March 2024 SOLC–Day 12
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Yesterday in my second grade class, students were celebrating their fiction reading by creating posters of favorite characters they’d met during their reading travels. They had a number of items to include on their posters, but were delighted by the illustration portion of the assignment. The class was totally immersed in the project, and there was a happy little buzz about the room. Everyone was taking their time and doing their very best.
One student, C., was working slowly and carefully on his depiction of Franny K. Stein. He had four books from the series in front of him and looked back and forth between them. One time as I walked by, I saw him frowning and heard him mutter, “One of her pony tails is longer than the other.” Then he carefully erased and redrew it.
As students began to finish up, they roamed about checking out each other’s work. Before long, I noticed a small crowd had gathered around C, who was still working steadily. A voice suddenly piped up.
“C, that’s really good!”
“Wow, C! That looks just like Franny!”
“Oh my gosh! That’s so good!” another classmate enthused.
Drawn by the comments, J. popped over to take a look. He’s a bit of a whirling dervish– lots of action, good-natured silliness and impulsivity. When he saw C’s picture, he stopped in his tracks. His mouth dropped open and he proclaimed, reverently and slowly, “I would remove the Mona Lisa to put that picture in!”
Other students nodded along. C. basked in the glow of all the compliments.
Later, I saw C carefully slide his completed work on top of the other finished pieces in the bin. His gaze lingered on his illustration, and I thought he might be admiring his efforts again. Then, he cocked his head to the side, bent down to look a little closer, and under his breath muttered, “She looks like she’s got a Donald Trump tan.”
I fully anticipated that this project would be engaging, but I really didn’t expect it to be so amusing along the way!
Nix the comfort zone 
Molly, I love this for – can I even all the reasons? – the kids’ interactions, their inspiration, their always-amazing artistry, the masterful way you unfold story with perfect dialogue, and – I confess – a bit of kinship with the name “Franny.” The whole post – like the moments, as you lived them – is beyond precious. It’s priceless. I love their sense of awe, found in one another.
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Have you read the Franny K. books? They are such fun.
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I haven’t, but they look to be hilarious.
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What a great way to capture the vibe in your classroom! You use such great details that I feel I’m standing right next to everyone, peeking in the finished bin with C. And what a surprise ending! Ha!
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It’s such fun to be working in second grade again!
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Kids! I love the end comment from the student. How awesome that they were cheering each other on!
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They’re a great crew. 🙂
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You do important work. Thanks for sharing. I miss the insights of littles. I will giggle about facial color challenges today…
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Thanks, Laurie. I feel really fortunate to work with these small humans.
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Oh my gosh! I laughed out loud w/ that Mona Lisa comment. C’s drawing is excellent, and his human looks more human than Orangey and less orange. I never would have thought TFG. I can’t stop smiling!
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So glad I could share the smile!
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I love how you describe the students observing and complimenting C’s work! A fantastic little slice. And what a wonderful thing when the class is abuzz with engagement.
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Best buzz there is! 😉
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What a great activity! Your class sounds awesome – kind and supportive of each other. I love the kids’ comments!
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I have a fun bunch! They all did a great job with this.
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Ha! That drawing is incredible, and your description of it all just sung to me. And that last line of dialogue…just a hilarious button on the scene.
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Too funny, right!?
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So adorable! I love hearing the clever voices from your students. That is a very good drawing. “replace the Mona Lisa”? Priceless.
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I was shocked he knew what the “Mona Lisa” was!
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That’s one amazing kid! ”His mouth dropped open and he proclaimed, reverently and slowly, “I would remove the Mona Lisa to put that picture in!” Clearly he has engaged, thoughtful, brilliant parents who know a fraud when they see one!
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lol I was quite surprised that any second grader knew what the Mona Lisa was!
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I love that way you captured so much of the detail as this assignment progressed–the revision of the ponytail, the appreciation of the classmates, and of course, that under the breath political commentary! You are wonderful at finding the humorous moments with your students. (And what a great assignment!)
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They make me laugh all the time–when I’m not pulling my hair out! lol
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Oh, how fun to read all your students’ comments as well as the praise that C. got to bask in!
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