Things I Learned in Second Grade

by Amy Schwartz

When you're in the second grade, you learn new things every day. Before Ms. Jones's class, Andrew didn't know how to spell “neighborhood,” how to subtract 348 from 411, how to write in cursive, how to read a chapter book, or how to play the xylophone. But now that he has graduated from second grade, he knows how to do all of these things -- and more! Every year in school is a significant building block for the next. In this book Amy Schwartz captures the magic of learning and growing during one of the most important years -- second grade.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Realistic Fiction

32 pages, Library Binding

First published July 1, 2004

About the author

Amy Schwartz is the author and illustrator of many picture books for children, including Begin at the Beginning; Things I Learned in Second Grade; Bea and Mr. Jones, a Reading Rainbow feature; What James Likes Best, recipient of the 2004 Charlotte Zolotow Award; and a glorious day. She lives in Brooklyn, New York with her husband Leonard S. Marcus, and their son, Jacob.

Reviews

[kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute

[NS- Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a simple, sweet and very realistic story. I think some children might find it boring but others would really enjoy it simply because of how real it is. Many second graders would be able to relate to this book. I can just hear the voices shouting out, "me too!" as it is read by the teacher. This is actually a perfect example of realistic fiction. I would definitely use this book to introduce the genre of realistic fiction, especially if I were a second grade teacher. The illustrations also add to the realism of the story. The characters all resemble real people. Lastly, the story's voice is spot on. The book is narrated by the main character, who is a second grader, and he speaks just like any other second grader. I think some students would really connect to this book. Well done. :)

[Larissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Amy Schwartz - Katherine Tegen Books - 2004 Ages 6-8. Things I Learned in Second Grade is a simple, easy read, but not a very fun book, personally. This book just describes all the things in which a certain student isn't able to do, but then after going through second grade, what he is able to do after that. This book wasn't the most fun to read, but I guess if there are things students want to learn what they are going to learn then this would be a simple step to learn that, but other than that I don't really recommend this book. Personally, this doesn't really relate to me other than the fact that I know what it feels like to feel overwhelmed especially at college in all of the work that we have to do and the work we think we have to do in Elementary School, when in reality isn't a lot at all.

[Nell Adams · Rating 2 out of 5]

We learn very different things in 2nd grade and 3rd grade. Andrew, is in the 2nd grade and he lists a bunch of things he could not do before. Things he listed were writing in cursive, spelling certain words, being friends with certain people, and reading a chapter book.He then goes on to say he now knows how to do all of those things. He then lists what he will learn in the 3rd grade. This book would be fun to read to 1st or 2nd graders to get them excited for 2nd or 3rd grade. The illustrations are fun, colorful, and exciting.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is all about what students learned in 2nd grade. It is all about playing instruments to making friends to learning about conflict resolution. This book would be a good one to read at the end of the year in 1st grade. Some students are nervous to move up grades, so this book is one that can address the those problems and demonstrate to students all the things they are going to get to do in 2nd grade.

[Angie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too boring!

[Bailey]

Great book to use at the end of the school year with second grade.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book to use at the end of the school year. It shows that each grade is a building block for the next grade.

[Larry Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book would be great for the opening of 3 grade. After the summer off students might need a reminder. It will also help teachers assess what needs to be revisted.

[Tiffanni Dean]

This is a good one to help students deal with moving on from a previous grade.

[Kate Hastings · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grade 2 or beginning of 3rd grade. A last day of school book helps second graders to reflect on everything they learned and everything that changed during their 2nd grade year.

[Azriana Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is appropriate for the end of 2nd grade or the beginning of 3rd. The students will love sharing all of the things they learned in second grade.

[Veronica · Rating 2 out of 5]

A cute, nice little story with inviting illustrations.