Second grade explores Caldecott contenders
Students welcomed guests from all over the USN community into their classrooms as they learned about the structure of picture books, developed independent thinking skills, and voted on their favorite illustrations.
By Sierra Smith, Communications Specialist
On Monday, January 25, the American Library Association announced its annual selection of top books, digital media, video and audio books for children and young adults, including its choice for the Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children. While the ALA made its selection, second grade Tigers spent the weeks leading up to the big reveal deliberating over their choices for the prestigious honor.
Monday, January 11 through Friday, January 22, second graders were exposed to several of the year’s contenders for the distinguished award. Director Vince Durnan, Lower School Division Head Amy Woodson, Chief Financial Officer Teresa Standard, and other guests volunteered to read one of the books aloud.
“It was such a pleasure to take the opportunity to read a book to the second grade. The students are so attentive and make the best observations in evaluating the books. They warmed my heart with their natural curiosity and eagerness to understand every detail,” said Standard.
Students used the same criteria as the ALA judges to compare the books read and voted on which ones they liked best. The five main points of consideration were excellence of execution in the artistic technique employed; excellence of pictorial interpretation of story, theme, or concept; appropriateness of style of illustration; delineation of plot, theme, characters, setting, mood, or information through the pictures; and excellence of presentation in recognition of a child audience.
While the ALA named “We Are Water Protectors” illustrated by Michaela Goade as the 2021 Caldecott Medal Winner, each class of second graders felt differently.
Sherrie Reltherford’s students were certain “The Barnabus Project” illustrated by Devin and Eric Fan was the winner, as were those taught by Molly Darr ’92. Victoria Roca’s class narrowed their choices down to “The Barnabus Project” along with “Snail Crossing” illustrated by Corey R. Taylor and “Your Place in the Universe” illustrated by Jason Chin. Meanwhile in Megan Peterson’s class, “The Oldest Student” illustrated by Oge Mora received the most votes, followed by “The Barnabus Project” and “Snail Crossing.”
“This deliberation process helps second graders understand the structure of picture books, think independently about what makes a picture book interesting, and practice giving their opinions with reasoning both verbally and through writing,” said Roca.
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Athletes beyond Edgehill
Read MoreIt is common to have five or more University School of Nashville student-athletes sign college athletic commitment letters each year, and this year, USN saw eight more student-athletes commit to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. USN has several alumni participating in their chosen sport at the collegiate level from the Classes of 2021 through 2025. Continue reading to learn more about where Tigers are competing beyond Edgehill.
Contact
Edgehill Campus
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Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
USN Mission:
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.