Our recent exploration of penguins started in book groups with each student reading a non-fiction text and collecting facts. This process is not new to the children, as they built on the research skills they began to develop last year. Reading non-fiction texts present challenges that require careful reading and thinking as they extract information. In addition, the students are learning to use the features of non-fiction texts, such as a glossary and an index. Our small book groups encourage conversation and discussion as the children expand their understanding and share new ideas. It did not take long for them to move beyond the basic questions asked about habitat, diet, etc. Soon they were wondering “How big is a penguin’s brain?” and “How does the size of a penguin compare with us?” Of course, these questions MUST be explored, and the children are now using books, websites and each other to continue their discoveries!
Look for our own Second Grade "penguins" in the AFS Halloween Parade on October 31st! The only thing required from home will be black clothing.
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