Second Grade
Students in Second Grade will experience many opportunities for personal, social, and academic growth during the school year. All of these opportunities will enable them to successfully grow to their fullest potential.
A major focus this year is to prepare and receive the sacraments of Reconciliation
and First Holy Communion.
WRITING
Text: Palmer Method Transition To Cursive, Publisher: Zaner-Bloser
The children learn by doing – they write. As the year progresses, each child will work at improving their writing skill and spelling skills. Invented spelling is acceptable in first draft work. Final copies should have little and eventually no invented spelling.
READING/LANGUAGE ARTS
Text: Reading Street, Publisher: Scott Foresman
The children will read, listen to, respond to, and get to know literature. Some of this time will be spent independently, some with partners, and some in small groups. Flexible reading groups will be utilized throughout the school year. Groups are formed on factors such as student’s background knowledge, social abilities, and academic abilities.
SCIENCE
Text: Science, Publisher: MacMillan-McGraw Hill
Our science program presents science in the context of Life Sciences, Earth Sciences, and Physical Sciences. The students will explore plants, animals, changes in the Earth, and matter and energy. We perform many experiments where children become the scientist.
MATH
Text: Math, Publisher: MacMillan-McGraw Hill
The children will learn and practice many math concepts this year such as addition, subtraction, regrouping, measurement, money, telling time, and fractions. Each of these concepts will be introduced and practiced with manipulatives. One of my goals is that children not only get the correct answers for a problem, but also be able to understand and explain why it is the correct answer.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Teacher resources are utilized
We learn about the world and people in our world. We use maps, charts, globes, and a variety of other materials.
RELIGION
Text: We Believe, Publisher: Sadlier
The children will receive two sacraments this year, Reconciliation and Eucharist. Much of our time is spent on preparing to receive these sacraments. We also learn how Jesus wants us to live and how He wants us to treat others. This concept is taught throughout the day, every day. Mass is attended by the whole school once a week.
Please go to our Sacraments page for more information
ART
Teacher resources are utilized
In our art class, the children learn about a new artist each month. They explore different styles of painting, sculpting, and different art media.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Please see Other Areas of Study for more information regarding the gym curriculum.
MUSIC
Please see Other Areas of Study for more information regarding the music curriculum.
The Second Grade program continues the general introduction to the major composers and the language of music.
COMPUTER
Please see Other Areas of Study for more information regarding the computer curriculum.
INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGIES
The Second Grade classroom teacher will use a variety of instructional methodologies including whole group discussions, small group cooperative learning, individual work, and one-on-one support.
Teacher Biography
Miss Laura Chihoski has a Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Psychology from Illinois State University. In 2003, she earned a Master of Education degree with a major in Interdisciplinary Studies Curriculum and Instruction from Nation-Louis University. She holds an Illinois Standard Early Childhood Type 04 certificate with an endorsement in Special Education.
Miss Chihoski has been teaching second grade since 2001 at Saint Zachary School.
Previously, Miss Chihoski taught Preschool Education at Forest View Elementary School for one year, was a Learning Disability Resource teacher at Rosemont Elementary School for one year, and taught Kindergarten at Brentwood Elementary School for half year after finishing student teaching at Rupley Elementary School in December of 1998.
Miss Chihoski has been recognized by the Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. She was nominated for the Golden Apple Award during the 2005-2006 school year.
Miss Chihoski’s second grade page coming soon!