Home Academics Lower School Second Grade

Why Second Grade at Friends Academy?

As students grow from first grade into second grade, the focus shifts from themselves as individuals to the communities they belong to: their family, their classroom and grade level, their school, and where they live. The small, close-knit culture of Friends Academy is an ideal place for students to study and understand various roles in a community and society.

Academically, second graders build upon the math and language skills introduced in first grade – including reading and writing independently, calculating more complex math problems, and being thoughtful about spelling, punctuation, and capitalization. They learn formulas to compose paragraphs and solve word problems, work on choosing “right fit” books at their reading level that interest them, and practice visualizing and predicting what will happen next in a story.

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    Slide 1: For their FA Helpers writing project, second graders choose a Friends Academy staff member to learn and write about.
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    Slides 2-5: First, they interview the staff member, and then work on multiple drafts of their writing, with feedback from their teacher throughout the process.
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    Slides 2-5: First, they interview the staff member, and then work on multiple drafts of their writing, with feedback from their teacher throughout the process.
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    Slides 2-5: First, they interview the staff member, and then work on multiple drafts of their writing, with feedback from their teacher throughout the process.
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    Slides 2-5: First, they interview the staff member, and then work on multiple drafts of their writing, with feedback from their teacher throughout the process.
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    Slides 6-7: Once they have completed their written and illustrated pieces, they are put on display.
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    Slides 6-7: Once they have completed their written and illustrated pieces, they are put on display.
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    Slide 8: Students also share a presentation about their FA Helper at All-School Meeting for the entire school to learn about.

Second graders also use the concept of community to further grow their social and emotional skills. They are called upon to see beyond themselves, understand their impact on others, become aware that everyone has a voice, and work together to solve problems. By regularly practicing how to follow instructions, hold themselves accountable, and reflect on their experiences, they take valuable life skills with them into third grade and beyond.

“Our daughter truly feels at home here at FA. She is always glowing with excitement. It’s such a nice feeling as a parent to know she is thriving and comfortable everyday.”

Parent of a second grade student

Features of the Second Grade Experience

  • Two second grade students work together while sitting on the floor under a desk.

    Writers’ Workshop

    This regular period begins with a short read-aloud or mini lesson, and then students write until time is up. They explore different writing styles, such as poetry and letter writing, and practice peer editing and giving feedback.

  • A second grade student reads a book independently while sitting in front of a bookcase.

    Daily Independent Reading

    Each day, second graders spend time reading books on their own. This helps students build their reading stamina and allows them to practice choosing “right fit” books that interest them and are at their reading level.

  • A Learning Specialist screening a first grade student using an iPad program.

    Bridge Program

    Students with language-based learning differences can be part of the Bridge Program for additional literacy support. These students typically transition to a dedicated Sally Borden Program third grade class.

  • Second grade students run across the grass during recess.

    Two Recess Periods Per Day

    The second grade classroom opens up to Friends Academy’s 65-acre campus. The Lower School recess area includes a playground, sand box, basketball court, and large field.

Submit an Application for Second Grade

Are you interested in second grade at Friends Academy for your child? Submit an inquiry or an application today!

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Meet the Second Grade Team

Second Grade Curriculum

At the end of each week, the second grade teacher sends out a newsletter to families with photos and updates about what students learned that week. (See a sample newsletter.)

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Language Arts (Reading and Writing)

  • Crafting personal narratives in the form of short stories, while using elements of the drafting process (brainstorming, editing, etc.)
  • Independent reading time, coupled with guided reading group opportunities and a shared read aloud, to build reading stamina, fluency, comprehension, and decoding skills
  • Dedicated time to spelling, handwriting, and other elemental writing skills
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Mathematics

  • Addition and subtraction of multi-digit numbers, with a focus on fluency
  • Introduction of various ways to approach simple math problems (bar modeling, regrouping, etc.)
  • Multi-step problems are introduced via word problems
  • Exploration of money and time
  • Emphasis of growth mindset (“I can’t do that yet.”)
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Social Studies

  • Focus on community and our interdependence when seeking to make a positive impact
  • Looking at concentric circles of impact, starting with families and the classroom and building to the local community before taking a global vantage point
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Science

  • Learn how plants grow and adapt by observing and collecting plants and seeds on campus
  • Investigate the characteristics of different states of matter (solid, liquid, and gas), including density and surface tension
  • Introduce simple machines and follow the engineering design process to build machines and structures
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Physical Education

  • Promote physical activity and the benefits of healthy living
  • Develop movement skills – including locomotor movements, ball manipulative skills, and dance/gymnastics – and understand when to apply skills in game play
  • Practice life skills such as teamwork, cooperation, respect, taking turns, following directions, and communicating with peers
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Art

  • Understanding of complementary and warm/cool colors and how they can be used to express mood
  • Develop recognition of balance in composition
  • Exploring building with hand tools such as a hammer and a nail
  • Use of lines to show patterns and textures
  • Practicing the process of weaving
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Music

  • Take a tour of musical styles from various cultures and composers
  • Develop skills in reading and writing music
  • Improvise both tonally and rhythmically
  • Develop part singing skills
  • Learn about musical traditions and the role of music in various holidays and cultures
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Library

  • Understand the basics of how a library works
  • Practice choosing “good fit books” that support developing reading skills
  • Learn about the parts of a book (including chapters, headings, and table of contents), copyright, and how to find information in a book
  • Lay a foundation for information-seeking skills