Welcome to Grades 2 & 3
Where our students embark on a transformative journey that sets the stage for lifelong learning and success.
At elementary schools in North York, such as Seneca Hill, these pivotal years set a crucial tone in a child’s educational journey. Students at this age are naturally curious and the goal of any strong program is to support this curiosity by establishing strong literacy, numeracy and critical thinking skills that allow a child to navigate the world. In grades 2 and 3, we reinforce this by focusing on foundational reading and writing skills, while introducing new concepts and challenges. Our dedicated educators foster a supportive and stimulating learning environment that encourages exploration, collaboration, and critical thinking.
Setting a Foundation:
Our Unique Grades 2 and 3 Program
- Small Class Sizes: Maintaining a maximum of 16 students per class, we ensure that each child receives individualized attention and support from our dedicated educators. This personalized approach enables us to cater to the unique needs and learning styles of each student.
- Project-Based Learning: Our curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity and creativity through project-based learning experiences. These hands-on, collaborative projects promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and a deeper understanding of subject matter across all disciplines.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: We continue to embrace an integrated approach to teaching, weaving together literacy, numeracy, science, social studies, and the arts to create a well-rounded educational experience where concepts and skills are reinforced in multiple ways.
- Character Development: Our strong emphasis on character education persists, nurturing the development of empathy, kindness, mindfulness, and resilience. We continue to utilize the 7 Habits of Happy Kids framework to help students reflect on and build crucial life skills, while also utilizing the IB learner profile attributes such as being principled, open-minded, and taking calculated risks.
- Technology Integration: Grades 2 and 3 students expand their technology skills through age-appropriate tools and lessons in our Digital Literacy classes, building on the foundation laid in Grade 1. They increasingly utilize our Office suite of productivity tools, using word processing software, spreadsheets, creativity tools and presentation software.
- Strong Home-School Connection: We firmly believe in the importance of a solid partnership between home and school. Our online portal keeps families informed and engaged in their child’s learning journey through regular updates, resources, and opportunities for involvement. We work to build a strong connection with our families that personalizes the education each student provides.
Highlights of Grades 2 and 3:
- Advancing Literacy Skills: Our Grades 2 and 3 curriculum places great emphasis on enhancing literacy skills, with a focus on reading comprehension, fluency, and writing for various purposes. Our leveled reader program continues to track progress and encourage growth, fostering a love for literature and strong communication skills.
- Developing Mathematical Abilities: Our numeracy program in Grades 2 and 3 builds upon the foundational concepts introduced in Grade 1, delving deeper into topics such as multiplication, division, fractions, and data analysis. Students strengthen their mathematical confidence through regular practice, hands-on activities, and real-world applications.
- Exploring Science and Social Studies: Our engaging science and social studies units in Grades 2 and 3 inspire students to delve further into topics such as life cycles, habitats, the solar system, communities, and cultures. These lessons promote curiosity, inquiry, and a respect for the natural world and the diverse people within it. Utilizing evidence-based information, especially as a foundation of beliefs and decision-making, is prioritized. We want our students to be able to defend their beliefs and statements with a strong understanding for the rationale behind it.
- Expressing Creativity: The arts continue to play a vital role in our Grades 2 and 3 curriculum, providing opportunities for students to explore visual arts, music, dance, and drama. These experiences nurture creativity, self-expression, and a deeper appreciation for the arts.
- Celebrating Diversity: Our Grades 2 and 3 program embraces and celebrates the rich tapestry of cultures and perspectives within our learning community. Through lessons and activities, students continue to develop an understanding and appreciation for diversity, promoting empathy and global awareness.
Let your child continue their journey of discovery and growth with our Grades 2 and 3 program at Seneca Hill. We are committed to providing an enriching educational experience that sets the foundation for their future success, both academically and personally. Together, we will inspire a love of learning that will carry our students through their educational journey and beyond.
Ontario Grades 2 and 3 Curriculum Summary
The Ontario Grades 2 and 3 curriculum builds upon the strong foundation established in Grade 1, offering students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of core subjects and develop essential skills. The curriculum encompasses several subject areas, each with specific expectations and goals. We continue to include additional courses (Digital Literacy, Life Skills, Engineering) that we believe are crucial for providing our students with a well-rounded education.
Here’s a breakdown of each subject area for Grades 2 and 3:
- English Language: The Language curriculum for Grades 2 and 3 further develops students’ listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Students continue to refine their phonics, comprehension strategies, and vocabulary development while engaging in more advanced forms of writing and oral communication.
- Mathematics: The Mathematics curriculum in Grades 2 and 3 expands on the concepts introduced in Grade 1. Key areas of focus include number sense and numeration, measurement, geometry and spatial sense, patterning and algebra, and data management and probability. Students continue to engage in problem-solving and critical thinking activities to strengthen their understanding of mathematical concepts and their application in real-world situations.
- Science and Technology: The Science and Technology curriculum for Grades 2 and 3 delves deeper into the natural world, encouraging students to explore through inquiry and hands-on experiences. Topics covered include matter and energy, earth and space systems, structures and mechanisms, and life systems. Students further develop their skills in questioning, observing, investigating, and communicating their findings.
- Social Studies: The Social Studies curriculum in Grades 2 and 3 helps students enhance their understanding of their place in the world and their relationships with others. Topics covered include heritage and identity, people and environments, and the concept of citizenship. Students explore local, national, and global communities and the interrelationships between people and their environments.
- The Arts: The Arts curriculum in Grades 2 and 3 encompasses visual arts, music, dance, and drama. Students are encouraged to express themselves creatively and further develop their appreciation for various forms of artistic expression. They delve deeper into the elements and principles of design, create and perform in various artistic disciplines, and enhance their critical thinking skills through the analysis and interpretation of various art forms.
6. Health and Physical Education: The Health and Physical Education curriculum for Grades 2 and 3 focuses on further developing students’ physical and emotional well-being. Students participate in a wider range of physical activities to refine their movement skills, understand the importance of healthy living, and learn how to make informed decisions about their personal well-being.
7. French as a Second Language (Core French): In Grades 2 and 3, students continue to develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in French. They engage in more advanced communicative activities and explore cultural aspects of the French-speaking world. The focus here is to build confidence in using French for everyday interactions and basic communication.
8. Life Skills: The Life Skills curriculum for Grades 2 and 3 students expands on the practical skills learned in Grade 1. Students delve deeper into financial concepts, such as budgeting and financial planning. They also further develop age-appropriate life skills like personal hygiene, self-care, time management, household chores, healthy eating habits, conflict resolution, culinary skills, and teamwork.
9. Engineering: The Engineering course for Grades 2 and 3 integrates math and science concepts, offering more advanced hands-on learning experiences. Students apply their knowledge to design, build, and test increasingly complex structures and mechanisms. The course emphasizes teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills, as students collaborate on engineering challenges and present their projects to their peers. The Engineering Design Process continues to serve as a framework when building projects.
10. Digital Literacy: The Digital Literacy curriculum for Grades 2 and 3 continues to comprise four strands: a) Privacy and Security, further teaching online safety and responsible digital citizenship; b) Health and Safety, promoting advanced healthy habits and balance in technology use; c) Coding, introducing more complex programming concepts and critical thinking skills; and d) Computer Productivity, focusing on more advanced computer tools, keyboarding skills, and multimedia presentations.
The Ontario Grades 2 and 3 curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive education that nurtures the whole child, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed for ongoing success in school and life. This curriculum, along with our additional courses, helps students develop a strong foundation in essential subjects and sets the stage for a lifelong love of learning.
Contact us
We invite families to get in touch with us and learn more. We would be happy to arrange for a private tour to see our campus and facilities, arrange a call, or set up a video conference with our principal.
To book an appointment please contact us at 416.499.8790 or [email protected].
Directions: We are located at Don Mills and Lawrence, adjacent to the Shops on Don Mills.
Address: 33 Overland Drive North York, Ontario M3C 2C3
Tel: 416.499.8790
Email: [email protected]