 The second grade program is designed to prepare our students for the upper elementary experience. This is a pivotal age where children are beginning to soar with their math and reading skills, opening up new opportunities for more advanced learning. A higher level of expectations regarding responsibility and independence is a hallmark of this grade level. The curriculum challenges students to think critically and promotes problem-solving skills that are vital in today’s society.
Bible
The Biblical Choices for a New Generation curriculum is designed specifically for private Christian schools. Students study Old Testament stories in the fall and New Testament stories in the spring. Weekly memory verses help students “hide God’s Word” in their hearts. Bible crafts and activities are done weekly, encouraging students to be creative with the gifts God has provided them, while reinforcing the concepts of the lesson. NCS does not teach a particular doctrine, but simply focuses on the stories read directly from the Bible. Weekly Chapel services provide an opportunity for all elementary students, faculty, staff and parents to enjoy a time of praise and worship.
Reading
Through the use of the Wright Group’s Gear Up! guided reading series, students are leveled using benchmark assessment books. They are then placed on an individualized reading plan. Teachers give direct instruction in comprehension, vocabulary, phonics, phonemic awareness and fluency. Small groups of students who are on similar levels work together with the teacher to progress in their reading skills. NCS expects students to finish second grade on an independent reading level of M or higher. This is the national standard. NCS utilizes the STAR assessment program to show teachers and parents the exact reading level at which a student is proficient. Levels are reassessed each month. The online Accelerated Reader program encourages the love of reading while developing comprehension and vocabulary skills. Students progress through seven different AR levels, attempting to earn either a bronze, silver or gold medal at the end of the year. The Reading A-Z program allows teachers to provide supplemental readers to students who need additional instruction and for students in need of greater challenges. Students are also expected to master all eleven Dolch sight word lists by the end of first grade.
Fluency
The Wright Group’s Fluency First curriculum is based upon The Fluency Development Lesson, which was highly researched by Drs. Timothy Rasinski and Nancy Padak of Kent State University. Daily lessons use simple and brief reading selections that students practice multiple times before performing for their peers. Teachers assess students based upon reading rate, accuracy, expression, volume, clarity, eye contact and gestures. A total of 6 formal assessments are conducted each year. Vocabulary, fluency, comprehension and word recognition skills are the focus of this entertaining and motivating program.
Phonics
Explicit phonics and phonemic awareness is taught in grades 1-3 using the Neuhaus Language Enrichment method. The Neuhaus program, developed here in Houston, uses research-based methods of literacy instruction. This curriculum caters to all learning styles, whether auditory, visual or kinesthetic. Research shows that emerging readers who receive phonemic awareness training score significantly higher in reading and spelling in the early elementary years.
English
The Houghton Mifflin English series is used to teach grammar and writing. The second grade curriculum focuses on basic parts of speech and complete sentences. Capitalization and punctuation are stressed. Daily editing practice is included. This curriculum includes technology links for students and parents to reinforce skills at home.
Writing
The Houghton Mifflin English curriculum is used to reinforce writing skills. Students are specifically taught the various genres of writing. Different professional models show students examples of good written composition. Storybook Weaver and Inspiration software allows students to create stories with colorful illustrations. Frequent journal writing encourages students to be comfortable with writing informal thoughts, feelings and responses on a regular basis. This also helps our students become fluent writers.
Spelling
The Houghton Mifflin Spelling and Vocabulary series focuses on short and long vowels, words with suffixes, compound words and contractions. Daily practice reinforces concepts. Weekly tests are administered to check for mastery. Houghton Mifflin provides an educational website for students, teachers and parents that assist with lesson extensions and additional practice. The Neuhaus Scientific Spelling method is used to enhance the teaching of phonics and the reliable spelling patterns of our language, as well as the exceptions to the rules.
Math
The Houghton Mifflin Math Expressions curriculum provides an excellent balance between computation skills and analysis. Students are expected not only to derive answers, but to justify them as well. Math Expressions focuses on Math Talk, Quick Practice, Student Leaders, Building Concepts and Helping Community. Second grade students learn to add, subtract and multiply. They are introduced to higher level thinking using real-world story problems that may require multiple steps. Hands-on manipulatives and math boards help students understand concepts more fully.
Science
The Scott Foresman science curriculum focuses on life, physical and earth science throughout the year. The spring semester concludes with a unit on how the body functions, nutrition and basic health. Writing and technology are incorporated into the curriculum. Students experience science from a Christian perspective. Labs and hands-on activities help make science a favorite among our second grade students.
Social Studies
The MacMillan/McGraw-Hill Adventures in Time and Place curriculum encourages students to focus on people living and working together in harmony. An overview of U.S. history is included in the spring semester. Special people, U.S. holidays and historical places are discovered during the spring as well.
Music
The Musicplay curriculum is used to teach students very specific skills using flashcards, games, hands-on activities, listening and singing. Music is always one of the students’ favorite classes in elementary school. Second graders perform in the spring musical program.
Art
Art is integrated into the regular classroom curriculum. Bible crafts and seasonal art projects allow students to be creative on a weekly basis. Students enjoy making Christmas crafts during the holiday season. Special projects include Rodeo Art drawings for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and a family heritage art project for Multicultural Week.
Physical Education
The elementary Physical Education program was developed by SPARK (Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids) and is taught by two highly-qualified coaches with many years of teaching and coaching experience. P.E. classes are designed to develop skills that enhance learning in the classroom. All students participate in 30 minutes of P.E. daily. Classes are taught in the school’s gymnasium and are highly structured in nature. Our belief is that daily physical activity is essential for good health and well-being. Second grade students continue to develop large-motor and fine-motor skills through various games and activities.
Health
The Healthy and Wise curriculum from Caprock Press is used in each grade level 1-5. Students study the same topics throughout the year. Lessons change from one year to the next. Major topics include: Sports, Exercise, Nutrition, Food, Health Research/Updates, Body Basics, Safety/Health Awareness, Relationships and Social/Mental Health. Groups of our fifth grade students utilize the curriculum to design specific lessons, discussion questions, quizzes, projects, etc. for our teachers to present in their classrooms.
Computer/Technology
NCS integrates the use of computers and technology into the regular curriculum. Second graders have access to desktop computers in the classroom, as well as in a fully equipped computer lab, providing a computer for each individual. Basic terminology is taught based upon the NETS (National Educational Technology Standards). Students use the Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing program to learn basic keyboarding skills. Students are periodically assessed on their keyboarding skills. Storybook Weaver, Accelerated Reader, Inspiration, Power Point and other educational software are incorporated into the curriculum.
Junior Achievement
NCS participates in the Junior Achievement Program. Trained community volunteers present five lessons during the spring semester. The second grade curriculum is designed to provide practical information about businesses and the many occupations found in those businesses in a typical community such as ours. Lessons are designed around the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills). This program utilizes technology enhancements.
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