Second Grade
Bear Creek
At Bear Creek, our philosophy is simple: we do what’s best for kids.
We are committed to meeting each student’s individual needs while fostering a strong sense of community. Our goal is to nurture independent learners who take responsibility for their own academic growth and behavior. We also prioritize open and consistent communication between school and home, ensuring a strong partnership in every child’s education.
Reading and Writing
Our daily 90-minute literacy block is designed to build strong reading and writing skills using a variety of high-quality resources, including the HMH Reading and Writing Curriculum, Fundations, and independent reading selections from our classroom libraries. Second graders develop phonics skills, comprehension strategies, and vocabulary through engaging lessons. They explore Narrative, Opinion, and Informational writing throughout the year, while also diving into nonfiction topics through Scholastic News and science and social studies units. To foster a love of reading, students check out four books each week from the library, encouraging independent practice at home. At Bear Creek, literacy is at the heart of everything we do!
Math
We use the Bridges in Mathematics curriculum to support every student’s growth, meeting them at their individual level. In second grade, students don’t just learn to solve problems—they learn to think critically, explain their reasoning, and articulate their problem-solving process. Our hands-on approach builds confidence and deepens understanding, ensuring a strong foundation in mathematical thinking.
Science and Social Studies
Our Science program combines the PhD Science curriculum’s units on Matter, Earth Changes, and Biomes with integrated STEM projects to bring learning to life. In Social Studies, students explore Meeting Needs and Wants, Our Changing Landscapes, and Innovation through Inquiry Ed units. We also discuss different types of communities and what makes them thrive. A key part of our Social Studies curriculum includes social-emotional learning and mindfulness practices to help students develop important life skills.
Beyond the Basics
At Bear Creek, we go beyond traditional learning by equipping students with the tools to think critically and deeply. Thinking Maps help students plan and organize their ideas across all subject areas, providing a common language they can use throughout their education. We also use Depth and Complexity icons to encourage deeper understanding and engagement with concepts. Additionally, Kagan learning structures keep students actively engaged, fostering collaboration, movement, and meaningful interactions in the classroom.
At Bear Creek, we are dedicated to developing well-rounded, curious, and confident learners—because learning is a lifelong journey!