Discovering The Secret Garden: Lesson Plan & Activities for 2nd Grade Readers

Engage second graders with Frances Hodgson Burnett's 'The Secret Garden' using this complete lesson plan. Includes reading guidance for initial chapters, vocabulary building (contrary, manor, moor), Mary Lennox character sketch activity, and imaginative drawing prompts about the hidden garden. Ideal for introducing young readers to this classic story in the classroom or at home.

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Discovering The Secret Garden!

Materials You'll Need:

  • A copy of "The Secret Garden" (or selected chapters/abridged version suitable for second grade)
  • Notebook or paper
  • Pencils
  • Crayons or colored pencils
  • Optional: A small trowel or flower seed packet (for theme connection)

Let's Begin Our Adventure! (Introduction - 10 mins)

Hello! Today, we're going to step into a magical world hidden behind walls. We're starting a wonderful book called "The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Have you ever kept a secret? Or found something hidden? This story is about a lonely girl named Mary Lennox who discovers a hidden, forgotten garden. Let's get ready to explore with her!

Reading Time: Meet Mary (15-20 mins)

Let's read the first chapter or two together. We'll meet Mary. Pay attention to where she lives at the very beginning and why she has to move. How is she feeling? Is she happy or sad? Friendly or grumpy?

(Read aloud together, taking turns reading paragraphs or pages. Pause to discuss Mary's feelings and the setting in India vs. England - Misselthwaite Manor.)

Word Detectives (10 mins)

Did you hear any interesting or new words while we were reading? Let's be word detectives! Look for these words (or choose others you found tricky):

  • Contrary: Behaving badly, often doing the opposite of what is asked. Can you make a contrary face?
  • Manor: A very large old house in the country.
  • Moor: A large area of open land, often covered with grass and low shrubs.

Write these words down in your notebook and try drawing a small picture next to each one to help you remember what it means!

Character Sketch: Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary (10 mins)

Let's think about Mary Lennox. In your notebook, draw a picture of Mary based on the description in the book. Around your drawing, write down words that describe her personality at the *beginning* of the story. (Examples: lonely, sour, bossy, sad).

Garden Dreams (10 mins)

The book is called "The Secret Garden." Even though we haven't found it yet in the story, what do you imagine a secret garden looks like? Close your eyes for a moment and picture it. Now, draw your idea of a secret, magical garden. Is it full of flowers? Overgrown? Does it have animals?

Wrap-up & Predictions (5 mins)

Great job exploring today! We met Mary and learned about her big move. What do you think will happen next? Do you think Mary will make friends? Will she find the secret garden soon? Let's write down one prediction in our notebook for next time!

Keep your drawings and notes safe in your notebook. I can't wait to continue our journey into The Secret Garden with you!