2ND GRADE WRITINGJanuary 30, 2014

Jessica Rentas

Jessica.rentas@pequannock.org

W.2.1. Write opinion pieces in which they introduce the topic or book they are writing about, state an opinion, supply reasons that support the opinion, use linking words (e.g., because, and, also) to connect opinion and reasons, and provide a concluding statement or section.

W.2.2. Write informative/explanatory texts in which they introduce a topic, use facts and definitions to develop points, and provide a concluding statement or section.

W.2.3. Write narratives in which they recount a well-elaborated event or short sequence of events, include details to describe actions, thoughts, and feelings, use temporal words to signal event order, and provide a sense of closure.Production and Distribution of WritingW.2.5. With guidance and support from adults and peers, focus on a topic and

strengthen writing as needed by revising and editing.

W.2.6. With guidance and support from adults, use a variety of digital tools to produce and publish writing, including in collaboration with peers.Research to Build and Present Knowledge

W.2.7. Participate in shared research and writing projects (e.g., read a number of books on a single topic to produce a report; record science observations).

W.2.8. Recall information from experiences or gather information from provided sources to answer a question.

Each Unit Takes About 8 Weeks

• Unit Plan 1: Narrative Writing• Unit Plan 2: Information Paragraphs• Unit Plan 3: Opinion and Narrative Writing• Unit Plan 4: Informative/Explanatory Writing

• Unit Plan 5: Opinion/Research

How can I help at home?

Paragraph Writing

Nonfiction Writing

Newspaper Article

http://www.vrml.k12.la.us/cc/newspaper/news.asp

http://www.fodey.com/generators/newspaper/snippet.asp

Fun Ways to do Research

https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/building-research-skills-grades-2–3

Opinion• Students should constantly be sharing their opinions. Ask

your child to choose from two options: do you like the slide or swing better, cookies or ice cream, and then ask them to give you THREE reasons for their opinion.

• Sample Opinion Piece

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=Y2xvdmlzdXNkLmsxMi5jYS51c3xjdXJyaWN1bHVtLWFuZC1pbnN0cnVjdGlvbnxneDozZTE3NGJlNjQyMWY4ZTBk

Informative/Explanatory• Students should keep a journal or diary.

• Students should explain to someone how to do something using the words first, next, then, finally

• When you give your child directions, use those transition words

• Use legos or blocks to hve them build something based on your verbal directions.

Family Fun• Tell family tales

Children love to hear stories about their family. Talk about a funny thing that happened when you were young.• Create a writing toolbox

Fill a box with drawing and writing materials. Find opportunities for your child to write, such as the shopping list, thank you notes, or birthday cards.• Be your child's #1 fan

Ask your child to read aloud what he or she has written for school. Be an enthusiastic listener.

• Create a book together

Fold pieces of paper in half and staple them to make a book. Ask your child to write sentences on each page and add his or her own illustrations.• Do storytelling on the go

Take turns adding to a story the two of you make up while riding in a car or bus. Try making the story funny or spooky.• Quick, quick

Use new words your child has learned in lively flash card or computer drills. Sometimes these help kids automatically recognize and read words, especially those that are used frequently.

Websites and Apps• http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/story-starters/• http://www.toytheater.com/type.php

Apps• Sentence Builder• Shake-a-Phrase• Story Patch• Toontastic• iDiary for Kids