This will be my first year teaching and I got a job in second grade. I have been collecting books over the last four years and wanted to know if there are any "must haves" for second grade.
Are you wanting to know about book ideas for YOU/teaching or for the students independent reading? As far as for independent student reading....as many books as you can find with varying levels of difficulty. I use a lot of trade books when teaching writing/reading strategies, and if you have (or can get a hold of) a copy of "Reading with Meaning" by Debbie Miller there are lots of wonderful book suggestions throughout. Another good resource would be "Guiding Readers and Writers" by Fountas and Pinnell. It is more geared towards students in grades 3-6, but still a wonderful resource for book ideas. Don't forget to get books that reinforce your math skills as well as science/social studies. The more books you have, the better! :up:
Here are some of my favorites: http://www.positivelyautism.com/volume3issue01/section6.html I like to read "the classics" to my students! I think that The Secret Garden is one of my favorite books of all time. I read it in fourth grade, but, depending on your students, it might work for them. That might be a fun book to read in the spring if you're doing any kind of unit on plants or gardening. Good luck with your new job!
I would also suggest to look for books that support your themes throughtout the year. You can't go wrong there.
If you're speaking of read alouds, I would suggest "The Mouse and The Motorcycle" by Beverly Clearly. My 2nd graders LOVED this book!! "Charlotte's Web" by E.B White, "Flat Stanley" (author unknown). I read a few other books for read alouds this year as well I just can't think of them all right now. But definately gather lots of multicultural books and books to help teach content. Content related books are a must for me! I love to include a read aloud or two into every unit.
I agree with the above, classics are a must, another one my kids just love every year is Because of Winn Dixie. A newer book I discovered this year that my class just ADORED was The World According to Humphrey... it's narrated by a class pet hamster.
Check out booksource.com. They have books categorized by authors, themes, levels, and interests. It's a great source for finding book titles. My kids love Junie B. Jones, Magic Tree House, and from the booksource.com, I've collected biographies of gifted individuals so my kids can connect to someone who was different and didn't care that they were, which is good for all kids.
I also agree with the above. The girls mainly went for Junie B Jones or anything dealing with ponies, puppies, princesses, etc. The boys likes Magic Tree House, Bailey School Kids, Boxcar Children, and anything dealing with snakes. Make sure you have plenty of nonfiction reads, especially about weird animals-the boys would always read these! Both liked Berenstein Bears and Little Critters. Teacher Reads: Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, Charlotte's Web, First Day Jitters, The Teacher from the Black Lagoon (their is also gym teacher and music teacher-and some others).
If your looking for books for them to read, they all seem to really enjoy the Magic Tree House series. Plus a lot of those books can be used with whatever theme your reading curriculum is on. They also have many extension activities that go along with each book, that the students love. Visit the Magic Tree House website for these extensions.
