Delving Deep-Second Grade Reads Biographies

Second grade students gazed with anticipation at an array of books on the floor. Their task was to pick a book and preview the book looking for the features of the book that helped to convey information and to try and determine what kind of books were gathered. They each picked an interesting feature or aspect of their book and then met with a partner to share. Returning to the circle and sharing their findings led to an understanding that all of these books were biographies. Many of the books had features such as time lines, pictures with captions and a glossary that helped convey information to the reader. It was noted by many that most of the biographies started with a person's childhood and then later told about the contributions of that person to their community, field of study or the world. Benjamin Franklin by Victoria Sherrow will be read aloud to the children. This book was previewed today and the children shared background knowledge that they thought they knew about Benjamin Franklin. One child knew that he did something with a kite and a key, another child thought that he had traveled to other countries. We confirmed that we would be reading about both of these events and then clarified a few misconceptions such as although he contributed greatly to the government he was not a president. This book was chosen as the first book to be read to the children because Benjamin Franklin contributed in so many ways to the community, as an inventor, a statesman, and as a great communicator. In book groups we will start off reading three different books about Helen Keller. We will be exploring not only the ways Helen contributed to the world and became a crusader for the blind and the deaf but the aspects of her personality that enabled her to do achieve her goals and help not only herself but many others in the area of communication. Throughout this unit of study, students will be selecting biographies to read and write about. Many of the books shared today in circle and with partners have already been eagerly selected for individual reading. Delving deep into this study of biographies, is a powerful way to return from winter break.