Second Graders Explore Media

Similar but Different

Second graders don't clump, they spread out.  They divide and conquer the Media Center.  I watch other age groups following the pack, crowding the Lego table, and choosing the same books to read as their classmates.  It is hard to entice them to go out on their own with the suggestion, "Why don't you try this?"

The second graders scatter.  I see them prowling the shelves hunting books and have it on record that they check out more books than any other grade level. Their interests are varied and they will all but attack the Craft table to produce their unique creations. I love this inquiry and curiosity.  The challenge is reigning them in for group time on the rug.
Some might say that there is no need to read aloud to this group.  They will probably find the books they like by themselves.  But there must be something to which I can introduce them.  I have started bringing a collection of books to our class time.  They are quick to tell me which they have read, which they want to hear again.  I hope to show them a connection between the books: same author, sequel to, same theme, similar to...
So together we tackle book reviews.  These students are very articulate when it comes to expressing their views and reasons for their choice.  They can cite supporting details and find similarities and differences.  The session usually ends with me showing half a dozen students where to find similar books in the library. 
They are becoming quite adept at finding books about animals, jokes or poetry.  I always say that this age is the most rewarding in a Media Center.  They build together, flaunt their creations and always want to take things home. They will make me cards and make cards for their teacher. They are excited to show off what they have made. 

 All this creativity can become chaotic.  Right now we are working on making Alphabet books using Google Slides. Their need to show off each picture and page to whoever is nearby can become quite noisy.  "Look at mine!" leads to "How did you do that?" Like the first grade, they are learning from each other, but not by imitating, but by challenging and assessing. I noticed two girls who had similar pictures on their alphabet slide show. I asked them about it and they were quick to point out how they were similar but different.  Although they rarely look for my approval or permission.  They are doing their own thing and are quite proud of it. I will often give these students extra free time in the Media center because I know they will take full advantage of it. "Can we work on our projects?" they ask, and off they go.  Most important to them is how they will show off their finished presentation.  Printing is quite important.  They like a concrete representation of their unique success.