Lesson Idea | Experiencing Perspectives: Reading and Reacting to Nothing Stopped Sophie

This ELA lesson plan for Grade 2 uses the book Nothing Stopped Sophie by Cheryl Bardoe to help students explore perspectives, make text-to-world connections, and practice collaborative discussions. Over two reading blocks, students first listen to the story of Sophie Germain, a pioneering female mathematician, and then reflect on whether math is more like poetry or science. They work in groups to collect evidence from the book and other sources, develop their own perspectives, and present their findings to the class. The lesson emphasizes respectful communication, perspective-taking, and critical thinking, while reinforcing key standards in listening, speaking, and recounting ideas. It is designed for teachers of 2nd grade students and encourages creativity, group collaboration, and personal reflection.

Content Standards:

LAFS.2.SL.1.1 Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about
grade 2 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
• Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions (e.g., gaining the floor in respectful ways,
listening to others with care, speaking one at a time about the topics and texts under
discussion).
• Build on others’ talk in conversations by linking their comments to the remarks of
others.
• Ask for clarification and further explanation as needed about the topics and texts
under discussion.

LAFS.2.SL.1.2 Recount or describe key ideas or details from a text read aloud or
information presented orally or through other media.