Mummies in the Morning and Research in Second Grade

In small book groups, students are reading and discussing Magic Tree House Mummies in the Morning and Magic Tree House Fact Tracker Mummies and Pyramids. The reading of historical fiction in small groups as part of our Egypt studies has helped to prepare students to understand the structure of this genre. Also, as a class they have been exploring and listening to books read aloud about Ancient Egypt.

As we begin reading Mummies in the Morning, students are able to find and discuss the character traits of Jack and Annie. They are able to chart how the actions and thoughts of the characters develop as they read the book. For example in the beginning of the book, Jack is cautious and worried, and he is a child who loves to read and learn. The students are able to find the text that supports their ideas. At the same time that we are following the characters and the plot of the story, students are learning a lot of information and vocabulary about Ancient Egypt. They are demonstrating their knowledge during discussion and as they sketch, fill in charts and write.