St. Dominic Elementary School

Second graders at Saint Dominic Elementary School begin to work even more independently. Students’ language arts skills grow exponentially this year. Reading class, which is split into two sections, focuses on developing creative writing skills to begin preparing students for the standardized tests they will be required to take when they get older. Student also work on their vocabulary, grammar and phonics skills, and storytelling abilities, which encourages students to express their individualism. In math, essential skills such as addition, subtraction, carrying and borrowing are drilled and the concept of using graphs to solve problems is introduced.

In social studies class, students develop map skills, compare the before-and-after of the U.S. westward expansion, and learn about local and state government, including the voting process. Science is brought to life for students with lots of hands-on class participation, including the study of the life cycles (butterflies, frogs and plants in classroom terrariums), geology (rocks and crystals) and the solar system, which culmi­nates with a trip to the Vanderbilt Planetarium. Second graders also go on two other field trips, one to the Vanderbilt Museum of Natural History and another that is decided upon at the start of each year.

Religious studies in 2nd grade prepares students for two of the most important spiritual events their lives: the Holy Sacraments of Reconciliation and Penance in January and Communion in the spring.