Language Arts
Wayland Union Schools utilizes the Reader's and Writer's Workshop model for Language Arts Instruction. Our district utilizes the Lucy Calkins Units of Study for Reading and Writing as the basis of our Language Arts program but supplement based on the needs of students, which vary from year to year. Students in Kindergarten through 3rd grade also complete the Saxon Phonics program in order to establish a firm foundation in phonics skills. For the 2024-2025 school year, teachers of grades K-5 are piloting additional ELA programs including Superkids, HMH Into Reading, and Bookworms.
Essential Standards for Second Grade Language Arts:
- Ask and answer questions such as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate an understanding of key details in a text.
- Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
- With guidance from adults and peers, focus on a topic and strengthen writing as needed by revising and editing.
- Use knowledge of language when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
- Know and use various text features to locate key facts or information in a text efficiently.
- Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills for decoding words.
In accordance with Michigan's new Third Grade Reading Law, all students must be within one grade level of reading proficiency at the end of their Third Grade year. To read about how you can help your child reach reading proficiency, please check out our Read At Home Plan.
Mathematics
Essential Standards for Second Grade Math:
- Read and write numbers to 1,000.
- Skip count by 2s, 5s, 10s, and 100s.
- Compare numbers as greater than, less than, or equal to other numbers.
- Add and subtract numbers within 100 with or without regrouping.
- Identify place value for ones, tens, and hundreds.
- Tell and write time from analog and digital clocks to the nearest five minutes, using a.m. and p.m.
- Can identify each of the coin names and their values. Also, count coin amount up to $1.00
Parents looking to help their child with math at home might find the following resources useful.
Science
In second grade, students dive deeper into science concepts, exploring how plants grow, how weather affects our lives, and how materials can change. Through questions like "What do plants need to grow?" and "How can we change materials?" students gain a practical understanding of biology, earth science, and physical science. Mystery Science encourages them to observe patterns and relationships in nature and explore the environment around them, setting a foundation for understanding ecosystems and cycles in nature.
Social Studies
In second grade, students dive deeper into the idea of communities by studying how communities are similar and different from one another. They’ll explore geography and maps more thoroughly, including understanding landforms and regions. Social Studies Weekly introduces them to early American history, basic economic concepts, and how cultures have both similarities and differences. Through discussions on famous Americans, civic duties, and landmarks, students begin to understand the diversity within the United States and learn about the importance of community and citizenship.
