Second Grade
2015
MCPS Curriculum 2.0 is built around
developing students’ critical and creative
thinking skills, as well as essential
academic success skills, so that students
are well prepared for a lifetime of learning
For more information please refer to
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/integrated/
Thinking and Academic
Skills
Creative Thinking Skills
Academic Success Skills
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Fluency (quarter 1)
Flexibility (quarter 2)
Originality**
Elaboration**
Critical Thinking Skills
• Analysis (quarter 3)
• Synthesis (quarter 4)
• Evaluation**
**focused on at different grade levels
Collaboration (quarter 1)
Metacognition (quarter 2)
Intellectual Risk Taking (quarter 3)
Effort/Motivation/Persistence
(quarter 4)

8:50-9:10
Breakfast, attendance, lunch count, morning
announcements

9:10-9:55
Specials

9:55-11:40 Reading

11:40-12:50 Math

12:50-2:00 Lunch and Recess

2:00-2:45
Writing

2:45-3:20
Science or Social Studies
Reading
During the reading block second graders participate in
read-alouds, guided reading groups, and literacy
centers where they will:
• continue to focus on reading leveled texts with fluency
• determine meaning of words and phrases to
comprehend a text more fully
• use phonological skills to decode unknown words and
multi-syllable words
• read informational text and narratives
• answer questions in written format to demonstrate
comprehension of the text
Reading Comprehension
Strategies

Before reading we will predict, think about what we already
know, and discuss new vocabulary

During reading we will ask questions, reread when we don’t
understand, and make connections to the text or story

After reading we will revisit the text, discuss the
story/characters/information, and answer questions about
the text. In second grade, students need to be able to
discuss how and why questions
Students will be able to:
• use the writing process to write a narrative,
write informative texts, and write an opinion
• research various topics using multiple sources
in the media center and computer lab
• demonstrate use of language conventions
effectively (this includes spelling)
• revise, edit, rewrite, and produce a final version
of their writing
Math
Students will be able to:
•use place value to add, subtract, and compare numbers
•use place value to explain their solution
•use addition and subtraction within 1000
•measure lengths, know the value of coins, and tell time
•represent data in graphs and use the information in a graph
•recognize and draw shapes
•recognize equal share of shapes
How would
you solve
46 + 38?
Some addition strategies using place value:
Math Facts

Math facts testing is given every Monday

Initially, students in grade 2 are expected to
complete 30 addition and subtraction facts in 5
minutes

If they complete 30 facts within the given time, they
would then take a test with 40 facts. If they
complete the test with 40 facts, they would then be
challenged with a test of 50 facts

Each student progresses at their own pace
Curriculum will focus on Earth and space sciences,
life sciences, and physical sciences.
Students will be able to :
• explain the properties of and changes in natural
features of the Earth (i.e., rocks and soil)
• describe the various life cycles and growth of living
things in a habitat (i.e., butterfly and brine shrimp)
• collect, record and use evidence from observations
in all of the sciences (i.e., moon changes)
• ask questions and explain their observations
Social Studies
Students will be able to:
• recognize and describe the skills necessary to
become responsible citizens (i.e., rules and laws)
in a democratic society.
• identify and use geographic tools to learn the
geographic boundaries and characteristics of the United States as
well as its most important physical features.
• examine how people meet needs and are influenced by their
environment.
• identify and evaluate economic choices about production and
distribution of goods.
• use timelines, artifacts, and multimedia to learn about people,
events, and places of today and of the past.

Two sides of the report card: academic success and learning skills

Academic grades are based on multiple and varied measures over time.
(Students are assessed on classroom observations, discussions, written work,
and assessments.)

Academic grades for 2nd grade’s report card are:
ES
P
I
N
Student demonstrates exceptional understanding of the text,
content, question, or problem at the grade level standard
Student meets the grade level standard by demonstrating
proficiency of the content or processes for the measurement topic
Student is in progress toward meeting the grade-level standard
Student is making minimal progress or has not yet shown progress
in meeting the grade level standard

Academic grades do not take into account effort, attendance, behavior, and
attitudes. These areas are noted in the learning skills section.

Academic grades are based on the student’s level of proficiency on the
measurement topics.
How Am I Doing?
Words
Independent
Practice and
Homework
Graded Work,
Quizzes, Tests, and
Report Card
ES
Wow, you did more
than expected!
You did great
work. You got it!
√+
P
You are getting the
idea, but need some
more practice.
√
I
You need to
improve and ask
questions for help.
√-
N
Home-school
communication

The Homework Folder: This will include reading,
spelling and math homework on Mondays. All homework will
be due on Friday morning. Please check this every day in
case there is any time-sensitive notices included.

The Thursday Folder: This will include all graded work,
class work, and important notices. Please return this folder
each Friday.
Homework Policy
Homework is expected to be turned in each Friday. It will
be checked for completion. Second graders should read
every night for their homework.
The only time homework will be a part of a student’s
academic grade will be when it is explicitly indicated on the
homework. An example would be the model of a
caterpillar or insect project.
Feel free to ask your child’s classroom
teacher questions when you meet
back in the classroom.