A continuation of kindergarten and first grade guides, this teachers' manual contains practical suggestions for the implementation of a comprehensive program for second grade students. In the introduction the characteristics of the 7-year-old child, as well as the philosophy and focus of the second grade program, are specified. Section 1 presents information and procedures for planning and scheduling the first days of school. Techniques for creating an exciting learning environment are described in Section 2. Section 3 discusses the importance of enabling and supporting children's language through dialogue, discourse, and discussion. The thematic approach to instruction is detailed in Section 4. Learning experiences are outlined for each of three themes: supermarket, environment, and library. This section also contains a discussion of language emphasis for the Limited English Proficient child. Many approaches to using literature as a basis for reading and writing instruction are described in Section 5. Section 6 offers a thorough look at the writing process for children and the teacher's role in this process. The home/school relationship is discussed in Section 7. Section 8 reviews methods of evaluation. Section 9 focuses on developmental skills and the scope of curriculum areas. In conclusion, section 10 lists resources and references, such as recommended books for children and a bibliography for teachers and parents. (RH)