Second Grade Writing
Course Description
Writing is a meaning-making process that requires the synthesis of skills to effectively communicate. K-5 students are immersed in daily opportunities to explore, inquire, practice and apply writing strategies and skills in a variety of genres. Cultivating writers who write with the reader in mind is guided by the connection between reading and writing process to convey authentic messages. Self-selected writing topics guided by positive, specific feedback ignite the joy and passion to grow as lifelong communicators.
Grade Level(s): Second Grade
Related Priority Standards (State &/or National): K-5 Missouri Learning Standards & ELA Priority Standards
Essential Questions
- How does a writer know his/her writing is clear?
- What makes an interesting narrative?
- How do authors begin & end their stories?
- How do authors convey sequence?
- How do writers organize their ideas to aid comprehension?
- Who is the audience and why does it matter?
- How does an author's choice of voice, tone and mood affect the audience's perception/understanding?
- Why does one write an argumentative piece?
- Why is my argumentative writing worth reading?
- How do my experiences impact my opinions?
- Where do ideas for writing come from?
- How do writers organize their ideas?
- What makes an effective argument?
- How does a writer know his/her writing is clear?
- Why does one write an informational/explanatory text?
- When does one write an informational/explanatory text?
- How do writers choose relevant facts?
- What determines accurate information?
- How does one know a source is credible?
- How does one know an author is credible?
- How does an author's choice of voice and register affect the audience's perception/understanding?
Enduring Understandings/Big Ideas
- Writing clearly is essential to effective communication.
- Details enhance a narrative.
- Appropriate transitions enhance continuity.
- Narratives have a variety of organizational structures.
- Narratives are written in a variety of forms.
- Audience and purpose influence a writer's choice of organizational pattern, language, and literary techniques.
- Expressing an opinion is a right that is to be valued and respected.
- As our experiences change, so can our opinions.
- Researched evidence supports a strong opinion.
- Appropriate transitions enhance the continuity of writing.
- Informational text is characterized by a formal style.
- Well-chosen facts are specific to the topic, relevant to the audience and logically presented.
Course-Level Scope & Sequence (Units &/or Skills)
- Unit 1: Lessons from the Masters
- Unit 2: Nonfiction Writing Projects
- Unit 3: Writing About Reading
- Unit 4: Poetry: Big Thoughts in Small Packages
* The above adjustments to scope and sequence are pending Board approval on August 22, 2022.
Course Resources & Materials
- Units of Study in Opinion, Information, and Narrative Writing: A Workshop Curriculum
- Sonday System Essentials
- Heggerty Phonemic Awareness
Date Last Revised/Approved: 2013