I've taught third grade for five years and this year I have moved to a different county and will be teaching second grade at my new school. My classroom library consists mostly of chapter books (Magic Treehouse, Junie B. Jones, Cam Jansen, Goosebumps, and Dav Pilkey books to name a few). What types of books do incoming second graders read? What kinds of books can I expect them to be reading throughout the year? Should I get more picture books? I am in the process of gathering books to build up a library that is catered to second graders and would really appreciate the input of you second grade pros!!! :thanks: :help:
Yes, you can never have too many picture books! I don't teach second, but I know 2nd graders still read picture books.
You need a good mix of picture books and chapter books. My kiddos liked the Spongebob and Scooby Doo paperbacks. They loved nonfiction books about sharks, dinos, and just about any other animal. They also started getting into more science books too. By the end of 2nd grade, most are reading the books you mentioned. Most want to read them in the beginning of the year but not all can. I definitely wouldn't get rid of any of your 3rd grade books.
It depends on your group of kids. I have a lot of kids that come in as low readers, so I have a lot of picture books. If you are looking for them to get hooked on a series, my class loves Clifford, Arthur, Froggy, Franklin, Biscuit, and Black Lagoon.
Nate the great, Frog and Toad, Amelia Bedilia, Henry and Mudge, Biscuit, My Weird School, Young Cam Jansen, and some step into reading level 3 books http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/books/step/books/books_step3/, along with step into reading level 4 and 5 books
Thanks guys! I'm going to head over to Goodwill today and see if I find any of those books you guys mentioned
Any luck finding books? Here is a list of my books in my classroom library (not all, but a lot of them): http://www.intelliscanner.net/MissFunk/books/
Yes, I have been going to Goodwill and have found a few books there. I have a good selection of chapter books, however I would like to get some more picture books. Thanks for the link to your book inventory. I will browse through it for more ideas!!!
I have never been to Goodwill... do they normally have a large selection of good books? I'm always looking for more!
I think it's important to have a good mix of leveled books and picture books and your chapter books will certainly come in handy as well. Also, I found at that age having series available was important because the focus goes from decoding to comprehension and familiar characters and plots really help with that. Here's what I currently have available if you are interested.
It depends. If you go over the summer you have a better chance of finding a good selection of books from retiring teachers or parents cleaning out their kids' home library. I got an entire collection of Magic Tree House books from one visit to Goodwill! Some days you find lots and some days you won't find any. If you have one near you just stop by every now and then and you'll eventually build up quite the collection
