Content Knowledge
Children in grade two use their growing independence in reading
to explore interests and learn content in a variety of disciplines. As a
part of independent reading and content instruction children have the
opportunity to read books that broaden their understanding of the
world around them. They select books that pique their interest and spur
sustained focus. Teachers should have an independent reading program
as specified in the wide and independent reading section in chapter 2
of this ELA/ELD Framework. See figure 4.17 for examples of books in
science appropriate for grade two.Figure 4.17. Books Related to Animals and Their HabitatsAfrican Savanna by Donald Silver (1997)
Animal Habitats! (Williamson Little Hands Series) by Judy Press (2005)
Arctic Tundra by Donald Silver (1997)
Cactus Hotel by Brenda Z. Guiberson (1993)
Coral Reefs by Gail Gibbons (2010)
Deserts by Gail Gibbons (1999)
Desert Giants: The World of the Saguaro Cactus (Tree Tales) by Barbara Bash
(2002)
The Great Kapok Tree: A Tale of the Amazon Rainforest by Lynn Cherry (2000)
Introducing Habitats Series Crabtree Publishing Company
Pond by Donald Silver (1997)
Seashore by Donald Silver (1997)
Swamp by Donald Silver (1997)Children discuss and write about what they read on a daily basis and often in connection with
shared research topics. Content instruction is an important part of the instructional day in grade two.
It is a time when children learn about their worlds, and they learn about the processes by which
they can learn about their worlds. Furthermore, it is a time when can apply, and thereby strengthen
understandings about, what they are learning to do in reading, writing, discussing, and presenting.
All of this is done while studying a variety of content subjects and engaging in meaningful hands-on
learning experiences and investigations.
Foundational Skills
In grade two, children continue to develop phonics and word
recognition skills. They learn to read words with more complex spelling
patterns, words consisting of two syllables, and words with common
prefixes and suffixes. They also increase the number of irregularly
spelled words that they can recognize by sight. Considerable focus is
placed on building fluency with grade-level text.326 | Chapter 4 Grade 2