• Grade Two

    English Language Arts
    Students in Grade Two are beginning to blossom as readers and writers working to become more fluent in the uses of many different forms and genres of text.  Using the components of a Balanced Literacy Approach, students in grade two receive a daily 90 minute literacy block during which they are challenged to read, write, listen, and speak independently, in pairs and small groups, and in whole group settings. 

    Specifically, in grade two, our focus and by using the Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment system to insure prescriptive instruction at each student’s individual reading level.  The language arts curriculum in the general classroom is supported by a Book Room stocked and leveled with books spanning the range of reading levels and instructional levels for Pre-K through grade 6.

    The focus of English Language Arts instruction at any level remains NYSED Core Curriculum and challenges students to read, write, listen, and speak for information and understanding, for literary response and expression, for critical analysis and evaluation, and for social interaction. 

    Math
    The Elementary Math Program in the North Tonawanda City School District provides a comprehensive curriculum that is aligned to the New York State Standards for Learning. The Elementary Math curriculum focuses on foundational mathematical reasoning skills beginning with number sense and operations, geometrical shapes, measurement, patterning and sequencing, problem solving, and reasoning. Building on these foundational skills each year, we provide students with explicit, grade level instruction in our daily 60 minute math block.

    Specifically, in grade two, students begin calculating two digit numbers, demonstrate fluency and apply addition and subtraction facts up to and including 18, use appropriate mathematical terms, vocabulary, and language, determine sums and differences of number sentences by using fact families, and share math ideas through objects, drawings, pictures, charts, and symbols; and count in groups of 3s and 4s for multiplication readiness.  In addition, students begin telling time to the half hour and five minutes using both digital and analog clocks.

    The focus of Mathematics instruction at any level remains the NYSED Core Curriculum through which teachers provide students with the knowledge and understanding of mathematics necessary to function in a world very dependent upon the application of mathematics.  Instructionally, this goal translates into three components:

    • conceptual understanding
    • procedural fluency
    • problem solving 
    Social Studies
    The Elementary Social Studies curriculum provides students with opportunities to confront questions about humankind and the world. As part of the New York State Core Curriculum, students engage in the study of history, geography, economics, government, citizenship and civics.  Concepts and themes explored at the elementary level begin with the study of families, communities, local places in the North Tonawanda community and the Western New York region, citizenship, rights and responsibilities, and rules and laws.

    Specifically, in grade two, students begin learning of the rules that govern their community and region and how changes in rules and laws come about; the holidays that are recognized and celebrated in their community and region; the challenges of meeting individual and community needs and wants; the concept of taxes and economic decision making; and the symbols of citizenship.

    Science
    The Elementary Science Program in the North Tonawanda City School District provides a comprehensive curriculum that is aligned to the New York State Standards for Learning. The Elementary Science curriculum uses Scientific Inquiry to explore broad topics of the physical setting and the living environment. Students use simple equipment and tools to gather data and extend their senses acquiring simple skills such as how to observe, measure, connect, record and report data, and to classify objects using their own rules. From their own observations, they begin to ask questions and make predictions. Students' investigations are largely based on systematic observations and simple classifications to bring order and organization to their understanding. As students develop concepts and vocabulary from such experiences, they develop the ability to ask meaningful questions, investigate aspects of the world around them, and use their observations to construct reasonable explanations for their questions.

    Specifically, in grade two, students learn about the living environment focusing on water, air, and land on Earth; the concept of matter and its existence in the three states solid, liquid, and gas; the existence of energy in various forms; the concepts of motion and magnetism; continued experience with measurement in its many forms; the study of animals, their lifecycle and existence on Earth; the support and cultivation of plant life; and the celebration of Earth Day.

    In addition to academics, the North Tonawanda City School District provides instruction in an experiential setting by offering one mandatory field trip per grade level for each elementary student.  Grade Two students visit the Buffalo Museum of Science.