First year in grade 2

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First year in grade 2
By Robin

Congratulations, Julie! I taught 2nd for five years before returning back to third, and you will really enjoy their enthusiasm and developing skills. It's a grade where you really see them develop independence and blossom.
I would gather "back to school" children's literature. Some good titles I've used are First Day Hooray by Nancy Poydar, First Day Jitters by Julie Dannenberg (I think that's who wrote it), First Day Letters by the same author, any of Mike Thaler's Black Lagoon series (Teacher from the Black Lagoon is a great book, and there are many others), and anything by P.K. Hallinan. These books are

great springboards for discussion as to student fears, expectations, etc. I also have written individual letters to my students and asked them to bring in a favorite book to share, I've read them the poem What's in the Sack by Shel Silverstein and asked them to bring in several favorite items to share that tell about them, and I've had them bring in pictures for a collage they make. I've also done a getting to know you game where I bring in some small candies and let them take up to four. For each candy, they have to share something about themselves. I also have them make self-portraits and we write individual goals for the year. Coming up with a positive set of class rules together will also take time. I subscribe to The Mailbox magazine, Copycat Magazine and Instructor for additional ideas. Hope this helps you. You will be spending a lot oathyschrock.com
www.teachersfirst.com
Good luck!