Curriculum
	Reading

A variety of reading experiences will be provided and designed to meet the needs of all students. In our new reading series, Scott Foresman offers a well-rounded selection of literature. Skill work and writing assignments are a part of daily work.

In addition, Accelerated Reader, which is a computer program housing many titles of popular children's literature, will be implemented as well.

In second grade, we will continue to use Companion Reading to boost fluency, accuracy, and phonics.

Literature

In January, our class will participate in literature circles. Literature circles are discussion groups where students meet regularly to talk about books. They explore a wide variety of topics and learn to discuss literature in a meaningful way.

Math

The LWSC has adopted a new math series for implementation over the next few years. The program is called Investigations in Number Data and Space by TERC. We have a series to help bridge our current program to Investigations by Addison Wesley/Scott Foresman simply called Math. These programs reflect the NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) standards. Investigations is a K-5 program developed under a grant from the National Science Foundation. This math program will emphasize meaningful mathematical thinking.

Students will also be using mental math, pencil/paper, concrete materials, and calculators to estimate and compute for addition and subtraction. They will also be using graph and charts. Timed tests are also administered twice a week to help increase proficiency and speed with math facts.

Topics of study are:

basic facts	place value of ones, tens, hundreds
add/even numbers	fractions, halves, thirds, fourths
estimation	addition/subtraction
regrouping	time/calendar
money	data, graphing
problem solving

Writing

A primary goal of the LWSD is for all students to become effective communicators. Washington State is using a Six Trait + One Writing Model to assess students. The traits are:

Spelling

Our spelling list this year come directly from our Reading series. It features strategies that include sound sequences and visual patterns. It also features words from the reading vocabulary which will be extremely helpful in learning the words introduced in reading.

Science and Health

Through science investigations, students expand their knowledge to better understand and explain their world. Science is an active process requiring hands-on activities. Second grade science topics are:

Social Studies

Students learn to describe ideas, people, and events that shape cultures and society. Our focus is the local community, people, and places around us. Areas of study are:

History:		People, places, chronological events related to school, neighborhood communities
Culture:		Elements/Expressions of culture (home, school, community)
Civics:		Citizenship, rules/responsibilities in class/school
Democratic Process:		Decision making, conflict resolution
Economics:		Meeting needs/wants in the local community
Geography and Environment:		Mapping human/physical Characteristics and knowledge and care of local environment

We are Peace Builders

Mark Twain Elementary has adopted an exciting, practical approach to helping young people find ways to reduce violence and increase peace in their lives. PeaceBuilders gives every person in the school a role to play and a common language to share. The key components are:

Praise People

Seek Wise People

Right Wrongs

Give Up Putdowns

Notice Hurts

Return to Mark Twain Homepage

Top | Home | Schedule | Homework | Photo Album | Links