Second Grade School Activities
How do you entertain second-graders, while keeping their active minds engaged and learning?
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Developmental stage of second graders
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Second-grade students' brains are beginning to develop the ability to process information faster, hold multiple pieces of information in memory for sustained time, and think abstractly. This stage of development allows them to understand symbols (letters and numbers) and what they stand for. Activities should challenge these skills, as well as highlight self-expression, sense of individuality, and yearning to try new things.
Academic activities
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If you are interested in doing math-related activities, you might consider one the require students to cook, measure, and build, while being explicit about the math skills involved. When it comes to reading, reading out loud is one of the best ways to develop good reading skills. Encourage students to identify the plot and main character(s), look up words in a dictionary, and predict what's going to happen next. Some Web sites, such as www.tlsbooks.com, have free printable worksheets that focus on adding, subtracting, rounding numbers, compound words, reading comprehension and more.
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Non-academic activities
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Even outside the classroom, students want to learn at this age. Take them outside and measure your driveway, encourage scavenger hunts and "spying," and timed races. There are problem-solving, math, and science skills inherent in these activities. Indoor games, like puzzles, Junior Labyrinth, and Jenga, encourage kids to focus and strategize.
Potential Problems
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Though second-graders are usually more than willing to be led through an activity, be ready for to deal with their very short attention span. They may want to run around, stop listening, or take the game in their own direction. To prevent this loss of attention, give kids ample warning before an activity, and encourage them to help plan it. Re-direct them if you lose their attention, focus them on a new aspect of the activity, and foster the sense of teamwork by reminding them their classmates need their help and attention.
Where can you find other ideas?
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Talk to people with children the same age, or other teachers. Often sharing ideas results in a productive brainstorm. Also check out family magazines, such as Parenting, which have lots of new ideas each month.
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