Dougherty Academy
🏫 Dougherty Academy Second Grade Syllabus
A Year of Discovery, Creativity, and Growth
At Dougherty Academy, our Second Grade Syllabus is designed to nurture the whole child a mind, body, and spirit. We believe learning should be joyful, purposeful, and rooted in curiosity. This year’s program brings together strong academics, expressive arts, physical wellness, and practical life skills to inspire confidence and character.
🌟 Core Academics
Our academic foundation encourages students to think critically and communicate effectively:
- Reading & Writing: Building comprehension, grammar, and creative storytelling.
- Math: Developing problem-solving confidence with addition, subtraction, and early multiplication.
- Science & Social Studies: Exploring the natural world, community connections, and history through inquiry and observation.
🎨 Arts & Expression
Creative expression helps children grow emotionally and intellectually.
- Art: Color, shape, and imagination come alive through projects and art appreciation.
- Music & Ballet: Students explore rhythm, movement, and grace while developing coordination and confidence.
- Music Theory & Piano: From reading notes to understanding melody, students learn the language of music.
- Viola & Violin: Early string instruction teaches focus, teamwork, and joy in music-making.
⚽ Movement & Physical Education
Our physical education and Golf programs build coordination, balance, and sportsmanship — fostering lifelong healthy habits.
🌿 Life & Practical Skills
Second grade at Dougherty Academy goes beyond the classroom:
- Gardening / Homesteading: Students learn about plants, sustainability, and responsibility through hands-on gardening.
- Cooking: Engaging lessons in nutrition, safety, and creativity make the kitchen a lively classroom.
- Technology & Character Education: Digital literacy meets moral growth — preparing students for both academic and personal success.
💬 Language & Faith
Spanish, ASL (American Sign Language), and Religion broaden communication, empathy, and understanding of self and others.
Each subject supports our mission: to create confident learners who are kind, curious, and ready to make a difference.
📄 Explore the full syllabus below
Dougherty Academy Second Grade 36-Week School Plan Second Grade
Guiding Growth Week by Week
Our 36-Week School Plan for second grade provides a clear and balanced path for the second-grade year. Each quarter is thoughtfully designed to engage students through academics, arts, movement, and life skills — creating a rhythm of learning that feels natural and inspiring.
🌱 Quarter 1: Building Foundations
The year begins with confidence and curiosity. Students review reading and math basics, explore the weather and seasons in science, and learn about community helpers in social studies. In the arts, they practice steady beats in music, posture in ballet, and discover the joy of color in art.
Life skills come alive through garden introductions and cooking safety — setting the tone for hands-on learning and independence.
🧭 Quarter 2: Learning Through Discovery
Curiosity flourishes as students dive into plant life cycles, maps, and cultural studies. Music Theory introduces scales and tempo, while ASL expands communication. Garden lessons grow with herbs and vegetables, and cooking shifts to simple recipes with nutrition lessons.
🌸 Quarter 3: Growth & Creativity
This quarter focuses on connecting knowledge and creativity. Students experiment in science, write reports, and study Earth’s resources. Music Theory deepens with composing melodies, while Ballet, Piano, and Strings prepare for spring performances. Students explore composting in the garden and healthy baking in the kitchen.
🌞 Quarter 4: Mastery & Expression
As the school year closes, students celebrate all they’ve learned — from performing music and dance to harvesting from their garden. They study space, diversity, and leadership while preparing for year-end recitals and projects that showcase growth in every subject.
💫 Why It Matters
The Dougherty Academy 36-Week Plan helps students develop confidence, consistency, and curiosity. By blending academics with music, art, physical wellness, homesteading, and faith-based learning, we prepare children to thrive in school and beyond.
📄 View the complete 36-week plan below
How to put together a second grade portfolio? Dougherty Academy recommends the following
🗂 What to Include in a Second Grade School Year Portfolio
Celebrating Growth, Creativity, and Confidence at Dougherty Academy
A second grade portfolio is more than a collection of schoolwork, it’s a story of progress, discovery, and joy. At Dougherty Academy, we encourage families and teachers to create a keepsake that showcases both academic milestones and personal growth throughout the year.
Below you’ll find ideas for what to include in your student’s Second Grade School Year Portfolio, organized by subject area.
📚 Core Academics
Second grade is a big leap in independence and foundational skills. Include:
- Reading Logs & Book Reports: Show progress in comprehension, vocabulary, and reading stamina.
- Writing Samples: Compare early-year short sentences with later creative stories, letters, and journal entries.
- Math Worksheets: Highlight number sense, addition and subtraction mastery, and word problem-solving.
- Science Journals: Include experiments, weather charts, and observation notes on plants or animals.
- Social Studies Projects: Display community maps, cultural studies, and mini-history reports.
🎨 The Arts
Art reflects imagination, patience, and emotional expression. Add:
- Sketches & Final Art Projects: Seasonal crafts, drawings, and self-portraits.
- Music Sheets or Lyrics: From choir songs or music theory practice pages.
- Ballet Photos or Reflection Pages: A few pictures or a short paragraph describing what your student enjoyed learning.
- Music Theory & Piano Practice Sheets: Simple scales, notation worksheets, and performance programs.
- Viola or Violin Progress Notes: Include recordings or instructor feedback if possible.
🌿 Life & Homesteading Skills
Our hands-on programs foster real-world learning. You can include:
- Gardening Journal Pages: Drawings, plant care checklists, and photos of garden projects.
- Cooking Recipes: A favorite family recipe your student helped prepare, with photos or notes about what they learned.
- Golf Practice Charts: Track progress in form, balance, and sportsmanship.
💬 Language & Communication
Language learning encourages empathy and global awareness. Add:
- Spanish Vocabulary Lists: Favorite phrases, flashcards, or drawings with labels.
- ASL Practice Pages: Photos or notes from learning signs for colors, greetings, or emotions.
- Religion Reflections: Short prayers, stories, or artwork about gratitude and kindness.
🖥 Technology & Character Education
Encourage digital growth and self-reflection with:
- Typing Practice Pages or Coding Activities: Print or screenshots of early and later projects.
- Character Reflection Pages: Notes, drawings, or journal entries showing examples of teamwork, honesty, and kindness.
🏆 End-of-Year Reflections
Close your portfolio with celebration and reflection. Include:
- A “My Favorite Part of Second Grade” page
- A Growth Reflection (written or dictated by the student)
- Certificates, Awards, and Photos from performances, recitals, or school events
- A Parent or Teacher Letter highlighting the student’s progress and personality
💖 Why It Matters
A well-crafted portfolio is more than an academic record — it’s a mirror of your child’s journey. Each drawing, story, and photograph tells the story of curiosity, courage, and joy that defines second grade at Dougherty Academy.
Creating this collection helps students take pride in their achievements and reminds families of just how much growth happens in one beautiful school year.
Dougherty Academy
Free PDF Second Grade
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