The 2nd graders collected several donations over the course of two weeks. We received 100’s of pounds of cat and dog food, treats, bedding, and toys for the Texarkana Animal Shelter. The students helped load up two trucks from the shelter. Some of the students even made adoption posters for some of the animals from the shelter. This project helps kids to have a better understanding of those around them who are in need.

The 2nd grade students have been learning about Ancient Greece in our Social Studies unit this month. They learned about many of the Greek inventions that we still use today. The students learned how to write their name using the Greek alphabet. To wrap up our unit, the second graders performed a Greek play and did a presentation of their favorite God and Goddess. We even learned how to make pottery just as the ancient Greeks did!

Vocabulary is a big part of reading and comprehension in 2nd grade. Each week the students create word squares with a partner. They create a picture and sentence to go with the word and definition. By doing these, the students have a visual of the word along with the meaning. The students find this to be such a fun activity!

Every Friday the 2nd graders have show and tell. At St. James, our students are active in public speaking in various forms. “Show & Tell” is a great way for students to become excited and confident in speaking in front of crowds. In tying in with our animal science, we had some special visitors for show and tell. The students who brought their animals were very knowledgeable and gave great information to the class. This is one of several ways that we learn through hands on learning.

The 2nd graders have library time once a week. This is a very exciting day for all of us! The library volunteer starts off with a read-aloud when we arrive at the library. Afterward, the students are able to checkout a book to take home and read. We then go to our classroom to have independent reading time. The students are provided with flexible seating areas to enjoy their reading before we start our next lesson. Library time helps create a greater love for reading for our students.