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Junie B. Jones {Chapter Book Series}

Have you met Junie B. Jones?  She is quite a character!  She is strong-willed, determined, a little bossy, and a character your students will not only love, but also relate to.  Her book series follows her adventures through Kindergarten and first grade, but even second graders still love to curl up and get lost in her stories!  Today I'm here to share with you some resources you can use with your students while reading the Junie B. Jones book series.
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Cam Jansen {Chapter Book Series}

One of my favorite things about teaching second grade is introducing students to chapter books. It's amazing how empowered those little readers become when they feel like you've handed them a key to a whole new world!  I have so many favorite chapter book series, but today I'm here to focus on super-sleuth, Cam Jansen. One of my favorite resources for Cam Jansen can be used with any of the books in the series (even the Young Cam Jansen books). You can spice up your reading group with these response booklets:
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How-To Build a Snowman

I live in Washington, a state that sees all four seasons.  However, it seems like we spend a greater portion of our year in spring and fall weather (aka the rainy season).  So when it snows, it's all the kids can think about.  I try to capitalize on that with writing assignments with snow as our topic.  A fun project is How-To Build a Snowman!
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Fortunately, Unfortunately Stories

Several weeks ago I shared with you about an entertaining poem I write with my students (click here to read).  Now I'm back to share a second form of writing I have done with my second and third grade students: Fortunately, Unfortunately stories.
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Polar Bear Resources for the Primary Classroom

A few days ago I shared with you some of my favorite polar bear books to read.  Today I'm back to share some of my other favorite polar bear resources for the primary classroom.
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If you are ready to start your unit on Polar Bears, you will want to have a handful of books available that your students can both read and comprehend. Here are some of my favorite polar bear books for students.

Polar Bear Books

January is the perfect time to begin a new unit in the classroom. Teachers and students are returning from a two week Christmas break rested and ready to learn. The weather is cold and the students are daydreaming about snow. I try to capitalize on this energy with a unit on polar bears. Here are some of my favorite polar bear books to read aloud and during small group time.
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Christmas Crafts for Kids

Looking to keep little hands busy while creating memories during the holiday season? Here are some of my favorite December crafts!
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Odd & Even Practice with a Holiday Twist

By second grade, most students have a great grasp on odd and even numbers.  However, there is always a small handful who need a little intervention.  With December being a shorter month, it's a great focus for intervention groups.  Here's what I use to keep the interest level high with my struggling students while we practice, practice, practice!
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When No One is Looking {An Entertaining Poem for Kids}

I don't know about you, but sometimes I just need to take a break from expository, narrative, and opinion writing and introduce poetry to my students to capitalize on their creativity.  While poetry is a great way for students to express that creativity, sometimes students need a gentle nudge to get started.  That's why I love using different poetry forms with my students.  Today I'm here to share with you a very entertaining poem template that my students love: When No One is Looking.
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Student-Made Christmas Gift Ideas

I have always wanted my students to make gifts for their families for Christmas, but those gifts have varied from year-to-year based on the budget I have.  If you're still looking for what to make for student gifts this year, here are some ideas I have used in the past.
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Christmas Chapter Books for 2nd Graders

Once Thanksgiving has passed, Christmas is probably on the mind of most of your students - I know it's on mine! I love to bring Christmas into my classroom for my students, too. These are some of my favorite Christmas chapter books to either read aloud to my students or use in small groups leading up to Christmas break.
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Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts for Little Ones

Looking to keep little hands busy while creating memories during the holiday season? Here are some of my favorite Thanksgiving crafts!
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Thanksgiving will be here before you know it. Combine student excitement for the holiday with their love for reading and try a chapter book. These Thanksgiving chapter books would be great for read aloud or to use with your small groups or book clubs.

Favorite Chapter Books to Read Leading up to Thanksgiving

When possible, I like to keep with themes and holidays for my reading groups. Since I teach 2nd grade, many of my students are reading chapter books. Here are some of my favorite Thanksgiving chapter books to read with students.
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Text Evidence Bookmarks (FREEBIE)

I'm popping in really quickly today to share a little freebie with you. Students always need reminders to use evidence from the text, so I thought I'd create some bookmarks that will help them.  I hope you can use them, too!
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Comparing & Contrasting Two Characters Using Picture Books

Are your students comparing and contrasting two characters? I suggest starting with picture books! Here are some of my favorite books and graphic organizers to get started!
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