During Second Grade the thinking strategies that students were introduce to in First Grade are developed into more complex strategies. Through stories and whole class activities the characters met in First Grade reintroduce and blend their thinking strategies to solve problems. These mysteries involving different types of thinking that stimulates students with high-interest, challenging activities that are hands on!

      These whole class lessons are the first tier in identifying talented learners. Two teachers are present in the classroom, one teacher presenting the thinking skill and the other teacher recording behaviors observed by both teachers. All students are observed and questioned in order to give every student an opportunity to show his or her potential. All students benefit from exposure to these higher-level thinking skills; however, the actual number of students demonstrating mastery level is quite small. That's okay. At the end of the school year, the information collected during class gives valuable information to help identify talented learners.