2nd Grade

St. Matthew School

GRADE TWO Religion Grade Level Expectations

These are the core grade level expectations based on the McRel standards and benchmarks that should be taught during second grade and represent what a student will learn. They are written from the student point of view. These grade level expectations are aligned with McRel standards and the standards-based progress report. The number listed is in reference to McRel 3rd edition; the number listed for Religion standard is in reference to By Their Fruits You Shall Know Them, Lorraine Ozar. Not all standards are addressed at every grade level which is appropriate considering a student’s development.

 Reads, interprets, and applies Scripture to life.

• Recalls Bible stories

• Knows the Bible is made up of two parts: The Old Testament and The New Testament

• Participates in discussion*

• Understands that Jesus uses parables to tell about God and how to live

Illustrates basic understanding of Catholic dogma and doctrine in light of the “Catechism for the Catholic Church.”

• Further develops the realization that God’s creation is full of signs of God’s goodness and loving care

• Understands Mary’s role in God’s plan of salvation

• Knows that the Church is the people of God and body of Christ

• Knows that the Son of God became human so that everyone could know God’s love.

Demonstrates the importance of sacraments, with an emphasis on the centrality of the Eucharist in the life of Catholics.

• Forms one’s conscience according to God’s laws of love and the teaching of the Church

• Knows and recites the Ten Commandments

• Experiences God’s forgiveness of sins as the source of peace and joy

• Recognizes that Jesus is present in the Eucharist and demonstrates reverence in receiving the Eucharist

• Understands the communion fast

• Recognizes and appreciates the gift of human life and the life of grace received in Baptism

• Knows that Jesus lived and died for the sins of everyone

• Understands that sin is a word, thought or deed that harms or weakens one’s relationship with God and others

Makes moral decisions consistent with Church teachings.

• Realizes that God’s plan is that people be good in order to live with God forever in heaven

• Recognizes that God gives us rules for living a life of love

Acknowledges and affirms the diverse cultural expressions of Catholicism.

• Recognizes the many gifts, talents and abilities that God has provided each of us and uses them to serve God and others

 Applies Catholic principles to interpersonal relations (e.g., family, peers, work, society, Church, etc.)

• Practices Christian action toward others*

• Is willing to help*

Uses effective community building skills in relating with others.

• Applies skills to concrete life situations – is considerate of others and their feelings*

• Understands that family relationships and friendships need to include listening, sharing, forgiveness, and trust

Critiques societal structures in light of Catholic social justice principles and apply to social and personal situations.

• Practices Christian action toward others*

Engages in service to the community (e.g., family, parish, local, national and global) in response to the Gospel call.

• Practices Christian action toward others*

• Participates in parish and community service projects

• Is made aware of various roles and ministries in the Church

 Exercises responsible stewardship for the gift of creation.

• Practices Christian action toward others*

• Responds joyfully to God’s call to give of one’s self in love to God and others (stewardship)

• Understands that following good health and safety rules helps provide for wellness of body and Spirit

 Examines the variety of Christian life styles as ways to respond to the baptismal call to a life of service.

 Uses appropriate resources to plan and participate in liturgy and other prayer experiences.

• Takes part in planning liturgies and para-liturgies

• Knows that the two main parts of the mass are the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist

Uses a variety of prayer forms (e.g., traditional, spontaneous, devotional, multicultural) to enrich and express personal and communal spirituality.

• Experiences prayer forms and other types of devotions

• Can recite and use the designated prayers and gestures; Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary and Grace before/after meals, Morning Prayer, Doxology (Glory Be), Act of Contrition, Rosary* and other prayers of cultural/liturgical significance as designated.

 Demonstrates an understanding of liturgical seasons and feasts.

• Increases knowledge of Church’s liturgical seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter

• Knows that the Church celebrates the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus throughout the Church year and at every Mass

• Knows that the Church honors Mary and the saints throughout the church