Second Grade

ELA 

Second grade is the last year of intensive, explicit phonics instruction.  By the end of second grade, students are expected to apply increasingly complex phonics patterns, syllable types, and common affixes to accurately and automatically decode single- and multisyllabic words and read grade-level text with appropriate accuracy, rate, and expression. In language comprehension, students are expected to build knowledge and vocabulary and demonstrate comprehension of increasingly complex literary and informational texts by identifying and explaining key ideas and details, making inferences, and using multiple pieces of text evidence to support their thinking. Students use UFLI for phonics and EL Education for reading comprehension.  

Math

In second grade, Virginia’s math standards focus on building number sense up to 999, mastering addition and subtraction with fluency, and measuring real-world quantities. Instruction emphasizes explaining mathematical reasoning over rote memorization, setting students up for advanced mathematics in their future. Like all elementary grades, teachers utilize Eureka Math-VA for instructional purposes. 
 

Science

The theme of second-grade science is “Change Occurs All Around Us.” Students will deepen their previous understanding of forces and elements, including water, weather, and plants and animals. Students will also begin to learn about change and evolution in the natural world, and engage more deeply in the engineering design process + the scientific model. 

Social Studies

Second grade social studies continues to build students’ understanding of geography, history, sociology, government, and the economy. With a strong integration to the ELA curriculum, students will analyze simple primary and secondary sources, compare perspectives, sequence events in a timeline, and use evidence to support their ideas. By the end of the year, students will be able to describe how individuals and events shape their community, confidently use maps to describe locations, and apply basic economic concepts, such as jobs, salaries, and using money to purchase goods and services.  

Additional Learning Opportunities

Second grade students at RPS also receive exposure to the arts, including fine arts and music, as well as the library and PE classes. Many schools also offer periodic Spanish-language instruction — please reach out to your school principal to learn if this is an option. All RPS 2nd graders are tested for Talented and Gifted (SPACE) programming. 

Social-emotional Skill Development 

In second grade, students should be developing stronger self-awareness, independence, responsibility, and relationship skills. They should be able to recognize and regulate their emotions, organize their materials and tasks, set simple goals, work productively with different classmates, and express disagreement respectfully. Students should also demonstrate empathy, consider other perspectives, resolve minor conflicts, and make responsible decisions with increasing independence.  Social-emotional growth is evident when students can persevere through challenges, manage disappointment, accept constructive feedback, take responsibility for their choices, advocate appropriately for themselves and others, and contribute positively to a respectful and inclusive classroom community.