Academics
Lower School

Grade 2

Growing Traditions and Community
Second-grade students skip into school independently, excited to see their friends and start the day. They are immersed in the traditions of LFCDS, from regular participation in weekly Community Meetings to enjoying activities with their House family members. They proudly teach students the meaning of sophisticated vocabulary in the Pledge of Allegiance at Community Meeting early in the year. Doing so complements their natural inclination to learn new words and meanings, a desire to share their knowledge with others, and the more precise manner in which they speak.

At LFCDS, second-grade teachers structure the beginning of the day carefully as they know that their students need the security of rules, routines, and physical boundaries. Students are engaged with purposeful activities from the moment they arrive, and welcoming Morning Messages inform them about what lies ahead that day. Teachers place focus on respect and on what it means to be part of a community. Each classroom develops its own group agreement about standards for behavior. 

Second-grade students understand and practice what it means to “fill someone’s bucket,” from kindness shown to classmates and adults to their Spooky Tales (Reader's Theatre) presentations which raise money for UNICEF to their book collection at the holidays. Second grade is the perfect time for families to reinforce the School’s expectations: respecting the learning environment, persisting and giving one’s best effort, using good table manners, being a good friend, and reaching out to help those who are new to a community, those who may be feeling left out, or those less fortunate.

Highlights of the Second-Grade Experience

List of 7 items.

  • Design Thinking

    Create a blueprint and prototype for a musical instrument

  • Drama Productions

    Participate in Reader's Theatre

  • House System

    Forge relationships in the community through House events

  • Buddy System

    Read aloud to and mentor junior kindergarten buddies

  • Discover the Illinois Prairie

    Discover how a tall-grass prairie habitat supports rabbits and other animals

  • Online Portfolios

    Create an online interactive portfolio of reading, writing, and mathematics using iPad technology

  • Explore Chicago

    Delve into the architecture of downtown Chicago through investigations and a field trip

Curriculum Guide

Faculty

List of 10 members.

A co-educational independent school for students age 2 through Grade 8.
Graduating students of strong character with a passion for learning since 1888.

Lake Forest Country Day School

145 South Green Bay Road
Lake Forest, IL 60045
P: 847-234-2350
F: 847-234-2352