Second Grade

Core Curriculum

National Standards

National Standards from National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)

Materials And Resources

The following are materials and resources that can be used to support the core curriculum.

Lesson Ideas

UEN Core Resources
Lesson plans and web resources that are aligned to the core standards.

Books

Notable Trade Books for Young People
The books that appear in these annotated book lists were evaluated and selected by a Book Review Committee appointed by National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) and assembled in cooperation with the Children's Book Council (CBC).
Road Builders, by B.G. Hennessy (ISBN 0-14-054276-0, Puffin Books)
In this easy to read picture book, first you'll meet the crew. Then you'll see all the trucks up close-cement mixers, bulldozers, dump trucks, graders, pavers-and learn what each one does. And finally, you'll watch a bustling new road come to life!
Grandfather's Trolley, by Bruce McMillan (ISBN 1-56402-633-7, Candlewick Press)
This story takes readers back to the trolley car days of the early 1900s as a little girl hops aboard a trolley car motored by her grandfather. She feels the breeze and sways with the trolley as it rolls along. But the best is yet to come: She will help her grandfather motor the trolley car home.
Benny's Pennies by Pat Brisson illustrated by Bob Barner (ISBN 0-440-41016-9, Yearling Book)
Benny McBride starts his day with five new pennies and is determined to spend them all. His mother wants him to buy something beautiful. His brother wants something good to eat. His sister wants something nice to wear. Benny knows his dog and cat would like something too. With the help of generous and thoughtful neighbors, Benny fulfills each request with a penny and arrives home loaded with five simple but splendid gifts.
If You Made A Million, by David M. Schwartz (ISBN 0-688-13634-6, Mulberry Books)
Have you ever wanted to make a million dollars/ Marvelosissimo the Matematical Magician is ready, willing, and able to explain the nuts and bolts-as well as the mystery and wonder-of earning money, investing it, accruing dividends and interest, and watching savings grow.
The Talking Cloth, by Rhonda Mitchell (ISBN 0-531-30004-8, Orchard Books)
This picture book takes Amber to visit Aunt Phoebe who is a collector of life. She has a story for each one of her collections. The best by far is the one she tells Amber and the family about the talking cloth---an amazing river of patterned fabric from Africa. The cloth inspires stories in Amber's head, too. Daddy is in the best one, and he is smiling. Rhonda Mitchell's crisp oil paintings catch exactly the spirit of Amber's family
Big Boy, by Tololwa M. Mollel (ISBN 0-395-84515-7, Clarion Books)
This story was inspired by a motif encountered in African folklore. This motif, which shows up in various African myths, epics, legends, and tales, is about strength and vulnerability. It has been given a realistic framework from the country of Tanzania in East Africa. Consequently, the story has a few words in Kiswahili, Tanzania's national language.
Safari, by Robert Bateman (ISBN 0-316-08265-1, A Madison Press Book produced for Little, Brown and Company)
Robert Bateman takes the reader on a safari through Africa. We encounter lions, gorillas, giraffes, zebras, and many other fascinating creatures. In his magnificent, detailed paintings we experience what it's like to actually see a charging rhino or witness two lions closing on their prey. A special feature highlights facts about the height, weight, food, and habitat of each animal so that we can quickly compare the huge elephant to the foot-high dik-dik.
Elizabeti's Doll, by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen, illustrated by Christy Hale (ISBN 0-439-07974-8, Scholastic Inc.)
Upon the arrival of her new baby brother, Elizabeti decides she needs a doll she can care for the way Mama cares for the new baby. Set in contemporary Tanzania, this universal tale of love and tenderness will touch readers of all ages.
back to top

Teacher Resources

Utah State Office of Education Recommended Instructional Materials System (RIMS)
Find instructional materials that have been adopted by the Utah State Office of Education

Neighborhoods and Communities

National Geographic Picture Show (CD-ROM)
Africa
Ouelessebougou Presentation and Materials, Rick van der Graff, (801) 978-2452, ext. 22
National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)
Founded in 1921, National Council for the Social Studies has grown to be the largest association in the country devoted solely to social studies education. NCSS engages and supports educators in strengthening and advocating social studies. With members in all the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 69 foreign countries, NCSS serves as an umbrella organization for elementary, secondary, and college teachers of history, geography, economics, political science, sociology, psychology, anthropology, and law-related education.

Internet Resources

The following links open in a new browser window

MarcoPolo
MarcoPolo: Internet Content for the Classroom is a consortium of premier national education organizations, state education agencies and the MarcoPolo Education Foundation dedicated to providing the highest quality Internet content and professional development to teachers and students throughout the United States.
Pioneer - Utah's Online Library
Pioneer is Utah’s Online Library of electronic resources. It provides statewide access to newspaper articles, magazines, professional journals, encyclopedias, video, photographs, maps, charts, and graphics.
Utah Education Network
The Utah Education Network website provides education tools, activities, lesson plans, curriculum guides and professional development for teachers and educators in the state of Utah. You can also find other UEN resources like KULC channel 9, EDNET, and distance learning resources here.
Education Site for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Mali, Africa to Utah
On this Virtual Tour of Mali, Africa to Utah, U.S.A. you will find information,links and activities to support people and places in January 3, 2008room.
Ouelessebougou And You
This vitrual tour will help you compare and contrast Oulessebougou and Utah.
Bank Jr
Zions Bank and KidsOnline.com have created the Bank Jr website as the biggest and most comprehensive kid-friendly resource on the web for learning about finances.