I am concerned as I have my child in Catholic School and have just learned that they will not be doing much in the way of Science or Social Studies in the 2nd grade. Very concerned!
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Parent Answers to "Should children in 2nd grade be learning science? "
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I don't know where you live, but it's possible that even the public school curriculum doesn't cover much in the way of science at 2nd grade. Obviously, private schools can establish their own priorities, and many people would say that religious formation is important, too. Your children certainly won't get that in the public schools.
If you're worried about lack of science in the classroom, you can always "supplement" through outside activities...For example, just take a walk in the woods, and try to identify different trees by the shapes of their leaves, or go to a nature center and learn about the life cycle of different animals; hatch butterflies; catch insects. I always advocate going to the library, and you can find so many books about doing science experiments using common ingredients found at home...My point is, don't feel that learning always has to be done in a classroom, rather help your child explore the world around them!
If you're worried about lack of science in the classroom, you can always "supplement" through outside activities...For example, just take a walk in the woods, and try to identify different trees by the shapes of their leaves, or go to a nature center and learn about the life cycle of different animals; hatch butterflies; catch insects. I always advocate going to the library, and you can find so many books about doing science experiments using common ingredients found at home...My point is, don't feel that learning always has to be done in a classroom, rather help your child explore the world around them!
Well where i live science is not taught until late 3rd or early 4th. Social studies starts in 2nd grade at my school.
You can check your state's standards. California, for instance, has standards for both science and social studies throughout elementary school.
Nonetheless, private schools, unless they are accredited, may or may not meet these standards.
Nonetheless, private schools, unless they are accredited, may or may not meet these standards.
In many districts, the rule of thumb is, "Reading, Writing,
As stated by others, you can always supplement til such time as they are hitting it hard in school. There is a myriad of websites that offer interactive and fun activities on line. Visits to the library, science centers, museums,
As stated by others, you can always supplement til such time as they are hitting it hard in school. There is a myriad of websites that offer interactive and fun activities on line. Visits to the library, science centers, museums,
OK, this is why parochial schools are hitting the skids with people. They are not keeping up with the state's standards for Science, and people are nervous. Have you noticed how many scientists are from other countries? How many women are not in the sciences? We need to put pressue on the parochial schools to address the science issues (social studies...you mean history or geography, well, those are allegedly covered by our 'community workers' etc. themes in early grades). We are really not giving the kids a fair shake in sciences, especially physical sciences. By the time they're in middle school they're already behind. You should be very concerned, and be marching into the office to voice your concern along with a group of parents from your school (so the administrators actually listen).
Youbetcha, I agree with your response completely. It's bad enough that even in some public schools science teaching is remedial at best and largely ignored at worst. My son was learning science when he was in 1st grade by way of studying animals, planting seeds and watching them grow ect. Plus, there are lots of great science books for kids out there tailored to suit almost all grade levels. And what kid doesn't like doing science expriments at home? If that school is not teaching at least some science by 2nd grade then I would either seek out a new school or, if that is not an option, teach your child science at home using books, experiments and computer games.
Really? My kindergarteners just started recently. I went to their back to school night to be amazed... During this year, they will learn math (including some algebra, geometry, statistics, and data analysis), social studies, 4 different types of sciences, language arts, ect...
I think children who learn the basics early will have better success when they get older. My son was in a math program through his preschool and it helped him dramatically.
I think children who learn the basics early will have better success when they get older. My son was in a math program through his preschool and it helped him dramatically.
hm. that is very odd. =) I agree with some of the other posts, children who learn the basics early will have a better foundation as they move up through the grade levels.
Im not familiar with Private schools, but I would assume there is some kind of curriculem or guidelines they have to follow? I would only assume. . . ????
Im not familiar with Private schools, but I would assume there is some kind of curriculem or guidelines they have to follow? I would only assume. . . ????
If it's an archdiocesan school, go to the archdiocese website to see if the curriculum is online. That way you'll know if the school is following the curriculum it should be following. If it's a private Catholic school, it may need to follow the rules of the order running the school, so you could check the order's doctrine. My children have attended three different Catholic schools in two different states and all of them taught science, starting in preschool. I'm surprised that there would be no science at all.
Hmmm... if women aren't entering the sciences simply because parochial schools (what percentage of schools are parochial?)
I know many that went to parochial schools that ended up as doctors and working at NASA. Science was limited mainly by not having funds for labs that are in every public school. But then public schools spend over two times per student per year.
Food for thought.
I know many that went to parochial schools that ended up as doctors and working at NASA. Science was limited mainly by not having funds for labs that are in every public school. But then public schools spend over two times per student per year.
Food for thought.
Don't worry. She is so busy learning to comprehend the words that she is reading now that science is just not an issue. Besides what is science? It is the study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment. She does that on a daily basis as you show her grass, flowers, puppies, how her body works, how to cook, and on and on. When she understands and comprehends words a little better, and as she learns how to manage her own self (mind and body) her school will start narrowing her field of focus into the specific's of particular sciences. Don't worry. And the same conversation can be had regarding social studies.
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