Reading Language Arts
Developing foundational literacy skills continues to be a priority in second grade. When reading and writing, a student will apply more complex phonics patterns and common affixes. Fluency continues to be a focus of instruction with students reading and rereading grade level texts with prosody, accuracy, and appropriate rate. The student will continue to build world and word knowledge by being immersed in an environment filled with literary and informational texts. The student will deepen their understanding of genre types with a focus on fairy tales across cultures. The student will expand vocabulary by speaking and listening effectively in classroom discussions. The student will continue to expand their comprehension of texts by participating in collaborative discussions and writing about their reading. The student will begin to make the transition to cursive handwriting. The student will understand writing as a process, will write in a variety of forms and for a variety of purposes including across content areas, and will focus on foundational language usage skills to include grammar and mechanics. The student will research using available resources to complete a research product.
Math
The second grade standards have an emphasis on developing a solid foundation in number sense, computation, estimation, measurement, geometry, probability, statistics, and patterns, functions, and algebra. Students are encouraged to understand three-digit numbers, perform basic arithmetic operations, and explore geometric shapes’ properties and measurements. Additionally, they engage in data collection and interpretation through hands-on activities and are introduced to elementary algebraic concepts. These standards aim to enhance students’ problem-solving skills, mathematical reasoning, and communication of mathematical ideas effectively.
Science
Science in second grade builds on the previous understandings of forces, water, weather, and plants and animals, as students explore these concepts through the lens of change. They examine how water changes phase, how visible and invisible forces change motion, how plants and animals change through their life cycles, and how weather changes the Earth. Students also examine how change occurs over a short or long period of time. Throughout the elementary years, students will develop scientific skills, supported by mathematics and computational thinking, as they learn science content. In second grade, students will develop skills in posing simple questions, planning and conducting simple investigations, observing, classifying, and communicating information about the natural world. Students engage in more aspects of the engineering design process.
Social Studies
The standards for second grade students include an introduction to the lives of Americans and their contributions to the United States, as well as the heritage of Indigenous people. Students should continue developing map skills and demonstrate an understanding of basic economic concepts. The students will identify the contributions of individuals who have worked to improve the lives of American citizens. The students will recognize that the United States is a land of people who have diverse ethnic origins, customs, and traditions, who make contributions to their communities, and who are united as Americans by common principles.
Music
The Grade Two General Music standards guide students to advance their musical skills through various activities like singing, playing instruments, listening, performing, expressing, creating/composing, and moving. A focus is placed on fine motor skills, ensemble playing, notating pitches and rhythms, and identifying instruments. Students also delve into how music impacts daily life and evokes personal feelings and concepts.
Art
Second grade students expand their creative thinking by combining ideas and using imagination to solve art challenges. They develop communication skills as they analyze artwork and describe how it conveys ideas and emotions. History, culture, and citizenship are highlighted as students study how artists contribute to their communities. They begin to understand innovation by exploring contemporary media and experimenting with integrating music, theater, and dance elements into their visual artwork. Technique development focuses on more refined use of color, line, and shape, encouraging students to observe details in their environment.
Physical Education
In the elementary years, students develop maturity and adaptability in the use of fundamental motor skills and patterns that are then further refined and combined during the middle school years. Elementary students establish basic musculoskeletal vocabulary and use simple concepts as they develop their movements. They become aware of health-related fitness components (aerobic capacity, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition), engage in a variety of physical activities, and develop a basic fitness plan. It is expected that elementary students recognize and use rules and procedures, focus on safety, respect similarities and dissimilarities, and cooperate with others. They will also understand the basic nutrition and fitness concepts of energy balance.
Health
The intent of Health Education for elementary school students is to assist students to become health literate, self directed learners with the ability to identify accurate health products and services, and learn how to create and maintain a safe and healthy environment for themselves and their family members.
This is accomplished by demonstrating:
- the knowledge and skills to make healthy decisions that reduce health risks and enhance the health of oneself and others;
- the ability to access, evaluate, and use health information, products, and services that influence health and wellness in a positive manner; and
- the use of appropriate health practices and behaviors to promote a safe and healthy community when alone, with family, at school, and in other group settings.
Family Life Education
The text outlines key developmental goals for second-grade students focused on self-awareness, emotional regulation, and understanding relationships. It emphasizes the importance of accepting and appreciating others, recognizing personal strengths and weaknesses, and taking responsibility for one’s actions. Students also learn about basic human development, the role of adults other than parents in providing care, and how to handle emotions and physical affection in healthy ways. Additionally, the curriculum introduces students to the concept of media influence, teaching them how commercials and media affect emotions, self-esteem, and purchasing behaviors.
Library
This program of studies outlines key domains and competencies that guide learners in their intellectual, social, and ethical development. The standards are organized into six primary areas: Inquire, Include, Collaborate, Curate, Explore, and Engage.
- Inquire (Domains and Competencies)
Think, Create, Share, Grow: Learners are encouraged to build new knowledge by inquiring, thinking critically, identifying problems, and developing solutions. They engage with new knowledge by investigating questions, creating meaningful products, sharing those products, and responding to feedback. The process involves curiosity, evidence-based inquiry, and continuous growth.
- Include (Diversity and Inclusiveness)
Learners demonstrate awareness and respect for diverse perspectives within the learning community. They consider different viewpoints, engage in informed conversations, and act with empathy towards cultural diversity and global issues. Inclusiveness is central to their learning process, which includes evaluating and incorporating diverse perspectives.
- Collaborate (Working with Others)
Learners work effectively with others to broaden perspectives and achieve common goals. They actively seek collaborative opportunities, use various communication tools, and establish connections to expand their understanding. Collaborative learning is viewed as essential for problem-solving and knowledge creation.
- Curate (Organizing and Sharing Information)
Learners make meaning by collecting, organizing, and sharing personally relevant resources. They recognize when information is needed, assess sources, and make informed choices about which resources to use. This process involves critical thinking and decision-making to build useful and meaningful knowledge.
- Explore (Growth Mindset and Innovation)
Learners are encouraged to develop curiosity and a growth mindset through exploration and reflection. They engage in hands-on activities, solve problems, and innovate, applying new insights and continuing to develop skills through self-reflection and problem-solving cycles.
- Engage (Ethical and Responsible Knowledge Creation)
Learners engage ethically and responsibly in the creation and sharing of knowledge. They adhere to legal and ethical guidelines, reflect on their assumptions, and critically assess the validity and accuracy of information. They share their work with a global audience, ensuring respect for intellectual property and promoting ethical behavior in the learning community.
Each domain emphasizes the importance of curiosity, ethical behavior, collaboration, inclusivity, critical thinking, and continuous reflection as learners engage with knowledge. The program promotes lifelong learning and responsible engagement with information in a global context.
Gun Safety
The second grade portion of the firearm safety curriculum builds on the lessons from previous years, focusing on a deeper understanding of why specific community helpers carry firearms. The program continues to reference Virginia Code § 18.2-308, which clarifies the legal context for carrying firearms, including law enforcement officers, licensed security guards, military personnel, individuals with concealed handgun permits, and those participating in lawful hunting or recreational shooting. The goal is to provide students with a clear understanding of the legal and practical reasons behind firearm use in specific professional and recreational contexts. Lessons review the three gun safety rules: leave it alone; leave the area; let an adult know.