2nd Grade

What are we doing in the library?

September

📚 Exploring the Library!

Students are diving into a review of library rules and expectations as we kick off the new school year. They’re learning how books are organized, exploring different genres, and discovering how to check out and care for library materials. To make it fun, we’ll be doing scavenger hunts around the library and learning to navigate our library system, Destiny Discover. It's a great way to build confidence and excitement about using the library!

Biographies - We will be diving into biographies.  As we read, students will practice using text features like timelines, headings, and pictures to help them better understand what we're reading.

We’ll also focus on putting events in order and seeing how one event leads to another, helping students connect real people to the events that shaped their lives. These lessons support our reading goals by building strong skills in reading nonfiction, using text features, and understanding the sequence of events. We are using the Little People, Big Dreams book series. 

🔧 Engineering Design Challenge – The Great Fuzz Frenzy

To connect with the book The Great Fuzz Frenzy, students will take on an exciting Engineering Design Challenge! Working in pairs, they’ll use provided materials to design and build a tower strong enough to hold up a giant “Fuzz” (a tennis ball). This hands-on activity encourages creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving — all while tying into our story in a fun and meaningful way!

October

This month, our students will be using Code & Go Mice to explore the basics of programming! Through fun, hands-on activities, students will learn important skills like sequencing, problem-solving, and giving step-by-step directions. These early coding experiences help build critical thinking in a playful and engaging way!

Students will work with a partner to design and create a costume for their Dash robot.  Aligned with the ISTE Standards for Students, this activity encourages learners to be Innovative Designers and Collaborative Communicators as they plan, build, test, and refine their creations together. Once the costumes are complete, we’ll celebrate with a Dash Robot Parade, where students will showcase their creativity and problem-solving skills in action!

November

Used Book Fair – November 4–7
Students will have the opportunity to shop at the Used Book Fair from November 4th through November 7th. This event is a major fundraiser for our school library—last year we raised over $1,000 to purchase new books!

All books are donated by members of our Nederland community and will be priced at $1 for paperbacks and $2 for hardcovers. Please take a moment to look through and discuss the books your child brings home from the fair. We do our best to review donations, but we’re not able to check every book individually

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, second graders will take part in a virtual storytime of Fry Bread by Kevin Noble Maillard. Students will learn about Native American culture, family, and traditions through this heartwarming story. Afterward, they’ll use Play-Doh to make their own pretend fry bread, using creativity and hands-on fun to connect with the story! 

We will also read Coyote Steals the Blanket by Janet Stevens and work on sequencing the story’s events. Afterward, they’ll make beautiful paper quilts to celebrate creativity and storytelling. 

December

Students will read Coyote Places the Stars by Harriet Peck Taylor, focusing on understanding story elements and the author’s purpose. After reading, they will take on the Marshmallow Challenge, applying ISTE Standard 4: Innovative Designer by using the design process and considering constraints as they build their own constellations with marshmallows and toothpicks. This hands-on activity combines reading comprehension, teamwork, and creative engineering, giving students the opportunity to problem-solve and refine their designs!

Students will also participate in a Book Tasting, sampling a variety of nonfiction texts and chapter books from different genres. This engaging experience encourages students to explore new types of reading, discover personal interests, and build excitement around finding books that inspire them.

January

This month, students will learn about online safety using the Common Sense Education Digital Citizenship curriculum. 

Starting in January and continuing through the March, we will be reading the Colorado Children’s Book Award picture book nominees. Students will explore all 10 titles, vote for their favorite book, and help cast our school’s official vote.              

2026 Colorado Children’s Book Award – Picture Book Nominees

The Book That Almost Rhymed — Omar Abed
Just Like Millie — Lauren Castillo
The Book That Can Read Your Mind — Marianna Coppo
Knight Owl and Early Bird — Christopher Denise
We Are Definitely Human — X. Fang
I Lived Inside a Whale — Xin Li
The Yellow Bus — Loren Long
Time to Make Art — Jeff Mack
Millie Fleur’s Poison Garden — Christy Mandin
A Mischief of Mice — Christie Matheson