Week 5 - Building Confidence in 2nd Grade

     I had my first 2nd Grade class of the week yesterday.  For the past couple of weeks they have been able to choose if they wanted to build by themselves or with others.  This week, students had to build a simple project by themselves.  There were a handful of students who were a little nervous about this project.  After a little reassurance, they built a project entirely on their own.  Those who rarely chose to build alone received a great confidence boost in their abilities.  Then they all had time for "free build" where they can build anything with the materials.  After everyone had completed their projects, we did a walk about.  They love showcasing their projects to other students and having the opportunity to view other student's work.  I also take pictures of each of the required completed projects, so that when students have to take apart their handiwork, they are more willing knowing it has been saved for posterity in pictures.