A one-of-a-kind teacher shares her creative ideas for helping students get the most out of their school year. Illustrations.

You're teaching 2nd grade this year. What do you need to know? In a warm, conversational style punctuated with anecdotes and examples from her own classrooms, Margaret Berry Wilson reviews second graders' common developmental characteristics and shares practical know-how on topics such as: Arranging a circle, desks, and tables Choosing and storing supplies Scheduling a child-centered day and teaching daily routines Planning special projects and field trips that maximize learning and build community Understanding the special concerns of second graders' parents and finding the best ways to communicate with them

The funny follow-up to Kindergarten, Here I Come! Now includes a sheet of stickers! First grade—it's the big time! After all, it's a real honest to goodness grade. In verses that are both funny and full of heart, D.J. Steinberg celebrates big and small moments, ones that all young "scholars" will relate to—baby teeth that won't fall out, choosing the perfect library book, celebrating Pajama Day, and wrangling with the mysteries of spelling. From the first day of school to the last, this engaging anthology is essential reading for all soon-to-be first graders.

Describes the common intellectual and emotional characteristics of children ages four to fourteen year by year so that teachers and parents can better meet their needs.

Brush up on the Preamble to the Constitution with this patriotic picture book—and have a couple of good laughs while you're at it! A long time ago some smart guys wrote the Preamble to the Constitution. You have probably read it before, but do you know what it means? And did it ever make you laugh? Now it will! Perfect for inspiring discussion in classrooms and around kitchen tables, this fun-filled and cheerfully illustrated look at the Preamble provides an accessible introduction to America's founding ideals for citizens of all ages. Includes a glossary of terms and a foreword by the artist. "This zany, patriotic paean offers kids lighthearted but meaningful incentive to reflect further on the relevance of those 'big words' and 'big ideas.'"—Publishers Weekly

Linking assessment, teaching and learning (First Steps)

This heartfelt story shows the difference a good teacher can make in a student’s life! Luna has the best teacher in second grade. Mr. Hopper loves the midnight sky almost as much as Luna does, but the rest of the class isn’t on the same page. They won’t listen to her ideas for the Family Night program—until something goes unexpectedly wrong! With a nudge from Mr. Hopper, Luna shares her plan, which just might save the show. From the team that wrote and illustrated The Best Seat in Second Grade and The Best Chef in Second Grade, this appealing story will appeal to all second graders, as well as their parents, caregivers, and, especially, teachers! This Level Two I Can Read is geared toward kids who read on their own but still need a little help. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the engaging stories, longer sentences, and language play of Level Two books are proven to help kids take their next steps toward reading success.