Grade 2/3 Curriculum
Language Arts
Foundational reading instruction during these two years continues with students working in small, flexible groups based on their needs. With their growing ability to read more complex texts independently, NVS teachers plan lessons & activities with an increased emphasis on comprehension skills such as identifying different points of view, describing overall story structure and recognizing cause & effect. Students also enjoy participating in guided novel studies with their class. Within the Writer’s Workshop model, our 2-3 students write more detailed personal narratives, explore opinion writing, craft literacy responses, and are introduced to research & report writing.
Math
The big ideas in grade 2 are extending understanding of the base-ten number system, building fluency with addition and subtraction, using standard units of measure, and describing and analyzing shapes.
The mathematical work for grade 2 includes:
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Adding, Subtracting, and Working with Data
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Adding and Subtracting within 100
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Measuring Length
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Addition and Subtraction on the Number Line
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Numbers to 1,000
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Geometry, Time, and Money
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Adding and Subtracting within 1,000
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Equal Groups
The big ideas in grade 3 are developing understanding of multiplication and division and strategies for multiplication and division within 100; developing understanding of fractions; developing understanding of the structure of rectangular arrays and of area; and describing and analyzing two-dimensional shapes.
The mathematical work for grade 3 includes:
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Introducing Multiplication
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Area and Multiplication
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Addition and Subtraction within 1,000
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Relating Multiplication to Division
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Fractions as Numbers
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Measuring Length, Time, Liquid Volume, and Weight
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Two-dimensional Shapes and Perimeter
Science
Building on what they learned during the past two years, 2-3 students are now ready to learn how to develop & use models, construct explanations & design solutions, and engage in argument from evidence. Topics for for 2-3 include:
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Structure and Property of Matter
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Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
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Engineering Design
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Forces and Interactions
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Life Cycles and Traits
Social Studies
During these two years students explore Oregon, both past & present. Essential questions explored by our 2-3 students include:
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How and why do communities change over time?
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How are communities the same and different?
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What is the government and why do people and communities need laws?
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What are the responsibilities of people in my community and state?
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How do events in the past influence the present?
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How can I have an impact on my local community?