Language Arts is a fun and lengthy block of time that second graders share each morning. Often, we start it off with our Lots To Do Choice Menu. I put this title in italics not to emphasize its fanciness, for it is far from fancy. It is a list of all of the current projects that students have on their hypothetical plates. The kids can come in, assess the list, and determine their plan for the morning. Simply put, it's a time for each student to prioritize, organize, and catch up on crucial (and hopefully fun) work.
This morning, Kevin worked to finish the summarizing of his Abe Lincoln biography. Mia added some details on her Maria Tallchief poster. Natalie wrote 9 - count 'em - 9 pages of her original tall tale story about a character who is a phenom on the basketball court and beyond. Grace worked to master clerihew and cinquain poetry. Gabe and Ben finished their reading about the legend of the Loch Ness monster. Julia worked on a "teaser" - a short paragraph highlighting the life of Anne Frank that she will present, via microphone, at the upcoming Biography Celebration.
We also got some work in mastering analogies and keeping up on contractions.
Having a space that has set expectations yet is fluid has been key to the success of these students this year. They feel comfortable, so they have fun. They have fun, so they push themselves a little harder. I love the independence and the collaboration that such a system fosters. They do a great job.
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| Gabe and Ben confer about the legend of Nessie... |
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| We are practicing our persuasive writing. James argues that Nessie is clearly a hoax! |
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| Hannah, on the other hand, persuades us by writing that Nessie resembles a Plesiosaur. Good argument, Hannah... |
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| Our tall tale stories are wilder than Pecos Bill himself. |
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| Julia writes about Casie the Cook.. |
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| Trevor works on the cover illustration |
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| Andrew helps our class celebrate National Poetry month by constructing a haiku |
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| Sophia works on a color poem |
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| Natalie's color poem is inspired by blue.. |
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| Trevor works on a quatrain and also practices his simile and metaphor skills |
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