Each year the second grade participates in a service project. Recent projects have been collecting items for Birthline, Little Sisters of the Poor, and collecting funds for the Missionary Childhood Association.
 

Leader In Me
Nativity is proud to be a Leader In Me School. We learn about the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Students, and learn to put those habits into practice each and every day; in their classroom, with classmates, teachers, and visitors. Even at this young age, it is exciting to see them take charge of their choices and actions. They learn that they can create and own their attitude, choice, and consequences. Students see how their choices affect others around them. Learning respect and taking responsibility for their choices and actions, not only makes for a stronger character but Christ-like character.
 
Language Arts
Our Language Arts program includes phonics, reading, spelling, English grammar and compositional writing, and handwriting. During this time, they work on the five skill areas of phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. They move between large and small groups on a variety of skill-building tasks. The spelling program is phonemically based and blends in well with our phonics lessons. Children also work to build reading “stamina” with the highly motivating Accelerated Reading Program.

Science
In second grade we follow the Indiana Science and Health Standards which cover many of the children’s favorite topics. This includes working on the principles of motion and gravity by experimenting with cars going down a ramp and exploring animal groups in life
science which cumulates in an animal study. An exciting new area is investigating the moon and its phases. In health, we study how to take care of our bodies and our teeth, and the importance of eating right.
 
Technology
Our use of technology in the second grade will include familiarity with the keyboard, IXL Math Program, Accelerated Reader Program, teacher-guided internet activities, Microsoft Word, kid-friendly paint programs, and Microsoft PowerPoint introduction.

Math
The second graders follow the Indiana State Standards. They use manipulatives daily. Some of the manipulatives we use are: color blocks, attribute blocks, handheld clocks, rules, balance scales, and many other engaging materials! The children work daily on number sense using calendar math and on math  fluency of addition, subtraction, and multiplication facts. Weekly we use a new problem solving strategy, which we incorporate in to our Sunshine Math
curriculum. The children work daily on IXL. They also work on reading charts, comparing fractions, and the principles of  geometry.
 
Religion
The children learn in detail the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. They follow the Archdiocese of Indianapolis standards. They study in the classroom and join with other First Communicants and those receiving First Reconciliation during two action-based family retreats. They spend time in prayer and in learning the parables of Jesus. By the end of each semester, they are prepared to receive one of the sacraments.
 
Social Studies
The second graders enjoy interviewing their grandparents to work on “Then and Now”. We do a great deal studying maps about our city, state, and country. We also learn how to read symbols and directions. The children learn how different people celebrate the winter holidays. We study the lives of important people who changed history by reading biographies and doing reports about them.
 
Music
Music provides our second-grade students with an opportunity to explore rhythm, melody, and harmony with song, instrument, movement, and games. By this age, we are beginning to teach music notation as well as increasing in complexity what has been learned before. We endeavor to implant a life-long love of music through all types of hands-on experiences.  Our second-grade students participate in one of two major concerts each year.
 
Visual Arts
Second-grade students at Nativity explore the elements and principles of art such as color, line, shape, pattern, and texture as part of their visual arts
education. An artistic exploration of these elements and principles is chosen to be appropriate for their age and expands on the skills they have already learned. Second graders discuss important artists and learn to appreciate art for its contribution to the world. Best of all, art is a time for second graders to make a mess...and express!
 
Spanish
Spanish class provides the students the opportunity to learn a new language and culture. The students learn basic vocabulary words and expand their knowledge by singing songs and playing various games in Spanish. Students are introduced to the traditional celebrations of El Dia de Muertos, 5 de Mayo, and Los Posadas.
 
Physical Education
Second-grade physical education standards are incorporated into games and activities. Special emphasis is placed on basic motor skills – running, jumping, skipping, throwing, and catching. Activities are designed to be non-competitive and fun!!
 
Field Trips
Field trips vary from year to year. They are aligned with a basic unit of study in science or social studies. Recent trips have been to  Garfield Park Observatory, PikePerforming Arts Center to see Aesop’s Fables, and The Children’s Museum Sports Experience.
 


 

Click Here to Learn More About Our 2nd Grade Teachers.