   Some classes also use the trained volunteers provided by Music for Minors.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

For children who qualify, the District offers programs for English as a Second Language, Gifted and Talented, Speech and Language Development, Special Education, Psychological Testing and Counseling, and Home Teaching.

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The Los Altos School District Course of Study describes a large portion of the basic curriculum which is presented at each grade level to all children.

Although there is no assurance that each child will master every area, a major effort will be made to ensure maximum understanding and mastery.  Some children will master the concepts quickly and will be encouraged to move ahead to the next grade level's material.