McGuffey Second Reader Unit 1: Learning and Growth
“When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!” Psalms 8: 3-9
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An important principle to learn during these lessons is that everything in the world can be classed as human, animal, vegetable, or mineral, and not just the latter three as is sometimes stated. Man has been created with the power of reason, the ability to learn, develop talents, and improve oneself. During the course of these lessons ask students to identify some items that can be placed in each category: human, animal, vegetable, and mineral.
After completing the activities for Lessons 1-4, complete a Create and Share project: The following ideas may be considered:
- Ponder and Record: The story in Lesson II introduces the idea of pondering. This is an important skill to develop in your life. Do as the story says. Take time to go out early in the morning or at any time of day and enjoy God's beautiful creations. Ponder the following questions: Why did God create you? What would He have you learn? Record your thoughts in your journal. Share your ideas with a parent or close friend.
- Copy work: Write the sentence from Proverbs 6:6 in your best handwriting. Include punctuation and capital letters.
All the worksheets for the Lessons below can be found in the file to the right.
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Lesson I: Before reading Lesson I, discuss the meaning of the word strive (try). Read Lesson I and discuss questions at the end. Remember to use a conversational tone with students. Questions in the book are a basis, but teachers should not be confined to these alone.
Lesson II: Before reading Lesson II, discuss the meaning of the words: glorious (having a striking beauty or splendor), mercies (showing compassion and love). Read Lesson II and discuss questions at the end.
Lesson III: Before reading Lesson III, discuss the meaning of the word idle (to spend time doing nothing).
Read Lesson III and discuss questions at the end. The idle boy could learn from the bee about working and planning ahead. Proverbs 6:6-9 tells idle people to learn this same lesson from the ant. Look up and read Proverbs 6:6-9. Note: The word sluggard means apathy or lazy
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Lesson IV: Before reading Lesson IV, predict what the story may be about from the title. Read Lesson IV and discuss questions at the end.
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