Primary Curriculum

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Grade 2

  • Art

    In this dynamic environment, students learn about the elements (or visual components) as well as the principles of art that artists use to organize their work. The elements are line, shape, form, value, space, color, and texture. The principles include rhythm, balance, emphasis, proportion, gradation, harmony, variety, and movement. These principles and elements are taught through the lens of the history of art. Throughout the school year, students are introduced to a variety of artists and art forms, ranging from Ancient Egypt to the work being created by contemporary artists from around the globe. All artists and styles explored offer the opportunity to learn about how their work incorporates the elements and principles of art. Throughout the year, the art studio collaborates with core- and co-curricular teachers to implement STEAM initiatives, including this year’s focus on global citizenship. These allow the opportunity to incorporate the arts into every area of learning. Likewise, many of the elements and principles of art are naturally occuring in STEAM, such as shape, proportion, form, balance, value, the science of color, and more. The art studio should be a place where every student feels empowered to assert their creativity. To this end, the focus is on kindness and creating a work space where students feel confident and eager to express their ideas. Contemporary American artist Amy Sherald said, “I don't think anybody can create in a space where they don't feel comfortable.” In the art studio, students are given tools to find this comfort and courage to create and grow across the arts and the STEAM curriculum.

  • Global Studies

    The overarching theme for Second Grade is We Are All The Same, We Are All Different. Through this overarching theme, students have the opportunity to practice empathy on a daily basis. By recognizing the similarities and differences, students will learn to celebrate differences and seek commonalities within each other. All people have history to reflect on and learn from; people want the same basic things wherever they are. Home, family, and our way of life are ways that we are all connected.

    During the fall, Second Graders will focus on the essential question, “Who are we and who came before us?” This essential question allows students to investigate aspects of their identity (race, ethnicity, family structure, religion, ability, age and socioeconomic status) all while thinking about the history of their family and community. The study will involve STEAM learning throughout. It will culminate in a shared celebration of learning for parents.

    The spring will be spent exploring the essential question, “What story are you going to tell and how?” Through this essential question, students will learn about the continents and oceans, and mapping skills (mapping skills (compass rose, map key, symbols, plotting longitude and latitude coordinates). This unit also is an STEAM unit and will integrate various science, music, and art projects.

  • Library

    The core curriculum for the library adds depth to all other curricular areas for each grade level. We seek to foster a love of reading in our students by exploring literature and engaging in book discussions. We believe that research and information literacy skills are vital to success across every subject area. Guided by standards outlined by the American Library Association, we teach students how to find and access information effectively and efficiently, how to critically evaluate information and its sources, how to incorporate research into their own work, and how to properly cite information gathered through this process in their own work.

  • Reading

    The Reading Workshop model is used as the foundation of reading in second grade. Within this structure students interact with text whole group, independently, in partnerships, in small guided reading/skill groups, and in book clubs. Daily sessions begin with a mini-lesson then students take part in independent reading to practice taught skills (in Just Right Books). Guided reading is used in small groups to reinforce, reteach or extend learning. Strategic actions for thinking include reading within the text (literal), beyond the text (prediction, connecting to previous knowledge and other texts), and about the text (analyze and critique). Students are expected to practice reading every night.

  • Mathematics

    The Math program is Primary Mathematics (Standards Edition) from Marshall Cavendish International, Singapore. The Singapore Program aligns itself with the eight mathematical practices set forth in the Common Core State Standards. The core curriculum is presented in a logical sequence. They use the Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract (CPA) approach to learn, understand and express their knowledge of our number system and place value. Units of study include Numbers to 1000; Addition and Subtraction with renaming; Measurement; Multiplication and Division; Methods for Mental Addition and Subtraction; Money; Fractions; Time; Capacity; Tables and Graphs; Geometry. Memorizing basic facts in addition, subtraction, and the 2’s and 5’s multiplication tables is critical to a child’s efficiency in computation. Children should practice these with speed and accuracy on a daily basis at home as part of their homework routine. The use of flashcards, timed worksheets and a variety of websites and apps can be helpful.

  • Music

    Students engage in four foundational concepts of musical learning (Sing, Move, Listen, and Play) and Kodaly-based active music making. Particular emphasis is placed on the learning of echo songs, call and response songs, and song tales for further development of pitch matching and rhythm skills with the body (clapping, marching) and rhythm sticks. Listening skills are developed through exposure and discussion of stories, musicians, and musical genres (Folk, Classical, Jazz, etc) with emphasis on verbal and written reflection (“What do you hear? What do you feel? What do you see? What do you wonder?”).

  • Physical Education

    The Physical Education Department, first and foremost, is responsible for helping our young people acquire the skills and self-confidence they need to participate in a wide variety of physical activities. The curriculum seeks to develop strength, stamina, and coordination. Our hope is that what is gained through our fun and developmentally appropriate activities will go with them well beyond their school days. Students learn the motor skills necessary to participate in a wide variety of physical activities, helping them to understand the link between physical activity and good health.

  • Spanish

    Academic Expectations
    • To recite the Spanish alphabet, the days of the week, the months, and the seasons.
    • To count in sequence 1-100.
    • To know ten colors, clothing for each season, and body parts.
    • To be able to write sentences using the proper ending for nouns and adjectives.
    • To correctly use gender distinction of el/la and un/una.
    • To recognize "cognate" words
    • To write a complete sentence using words from the alphabet chart.
    Cultural Enrichment
    • The Second Graders will expand their vocabulary by learning different words with each letter of the Spanish alphabet.
    • Games and songs help the students practice and become familiar with the vocabulary.
    • We will introduce and enrich the Second Graders’ knowledge with information and facts about Spanish-speaking countries. This is the time to use all the vocabulary and knowledge they have learned throughout the year.

  • STEAM

    The overarching theme for Second Grade is We Are All The Same, We Are All Different. Through this overarching theme, students have the opportunity to practice empathy on a daily basis. By recognizing the similarities and differences, students will learn to celebrate differences and seek commonalities within each other. All people have history to reflect on and learn from; people want the same basic things wherever they are. Home, family, and our way of life are ways that we are all connected.

    During the fall, Second Graders will focus on the essential question, “Who are we and who came before us?” This essential question allows students to investigate aspects of their identity (race, ethnicity, family structure, religion, ability, age and socioeconomic status) all while thinking about the history of their family and community. The study will involve STEAM learning throughout. It will culminate in a shared celebration of learning for parents.

    The spring will be spent exploring the essential question, “What story are you going to tell and how?” Through this essential question, students will learn about the continents and oceans, and mapping skills (mapping skills (compass rose, map key, symbols, plotting longitude and latitude coordinates). This unit also is an STEAM unit and will integrate various science, music, and art projects.

  • Writing

    Children write daily using the Writing Workshop model. Mini-lessons are given to teach writing skills, grammar, and the writing process. The writing process is at the core of every writing lesson. Students are taught to choose a topic, plan, draft, revise, edit, and publish their work. First drafts are revised and edited by the teacher. Final drafts and works in progress are shared with classmates, and supportive feedback is given by peers. Children discuss the practices of good writing and reflect on what good writers do when writing. Peer partners share their work and offer support and ideas for writing. Children investigate story elements and learn strategies for planning when writing. Second Grade writing focuses on various genre such as Narrative, Informational, Opinion. Writing about Reading, and Poetry. Writing conferences with the teacher support the writing process and each child’s individual progress.

  • Elmore Leadership Program

    Class meetings support the Second Grade sense of family and community. Children learn to share their issues and support one another in finding resolutions and ways to make good choices. The weekly meeting helps support the TCS Core Values. Second Graders will have many opportunities to shine as leaders and caring citizens in our community. This is an important aspect of the TCS experience. Here at The Country School we refer to our students’ leadership opportunities as, The Elmore Leadership Program.

  • Social Development

    The Responsive Classroom program is part of our social-emotional curriculum. To be successful academically and socially, children need to learn a set of social and emotional skills that include cooperation, assertion, responsibility, empathy and self-control. Class meetings support the Second Grade sense of family and community.  Children learn to share their issues and support one another in finding resolutions and ways to make good choices. The weekly meeting helps support the TCS Core Values. The Choose Love Enrichment Program is a social and emotional learning program that teaches educators and their students how to choose love in any circumstance and helps us become connected, resilient, and empowered individuals. These skills, tools and attitudes have been proven through decades of scientific research to be the best way to ensure a healthy, meaningful and purpose-filled life.

Department Faculty

341 Opening Hill Road, Madison, CT 06443
P. 203-421-3113  |  F. 203-421-4390  |  Health Office F. 860-469-2550
Founded in 1955, The Country School is a coeducational, independent school serving students in PreSchool-Grade 8. The Country School is committed to active, hands-on learning and a vigorous curriculum that engages the whole child.