2nd graders have been learning about our MKA Character Standards since the start of school, and in recent weeks have reflected on how characters in various story books demonstrate being confident, honest, fair, responsible, informed, respectful, friendly or temperate. Students have seen various characters acting in ways that embody what all members of the MKA community strive to achieve. Through various types of responses, such as class discussions, written responses, and acting out examples, scholars have extended their understanding of our eight, all school Character Standards. Each day students learn to reflect on their learning and friendships to consider how each experience helps them to grow as MKA scholars and members of the community. 

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​Second grade writers were introduced to the revision and editing process this week. All 2nd grade writers reviewed and reread small moment stories they have been working to draft since late September. Writers are now turning their attention to the revision and editing process before beginning the final draft recopy stage. Students are rereading their stories and engaging in independent revision, utilizing a green revision pen. They also work in partnerships to help them note where they need to add details to their stories. Details might include how people are feeling and moving and what people are saying or thinking in their stories. Once student writers complete the revision stage, they head into the editing stage. The editing stage gives writers an opportunity to reread their work with attention to fixing the spelling of frequently used sight words and adding basic punctuation marks (periods, question marks, exclamation points and quotation marks). Once the student's revision and editing stages are complete students begin the challenging process of recopying their first drafts to include all of their revisions and edits. We all look forward to reading reading their final drafts.   ​​

​The second grade has begun to consider how we can act as kind citizens while working and playing at school and how we can show caring and kindness within the greater Montclair community. This Thursday, 2M walked from our campus to Toni’s Kitchen, a community gathering place that serves neighbors who are in need. 2S visited Toni’s Kitchen on Friday, and 2N will be taking the trip next week. On the walk, children each carried a food item to donate to Toni's Kitchen. Second graders toured the kitchen area, where meals are prepared by dedicated volunteers; the food pantry, where donated foods are stored; and saw a giant salad bowl that serves 50 people or more! Students then helped pack backpacks with non-perishable food supplies for children in Montclair. Students started to realize how important a role Toni’s Kitchen plays in their local community. We were proud to help and appreciate Toni’s Kitchen commitment to making Montclair a more inclusive and caring place for all of our neighbors. Later in the year, we will integrate our service learning experience at Toni's Kitchen in our social studies unit about towns.

Second grade readers have been busy applying reading strategies to help them grow as readers. Readers are reminded to utilize strategies such as taking picture walks and using the sneak peek blurb available on back covers to help them gather information about books. They are also encouraged to apply the “5 Finger Rule” to help them find books that are Just Right for them to read independently. Students are also working to boost their stamina by reading more and more during reading workshop times. Most recently, second grade readers have begun to note that reading is thinking — before, during and after reading. Reading assessments are ongoing and help each teacher gather more information regarding each reader. As we head into our second month of school, second grade readers are certainly growing like beanstalks in their reading lives!