Animals in Our Lives � How would our lives be different without animals?
- empathy
- responsibility
- acceptance
- interconnectedness
- science (life systems)
- character development (citizenship)
A reading of the text can foster curiosity, engage students in the topic, and activate background knowledge of animals in their lives and in other people's lives, along with the importance of animals.
Read Aloud � Stay
Non-fiction: Retell
Stay is a true story of a circus juggler and acrobat who has to learn to perform differently after an accident. He combines his love of the circus with his love of dogs and creates a wonderful new act with 10 canine companions.
Partner-Shared Reading Text
These shared reading texts develop and expand students thinking about how animals make a significant difference to many people's lives.
Helper Animals Non-fiction: Description � Photo Essay
- digital version on CD
- 6 small book versions
Helper Animals is a photo essay about the jobs that some animals perform in helping people.
Pet Parade Fiction: Descriptive Poetry
- 1 Big Book
- 6 small book versions
A collection of 7 poems that reflect the relationship between animals and people. Although most are common pet-owner relationships, some are a bit unusual.
Audio CD
Fluent readings of both partnered-shared texts for those student who would benefit from additional readings.
Teaching Guide � print and online
Includes support for launching the inquiry and using the Read Aloud and Explore! Magazine to activate and build knowledge, and extending the inquiry with Researcher's Workshop provides options for independent reading, further whole class inquiry, and student-led inquiries.
Inquiry tools include BLMs, inquiry organizers, folders, RAN charts and mini-lesson for choosing a good question, investigating my question, analyzing and interpreting my findings, and sharing and reflecting on learning.
Assessment tools include rubrics and checklists for collaborative skills, oral language, and student self-assessment of inquiry groups.
Grade 2 Inquiry Tools Guide
Supports teachers for all stages of the inquiry process with mini-lessons and assessment.