RIO GRANDE, An independent school serving students pre-K through sixth grade in Santa Fe, NM

Second Grade

Our Second Grade Program emphasizes the excitement of learning. This is accomplished by helping students develop an understanding of how language, reading, science, social studies, and the arts apply to their daily lives.

The Language Arts program explores a variety of literature genres through individual and whole group reading and analysis. Second graders study poetry, Greek mythology, historical fiction, and non-fiction.

In Math, second graders use manipulatives and interactive games to learn math concepts. Particular emphasis is placed on computation skills, problem-solving strategies, time and money, fractions, shapes, and place value concepts.

Science is taught through a thematic approach. The major units of investigation include space, animals, and plants.

In Social Studies, second graders study life in Ancient Greece and learn about pioneers journeying along the Santa Fe Trail.

The Art program in second grade increases student understanding of technique and the elements an principles of design while encouraging individual creative spirit.

Drama focuses on developing students' physical and verbal agility as they continue to build their communication skills and expand their creative expressions.

In Multimedia, second graders develop confidence in using the computer as a learning tool through practice in keyboarding, word processing, concept mapping, and computer drawing and painting. The library program fosters independent reading, exposes students to more challenging resources, and introduces the research process.

In Music, the second grade program gives students opportunities to sing in a large group choir. Simple rhythmic reading and pitch recognition develop musicianship.

In Physical Education, second grade students participate individually and with others in a wide variety of movement skills.

In Spanish, students learn vocabulary for the continents, planets, community words, present tense and agreement of adjective and nouns. They participate in cultural activities and sing songs in Spanish.

For their Community Service Project, second graders make and sell chocolate truffles to raise money for the chimpanzees rescued by the Save the Chimps Foundation.

>>  See "Third Grade" curriculum >>