Ireland · NCCA Curriculum Specifications
2nd Class The Power of Words: Literacy and Expression
This course develops second class students into confident communicators through the exploration of diverse texts and creative expression. Students refine their decoding skills while building deep comprehension and a sophisticated vocabulary for writing and oral interaction.
Storytellers and World Builders
Students explore the structure of narrative texts and learn how authors use character and setting to engage readers.
Analyzing how characters behave and the reasons behind their actions in a story.
Investigating how descriptive language creates a vivid picture of where and when a story takes place.
Mapping the sequence of events from the opening problem to the final resolution.
Information Investigators
Focusing on non-fiction texts to understand how information is organized and presented for a specific purpose.
Identifying and using text features like headings, captions, and glossaries to find information quickly.
Distinguishing between verifiable information and the personal beliefs or feelings of an author.
Organizing researched facts into a clear and logical structure for an audience.
The Magic of Poetry and Wordplay
Exploring the rhythm, rhyme, and imagery of poetry to express complex emotions and ideas.
Examining how the sound of words contributes to the meaning and enjoyment of a poem.
Using comparative language to create strong mental pictures for the reader.
Using voice, gesture, and facial expression to bring a poem to life for an audience.
Persuasive Voices
Learning how to form arguments and use language to influence the thoughts and actions of others.
Developing clear points of view supported by reasons and evidence.
Analyzing how advertisements use words and images to sell products or ideas.
Practicing the skills needed to deliver a short speech or presentation with confidence.
The Mechanics of Writing
Refining the technical aspects of writing, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling, to ensure clarity.
Using full stops, question marks, and exclamation points to guide the reader's voice.
Moving beyond simple sentences to create more complex and interesting writing.
Learning to review and improve one's own work through proofreading and revision.