   | Second graders have been busy reading non-fiction and applying research skills during Library class and during reading workshop to become experts on a famous person of their choosing. Students are learning that non-fiction readers often ask what, when, who, where and how questions to help uncover facts during the research process. 2M, 2B and 2N students all worked with Mrs. D'Urso to craft essential questions to help guide and focus their research. Both Mrs. D'Urso and Ms. Schifferdecker helped students build their information literacy skills by coaching them in finding biographies in their independent reading level and online resources such as PebbleGo to use throughout the research process. Students came back to our classrooms with library research folders filled with facts they had drawn from their research that they had worked to summarize and put in their own words. They are now all diligently working to create digital books that will share their research work with others. Their books include bibliographies that share their cited sources, table of contents, fact pages, and a bonus page that asks students to reflect on how their research on their famous person connects to our MKA character standards. Students are also invited to include optional, bonus features such as a glossary to help share their research. This collaborative, non-fiction research unit encourages creative decision-making and allows students to make design choices to demonstrate their creativity. They are carefully considering all they have learned about the features that non-fiction book authors use in their books and websites to engage others and share their important research. Students are building their books using Wixie, an online authoring tool and content creation tool. Our second grade researchers look forward to sharing their work in early April! We hope you all enjoy a relaxing spring recess with your children and we look forward to seeing all of our 2nd grade friends again on Tuesday, March 29th! |