Approaches to Learning: 2nd Grade

IB PYP Approaches to Learning Skills

Grade 2: COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Listening	Listen to and follow multi-step directions Listen attentively to others in the group in a variety of contexts Listen to presentations/stories/movies/guest speakers, tracking the speaker
Speaking	Express ideas and opinions clearly and logically, with guidance as needed Confidently present to an audience of peers, knowing to speak clearly with appropriate volume Initiates responses in complete sentences
Reading	Read a variety of sources for information and pleasure Retell a story in detail (story elements) using transition words Use text to support understanding by making predictions, conclusions, and inferences Read appropriate level text with fluency, accuracy, and comprehension
Writing	Write an organized piece (letter, essay, narrative, report, etc.) Write a summary to include main idea, supporting details and character descriptions Maintain a journal or record Communicate thinking through reflective writing (with or without prompts)
Non Verbal Communication	Observe visual cues and understands context Determine the appropriate sign and symbol that communicates a desired message Appropriately use body language as a means of communication Read body language and expressions of others and act accordingly

Grade 2: RESEARCH SKILLS

Formulating Questions	Learns how to ask open-ended questions about topics by brainstorming with others Pose open, realistic and investigative questions
Observing	Use the five senses to observe during simple experiments Discuss observations during investigative experiments
Planning	Discuss and describe what is to be done to complete research objectives Begin to identify priorities and divide assignments into simple tasks Begin to set target dates for tasks
Collecting Data	Recognize keywords for searching books Identify areas within the school library and locate resources in these areas Use Destiny Quest Pull facts from reliable non-fiction resources Begin to browse and search on the Internet with teacher guidance Understand that newspapers, databases, expert interviews and digital tools can be sources of information Use dictionary skills and text features to locate information Begin to skim and scan for information
Recording Data	Use appropriate medium to record information Recall and take notes of relevant information Identify the title and author of a source
Organizing Data	Compare and contrast information in different forms (tables, charts, timelines, graphs) Begin to underline relevant information in texts Begin to independently choose and use a variety of graphic organizers specific to a purpose
Interpreting Data	Draw conclusions based on organized data Narrow or modify research focus as needed to clarify data Interpret graphic organizers and make statements about them
Presenting Research Findings	Creatively use technology tools for presentations Present information logically and clearly Cooperate with peers to present work Contribute to discussions Show respect by listening to questions and giving logical answers

Grade 2: SELF-MANAGEMENT SKILLS

Gross motor skills	Move body appropriately, keeping in mind personal space Use muscles when physically active, such as playing games, relays, and rhythmic movement
Fine motor skills	Form all letters and numbers properly and legibly Hold a pencil properly Manipulate handheld tools effectively (scissors, musical instruments, painting tools, technology, science equipment, etc.). Manipulate a variety of drawing/painting tools to create pictures with detail
Spatial awareness	Demonstrate awareness of personal space and respect the personal space of others Work towards creating visual information and writing that is organized, formatted and presentable
Organization	Retrieve and return materials independently Organize and plan own tasks using appropriate materials Take responsibility for personal belongings and shared classroom materials
Time management	Begin to set time frames for certain tasks Use time effectively to complete work in a specified time
Safety	Adheres to all safety rules and understands the reason for the rules Know where, when and how to seek assistance in dangerous situations Avoid putting self and others at risk
Healthy lifestyle	Understand the importance of healthy eating and exercising and rest Understand that health has many forms (mental, spiritual, physical, emotional, personal) Making personal choices to reflect good hygiene habits
Codes of behavior	Understand and follow the different rules set for different situations Begin to model the IB learner profile
Informed choices	Take appropriate action based on own understanding Begin to reflect and explain personal decisions Knows that all choices have positive or negative consequences

Grade 2: SOCIAL SKILLS

Accepting responsibility	Demonstrate awareness and acceptance of responsibility for work and behaviors
Respecting others	Understand that people can have different opinions and values Display an understanding of fairness and equality Take into consideration the feelings of others and act accordingly
Cooperating	Work cooperatively in any group situation Share materials and take turns
Resolving conflict	Discuss how to solve problems with peers Know when to get the teacher involved and report conflict Choose appropriate behavior when solving conflicts Appreciate perspective and exhibit empathy
Group decision making	Actively ask questions and be open to accepting others’ ideas when working in a group Discuss ideas and strategies before starting
Adopting a variety of group roles	Take on or adapt to either a leading or a following role Understand what behavior is appropriate in a given situation Encourage peers during group work and cheer each other to success

Grade 2: THINKING SKILLS

Acquisition of knowledge	Expand vocabulary across subject areas Recall and recount new knowledge Retell central idea in own words
Comprehension	Understand the central ideas and lines of inquiry Compare and contrast information Understand purpose and criteria of an assignment Explain stories, information, and events chronologically
Application	Transfer new knowledge in a variety of ways Use the IB PYP essential elements when discussing knowledge gained
Analysis	See and find patterns or relationships Make inferences Distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information
Synthesis	Explain how specific elements can be combined to make a whole Use higher-order thinking to design and create new ideas and products Plan and present information in different ways Make generalizations and draw conclusions
Evaluation	Begin to self-assess and set goals to move learning forward Begin to accept and apply feedback given • Give peers effective feedback Give personal best to inquire, act, and reflect
Dialectical thought	Understand that people can have different points of view Listen to and appreciate other people’s point of view Construct arguments for own point of view
Metacognition	Begin to self-assess own learning Reflect on and correct personal abilities and progress Reflect on “I used to think _____, but now I know ______” Transition from “I can’t” to “how can I”s

Learner Profile

Approaches to Learning

Transdisciplinary Themes

Conceptual Learning

PYP Assessment & Reporting

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Approaches to Learning By Grade

1st Grade

2nd Grade

3rd Grade

4th Grade

5th Grade

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