Grade 2 Requirements

For Rising 2nd Graders

Required Entries (You must complete each of these)

Remember:  all entries should include the date the entry was written. (It is okay if a student does multiple entries on the same date.) Don't forget to use complete sentences, correct capitalization, punctuation and spelling. 
1.  Create a cover for your journal.

2.  Read our grade 2 community read:
The required book for rising second graders is Me & Mama by Cozbi A. Cabrera.

Read or listen to someone read this book. As you read, pay attention to the story. Look through the book again and pay close attention to the pictures.

Write the name of the book and the author in your journal. Select two of these questions and write a sentence to answer each question. Draw a picture to go with your answer.
  • What do you think are ingredients for a perfect day? Who would you spend the day with? Where would you go? 
  • In the story, Mama sings "Good morning to you" in the tune of the birthday song. Is there a special way to say "Good morning" in your family? 
  • Which is your favorite picture in the book? Why?
  • "Mama," "Mommy," and "Mom" are all words for mother. Can you think of any more? Do you know words for mother in other languages? 
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​This book is available at the Alexandria Public Library, Hooray for Books (20% discount if you mention you're from ACDS) and elsewhere.
3.  Just Right Books (3 or more)
Read:  At least three books at your "just right" level. (Your teacher will provide your level before the school year ends.) Then enter the following information in the journal for each book:
  • Title of the Book
  • Author's Name
  • Draw a picture of a favorite character or part of the book.
4.  Book of Your Choice (1 or more)
Read: One book of your choice. Please select a book that you have not read before.
Select a book of interest to you. It can be any book-- fiction, nonfiction, biography, graphic novel, any book at any level, with your parents approval.

  • Write:   The title of the book and the name of the author
  • Draw:  A picture from your favorite scene. 
 
Looking for ideas? Here are some great sources for book recommendations.

Optional Entries (Complete as many as you would like)

Students are encouraged to try some of the suggested optional entries, ideas from the Summer Ideas Blog, or to use the rest of the journal to pursue other projects of interest. Be sure to click on the hyperlink in each task to see the specific reflection questions to inspire your answers. The reflection questions are a guide to help format your answers-- you may address other questions that interest you instead or as well. ​