The world seems to explode when you are a reader. No longer are you focusing SO hard on LEARNING to read, but you are reading to LEARN! Sometimes 2nd graders forget that he or she CAN read. It is so fantastic to see the skills come to light when handling big words, new words, or just the fluency to which students suddenly take off and read. And understand. And want to read. AND AND WANT TO READ!
Silent reading right after recess has become an early favorite. Not only does it give them a few minutes to calm their brains, heart rate, and bodies; but it seems to allow for an adventure right after recess. Transport: Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Transport: Fairies. Transport: Outerspace. The world is suddenly endless when you are a reader.
I am a reader and I always enjoy read aloud to students. Currently we are reading Fairest. It seems to be not as interesting as Fablehaven which the students LOVED. But, this book has a great moral and I enjoy reading to the students at a bit higher level of a book that they could read on their own. I want them to pay attention and then think WOW, I could read that. It's a challenge, a lesson, and entertainment all at once!
As part of the homework, students should be reading each evening for 20 minutes or so. I am including a list today of some 2nd grade favorites. Series books are always a hit. Students learn the characters, familiar with the setting, the words, and have this invisible bond to the events that happen. "Just right" books are different for each student, so this list is a start. Also, know that students can easily read a book quickly and probably can read a more difficult book, but as long as he or she is reading, enjoying it and wants more, I even encourage comic books!
Happy Reading everyone!
The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
Henry and Mudge by Cynthia Rylant
Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park
The Magic Treehouse by Mary Pope Osborne
Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary
Jake Drake by Andrew Clements
Thrid Grade Detectives by George E. Stanley
Ready, Freddy by Abby Klein and John McKinley
Meghan Rose…..by Lori Z. Scott
Horrible Harry by Suzy Kline
Herbie Jones by Suzy Kline
Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish
Encyclopedia Brown by Donald J. Sobol
Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel
Amber Brown by Paula Danziger
The Adventures of Hector Fuller by Elizabeth Shreeve
The Marvelous Mind of Matthew McGhee, Age 8 by Suzanne Willams
Secrets of Droon by Tony Abbott
Danger Joe Show by John Buller
The Littles by John Peterson
Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
The Mitchells: Five for Victory (Van Stockum, Hilda, "Mitchells" Series.) by Hilda Van Stockum
We are definitely a house full of readers! I love when we are each reading a book (even my Kindergartner has "reading" time). The house is so peaceful and quiet! Reading is great! :-)
ReplyDelete