In Second Grade, instruction is designed to meet each student at their own individual stage of development. Students begin to read more fluently and write various text forms using simple and then more complex sentences. Our curriculum allows students to read, write, and talk about each subject at multiple levels and fosters analytic, evaluative, and reflective thinking. Second Grade has a strong focus on developing a student’s written abilities and positive patterns of organization laying the foundation for effective study skills in the years to come.
Language Arts
Language Arts includes systematic phonics and spelling instruction to strengthen phonemic awareness, and understanding of common spelling patterns. Reading instruction promotes fluency and comprehension, with an introduction of vocabulary and high frequency words. All genres are explored, with much of the expository reading linked to curriculum goals in science and math. Second Grade students also strengthen their writing ability. Students look at the components of the four basic types of sentences, as well as paragraph structure. An absolute favorite of all Second Grade students is learning to write in cursive!
Math
Second Grade focuses on strategies to build fluency with numbers. The program incorporates a daily drill of basic addition and subtraction facts with and without regrouping. Students also work with fractions, telling time, measurement, geometry and algebra. By year’s end, students begin to develop an understanding of the concepts for multiplying and dividing numbers.
Science
Concepts introduced help students understand the world around them. Students explore the characteristics of living and non-living things, plants and animals in their habitats, land forms, space, matter, and energy.
Social Studies
Curriculum introduces students to a basic understanding of local, state, and federal government structures. Second Grade compares the past to present to gain and understanding of history, and compare cultures from around the world through literature. Map skills are also developed.
Religion
The main focus is student preparation for the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. The class works towards a greater understanding of how to live our lives in accordance with the Ten Commandments, using the gifts that God has bestowed on each of us. Additionally, students engage in learning more about their classroom saint, St. Therese of Lisieux, and are encouraged to follow her motto of “doing the little things in life well and with great love.”
Enrichment classes: P.E., Art, Music, Technology, Library, and Spanish
Teacher: Nicci Falcone
Nicci Falcone earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from The American University and a teaching certificate from Notre Dame of Maryland University. She joined the Holy Cross faculty in 2016 and has been a certified catechist since 2012. Prior to Holy Cross she taught PreK-4, Kindermusik classes, middle school religious education classes, and was the publications director for the National Association for Music Education. Mrs. Falcone was named Outstanding Teacher of the Year by the Knights of Columbus in 2018-19.
Mrs. Falcone feels fortunate to be able to foster a love of life-long learning in this age of emerging independence by cultivating intellect. She enjoys taking her students from the “learning to read” stage into the exciting world of “reading to learn.” She places a high value on developing creativity and self-expression in a student-centered environment.
Para-educator: Lesley Miranda
Mrs. Lesley Miranda serves as the Second Grade para-educator at Holy Cross School. She brings a strong background in education and child development, with previous experience at St. Andrew the Apostle School. Mrs. Miranda holds a Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland. Her dedication to supporting students’ academic and social-emotional growth makes her a valued member of our Second Grade team. She is passionate about helping students thrive in a nurturing and engaging classroom environment.