Instructional Collections Support research-based teaching practices, such as small-group learning, with books and robust teacher resources designed to enhance instructional impact.
Grades K–5 Scholastic Knowledge Library Elevate differentiated small-group instruction with this new series of text sets and structured literacy resources. Each grade level features seven topically aligned text sets and teaching materials that integrate knowledge building with the essential literacy skills students need to become strong readers.
Each Topically Aligned Text Set Includes: 4 trade books (6 copies each) on a shared topic Decodables • 4 Short Reads Decodables (6 copies each) for Grades K–2 • 2 Advanced Decodables (6 copies each) for Grades 3–5 Instructional Resources • A Topic Card to support lesson planning • Quick-Start Guide • Instructional Routines Card • A Teacher Card for each student text (trade books and decodables) • Digital access to materials for each topic, including activities, assessments, and tools for planning
Each Grade Covers Topics in These Disciplines: Social Studies • Civics and Community • History and More Science • Life Science • Physical Science ELA • Genre Study • Literacy Themes and Elements Arts & Culture • Art, Sports, and More
42 Topics Total for Grades K–5
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Grade 2
LIVING THINGS
Features of Creatures Animal Characteristics
LAUNCH THE TOPIC
GRADE 2 • TOPIC OVERVIEW • TEACHER CARD
Features of Creatures Essential Question: How do animals survive in nature?
LIVING THINGS Features of Creatures Animal Characteristics
Topic Knowledge Children will build knowledge about the following:
• the unique features of animals • how animals protect themselves • how animals find food and shelter
• how animals stay cool • how animals stay warm • how animals move
For Your Reference i
Adaptations: Animals have developed traits and behaviors that help them survive. These adaptations help them find food, water, safety, and mates. For example, a polar bear’s thick fur and layer of fat under its skin are physical adaptations. These physical features help polar bears stay warm in the Arctic. Polar bears have also developed a behavioral adaptation called “still-hunting” to help them catch seals. When still-hunting, polar bears wait quietly, and when a seal surfaces to breathe, a polar bear strikes quickly. Camouflage and Mimicry: Many animals blend into their surroundings to avoid predators. For example, stick insects have bodies shaped like twigs, making them hard to spot on a branch. Stick insects can also move side to side to mimic twigs swaying in the wind. Migration: As seasons change, many animals move to escape harsh conditions. For example, in autumn, monarch butterflies fly from the United States and Canada to warmer weather in Mexico. In spring, they return north to lay their eggs. Defenses: Animals can protect themselves from threats. For example, porcupines have sharp quills that puncture a predator’s skin. Armadillos have a hard shell that acts as a shield. Octopuses and squid shoot ink before swimming away from danger. Temperature Control: Some animals can keep their bodies at a comfortable temperature. On hot days, elephants flap their big ears to create a breeze. Career Connections Marine Biologists are scientists that study ocean life. They observe how sea organisms behave and interact with their ocean environment. Zoologists are scientists that study animals across different environments. They observe how animals live and find out how to protect them.
Topic Launch Media Share the video “Amazing Animal Defenses.” Discuss the following questions: • What are some ways animals keep themselves safe? • How can animals use their features to hide? • What can animals do to scare off predators? • What did you wonder about while watching the video?
Essential Question Introduce the topic question that your class will discuss as you explore the topic: How do animals survive in nature? Remind children that most animals live in nature, the world of the outdoors. Animals must count on themselves to survive. Animals use their own bodies to move about in their surroundings, get the food and shelter they need, and stay safe.
Topic Writing Children write in response to the readings by following prompts aligned to different modes of writing. Topic Project You may wish to preview topic projects with children so that they can gather information as they progress through the topic. See information about these projects on the Teacher Hub: 1. Design and illustrate a new animal with unique features. 2. Make a chart that sorts the different animal features into categories. 3. Choose an animal feature. Draw and label different animals that have that feature.
KL_TC_G2_Sci_FeaturesCreatures.indd 1 18 scholastic.com/classroomlibraries
TOPIC OVERVIEW • TEACHER CARD
8/14/24 9:56 AM
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