Helping Second Graders Develop into Independent Learners
From the Desk of Mary Keever
In my last post, I recounted the undeniably powerful connection I experienced with my first grade teacher, Mary Ann Robinson. I was heartbroken when the year ended, and I was faced with starting all over again with a new teacher. My worries (I was quite a worry wart as a child) were unfounded. My second grade teacher, Mrs. Holloway, proved to be the kindest teacher of all time. She was tiny in stature but large in empathy and love. She spoke very quietly but commanded attention and had a joyful laugh that she shared often with us. I vividly remember her request for me early in the year to stay after school to work with her. She sat in her rocking chair and rocked gently as I worked beside her, and I remember being struck by how happy she seemed to be there working with me: Her contentment was palpable.
Our Wildcat second grade teachers Jan Martiniuk and Marla Seelig along with assistant Abbey Lee are equally dedicated to their craft. All are avid learners who share that enthusiasm daily with their students.
As soon as you enter Ms. Martiniuk’s classroom, you sense her purposeful planning as calm music greets you as students work in a focused, determined manner in groups around the room. Ms. Martiniuk is helping students develop autonomy in their learning, which is definitely age-appropriate. She shares reminders if they struggle, such as “Remember the Fact Family,” “Good estimation,” and “It clicked after you tried again, didn’t it?” to help students learn and develop independence.
Ms. Seelig has a contagious energy that spreads to students, especially when learning. She teaches reading and writing and is committed to providing a strong foundation for lifelong readers and writers who have confidence in their abilities. She always adds some fun into the day too; for example, students look forward to the much-anticipated opportunity to play May I Come, a guessing game that develops critical thinking skills as they practice grouping, finding patterns, and making connections.
Mrs. Abbey Lee assists both teachers and students while participating in classroom activities.
I look forward to sharing my memories of all my teachers in this blog, as well as highlighting some of the gladness displayed by our Wildcat Nation teachers.
 | Mary Keever Follow @WCDS_Head |
