Grade 2 Curriculum

To be truly literate, students need to acquire wide-ranging knowledge of the world learned through a well-balanced curriculum. Content knowledge is the indispensable companion to improved reading comprehension, since a child needs background knowledge about a topic in order to identify the main ideas and details of an informational text, or to understand how and why events unfold in a historical novel.

"All through the elementary grades, students need to be immersed in classrooms, schools, and libraries that provide a wide variety of books and media at different levels of complexity in a variety of genres—both literature and nonfiction. They need daily activities in which they develop language skills, mathematical understanding and fluency, understanding of experimentation and observation in science, creative experience in visual and performing arts, and the ability to interact with the community in a variety of ways. The pre-K–5 standards include expectations for reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language applicable to a range of subjects, including ELA, social studies, science, mathematics, the arts, and comprehensive health."  - Massachusetts Curriculum Framework – 2017

MA English Language Arts & Literacy Curriculum Framework

Below is a quick overview of the units your student will be working through in Math throughout the year. Everyday Mathematics is divided into Units, which are divided into Lessons. The Unit number is the first number you see in the icon, and the Lesson number is the second number. 

https://everydaymath.uchicago.edu/parents/2nd-grade/em4-at-home/

The mathematical skills and understanding that students are expected to demonstrate have wide applicability outside the classroom or workplace. Students who meet the standards are able to identify problems, represent problems, justify conclusions, and apply mathematics to practical situations. They gain understanding of topics and issues by reviewing data and statistical information. They develop reasoning and analytical skills and make conclusions based on evidence that is essential to both private deliberation and responsible citizenship in a democratic society. 

"Students should be given opportunities to discuss math’s relevance to everyday life and their interests and potential careers with teachers, parents, business owners, and employees in a variety of fields such as computer science, architecture, construction, healthcare, engineering, retail sales, and education. From such discussions, students can learn that a computer animator uses linear algebra to determine how an object will be rotated, shifted, or altered in size. They can discover that an architect uses math to calculate the square footage of rooms and buildings, to lay out floor dimensions and to calculate the required space for areas such as parking or heating and cooling systems (kumon.org}. They can investigate how public policy analysts use statistics to monitor and predict state, national or international healthcare use, benefits, and costs." - MA Mathematics Curriculum Framework 

Massachusetts Mathematics Curriculum Framework

The science and technology/engineering standards are intended to drive engaging, relevant, rigorous,
and coherent instruction that emphasizes student mastery of both disciplinary core ideas (concepts) and
application of science and engineering practices (skills) to support student readiness for citizenship,
college, and careers.

"A student’s ability to engage in scientific and technical reasoning through relevant experience results in better understanding of science and engineering, increased mastery of sophisticated subject matter, a better ability to explain the world, and increased interest in STEM fields. These are key outcomes for
successful engagement in civic, college, or career contexts."  - MA Science and Technology Engineering Framework

MA Science and Technology Engineering Framework

The primary purpose of a history and social science education is to prepare students to have the
knowledge and skills to become thoughtful and active participants in a democratic society and a
complex world.

"Standards for history and social science practice emphasize the skills of formulating questions, conducting research, evaluating sources, and synthesizing information. Standards for literacy in history and social science set expectations for analytical reading and logical writing and speaking, skills essential to political equality and civic engagement." - MA History and Social Science Framework

MA History and Social Science Framework

Supplement to the 2018 Massachusetts History and Social Science Curriculum Framework — Updated December 2021

It’s no longer the PE class parents remember when they were growing up.  Students are now experiencing a well rounded and unique wellness opportunity that prepares individuals not only physically, but mentally, socially, academically and emotionally.  Every class has been created to combine health education topics and physical education activities to engage all students.  

In the early grades, students work on developing locomotor, balance, manipulative skills, and knowledge so as they progress through the curriculum older students are allowed to focus on improving their individual skills and apply what they have learned in a number of different applications.  Additionally, combining health and physical  education allows the program to focus on the whole student.  Creating opportunities to explore oneself, interact and engage with others away from the limitations of the classroom environment are essential skills that allow students to thrive in the 21st century.

The Elementary wellness teachers in the Dedham Public Schools work closely together to ensure that our Early Learning and Elementary students are provided interactive, engaging and fun opportunities that are challenging and designed to help develop specific skills.DPS Health and Physical Education lessons utilize two key curriculum formats - Second Step and Online Physical Education Network (OPEN), combined with shared ideas, additional activities and innovative approaches that extend beyond the scope of OPEN,  to develop lessons that align with the 2023 MA Comprehensive Health and PE Framework and the National Health and Physical Education Standards.   

The lessons and sequence have been developed to build on prior knowledge and skills to best support student learning and success. 

Below are quick overviews of the units your student will be working through in their grade throughout the year. Along with each Unit are the overarching questions students will be covering in each lesson.