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In my classroom, we have a strong emphasis on reading, writing, and small group learning. Currently, I have a group of 26 second graders. My classroom has a variety of reading levels, so small group learning is a big portion of our reading block. We use the Informal Decoding Inventory (IDI) test to take a look at where each student is so that we can best meet their needs. Through the use of whole group and small group time, my students have made tremendous growth this year. The purpose of this page is to highlight some of the work that my students are completing successfully and do an overview of the assignment and the process we went through to get there.
High Frequency Word Sentence Writing
The image to the left is of our weekly high-frequency word sentence practice. In second grade, there are 150 words that they are supposed to read and write by the end of the year. At the beginning of the year, none of my second-grade students were able to write a complete sentence, let alone spell any of their spelling words correctly. Each week, we practice sentence writing and our high-frequency words in both whole and small group instruction. This is a work sample from a student right before spring break. Although not all the words in the sentences are correct, most of the high-frequency words are, which is a huge step. This work sample helps to show the heavy emphasis on writing in my classroom. Even though it is just short sentences, it is still a huge growth!
President Research Project
This president research project ties into our second grade social studies curriculum and state standards. This was a project where students chose from four different presidents and were asked to do some basic research on them. They did their research through video links posted on google classroom and they practiced watching an informational video and took notes on their president. This also tied into our reading curriculum because they had the option of reading an informational text about their president. After researching, they had to "put it all together" and present it to the class. The final product and their work process is shown to the left.
Flat Stanley Novel Study
This novel study is part of my differentiated reading instruction. I have about 5 second graders that can currently read chapter books so during their small group time we do a novel study. We are currently reading Flat Stanley. The main focus with this is to work on reading comprehension, vocabulary, and making connections. They are currently about halfway through through the book, but are making great growth and having great conversations! The end goal is shown to the left. The goal is for students to be able to write a written response about the story. Each time we read, it is typically one chapter at a time, with a discussion after. The work samples will be updated when we complete the novel!
Differentiated Small Group Activities
In my classroom, I have a variety of different reading levels. We use the Informal Decoding Inventory (IDI) to assess student reading levels. I currently have students in 6 different groups including letter sounds, CVC, blends and digraphs, Vowel consonant E (VCE), R- controlled vowels, vowel teams, and guided reading. During my small group time, I aim to meet with 4 of my groups each day. For students who are not working with me, they have an activity at their reading level to complete. This can include matching beginning sounds, playing a game, doing a Roll and Read, etc. Each student has something tailored to their level. The pictures include examples of groups of students working on their reading activities.
Informational Writing Final Product
One of our second grade writing units is informational writing. We spent about 2 1/2 weeks going through the steps and the planning process to discover what solid informational pieces contain. For their final graded work sample, they had to write me an informational piece all about second grade. We brainstormed ideas as a whole class and then they were given 30 minutes to organize, draft, and edit their thoughts. This student example provided a solid introduction and conclusion, as well as gave 2 solid things that we do in second grade.
All photos are taken/owned by me unless otherwise stated.
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