Friendship Project Letter

10/7/09

Dear Second Grade Families,

Second graders will be involved in various reading projects throughout the year. They may be studying books by a particular author or perhaps reading stories, which relate to a certain theme. The children may be required to complete some sort of assignment in conjunction with their reading.

Exploring literature enables the students to enjoy stories and share ideas. By responding to what they've read, students develop critical thinking skills. The main goals in extending literature beyond the classroom with "at home" assignments are:
• To promote the enjoyment of reading
• To improve the students' reading skills
• To enhance writing skills
• To expand thinking skills

The first theme in our reading series is 'friendship'. Therefore, for the next few weeks, I would like the children to choose some books for leisure reading, which deal with this topic. The first step of the assignment is to read at least two books that contain friendship as the central theme. The books must be read outside of school. This can be done as a part of the nightly reading assignment. It is acceptable for you to read one of the two required books to your child.

The second part of the assignment is a writing assignment. From the books your child has read students should choose to write about one of the following:
• Pick one character you would most like to have as a friend. Write a story about an adventure you've had with them.
• Be the author...write a new ending to the story or another 'chapter'; include your favorite friend character/s from the original book-feel free to add you to the story!
• Write a letter to one of your favorite characters telling them what qualities they have that make them a good friend, actions they did in the story that impressed you and an adventure you would like to have with them. You could also add why you are alike or different then this character.

The children are encouraged to be creative and use detail in their writing. Students will need to produce a "rough draft" and then a final copy, which will be handed in. Students can either write their final copy out or type it on the computer. It is your choice. Adults should help students with correct spelling during the revision process. Students should practice reading their finished product at home and be prepared to read it aloud to the class. They should also be prepared to talk about why they chose that book and character to focus on. As we are all different levels of writers the length of writing may vary. One page of paper is a good goal but it may be longer or shorter depending on the student.

The third part of the assignment is an art project. Again, each child has the option to portray the character/s they have chosen:
• Draw a picture your character, add detail and background
• Make a three dimensional representation of the character in any way: a puppet, diorama, clay model, etc.

The sky's the limit! While adults are certainly welcome to help their child, the project must be the child's work.

The assignment is due the week of November 2nd. The students will sign up for a day to present their projects soon. I will send home the schedule for project presentation and post it on the blog as soon as it is completed. We will be sharing a few projects every day. Because this assignment contains three parts, I am encouraging the children not to wait until the last minute to begin.

Attached to this paper you will find a list of books dealing with friendship. Most of them are available in the MPA library. I also have many friendship themed books in our classroom. Students are able to check out books from our classroom library too and I am happy to suggest some if they come and see me. The possibilities are not limited to this list. Students may read any book in which friendship is the central theme. Also, the main characters need not be human, animal stories are fine. Have fun...be creative!

Happy Reading!
Mrs. Baier