English Language Arts — Grade 2

Using K-W-L to confirm what you know

Students will learn to use a K-W-L to activate their prior knowledge and help them set a purpose for reading and recording what they learned. They will also extend their K-W-L chart to confirm the accuracy of their prior knowledge and of what they learn.

Format: lesson plan (grade 2 English Language Arts and Science)

By Kathleen Neff.

Tarantulas

Students will read Tarantula by Jenny Feely. Then they will summarize what they have learned about tarantulas by writing descriptive words or phrases on a graphic organizer. Finally, using the Kid Pix Studio Deluxe (or other similar drawing program), students will write sentences about tarantulas and make an illustration.

Format: lesson plan (grade 2 Computer/Technology Skills and English Language Arts)

By Jody Shaughnessy.

Snails: Fact and fiction

This lesson on snails integrates Science, Language Arts, Technology and Math. Teacher will share a fictitious snail story with students. Students will complete a K-W-L chart on snails with the help of the internet. As a related activity, students will take a poll on snail preferences and graph it.

Format: lesson plan (grade 2 English Language Arts and Information Skills)

By Jody Shaughnessy.

Positively popcorn

This lesson should be used as a part of a unit on the three forms of matter. This is a fun activity on the process of how popcorn pops using gas as a form of matter.

Format: lesson plan (grade 2 English Language Arts and Science)

By Jennifer Burton.

How much is that doggy in the window?

Using internet sources, students will explore information associated with owning a dog. Students will access a controlled collection of websites regarding owning a dog within the scavenger hunt.

Format: lesson plan (grade 1–2 English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies)

By Kathy Beck.

Resources on the web

Weather: A journey in nonfiction

This ReadWriteThink research project is designed for primary students to engage in nonfiction text, in both print and digital format. Students begin by formulating questions on a subject (in this case, weather). They then classify questions into topic areas.... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 English Language Arts)

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

Using web-based bookmarks to conduct Internet research

Students listen and respond to a read-aloud of The Important Book by Margaret Wise Brown, and then use the structure of her writing to write poems describing “important things” about classmates. The teacher introduces... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 2–3 English Language Arts)

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

Under the deep blue sea

In this lesson, students have the opportunity to explore oceans and ocean life. Through creative writing and research projects, students will learn about the ocean and the creatures that live there. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 English Language Arts and Social Studies)

Provided by: EDSITEment

Shhh! Bear's sleeping: learning about nonfiction and fiction using read-alouds

The teacher introduces students to many different genres of literature in this lesson that explores the differences between fiction and nonfiction. After reading “Big Paws,” the teacher engages students in a discussion about bears and creates... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 English Language Arts and Science)

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

Reading informational texts using the 3-2-1 strategy

After teacher modeling, students read a magazine article independently and use the 3-2-1 strategy to comprehend what they read. As an introduction to this lesson, the teacher engages students in a brainstorming activity that challenges them to list things... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 1–2 English Language Arts)

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

Reading and writing about whales using fiction and nonfiction texts

This lesson from ReadWriteThink teaches students how to formulate research questions and write letters. The lesson uses the nonfiction picture book Big Blue Whale by Nicola Davies to present factual information about blue whales and the fiction... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 English Language Arts)

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

Predicting and gathering information with nonfiction texts

This ReadWriteThink lesson supports second-grade teachers in introducing nonfiction to their students and using it for informational purposes. Nonfiction is being recognized by the reading community to be vital to early learners. Students develop an understanding... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 2 English Language Arts)

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

Martin Luther King, Jr. and me: Identifying with a hero

This lesson from ReadWriteThink explores ways to help students make connections to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through reading, writing, listening, and speaking activities that not only provide a glimpse into Dr. King's life, but empower students to help... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 English Language Arts and Social Studies)

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

Mail time! An integrated postcard and geography study

In this lesson from ReadWriteThink, students write to friends and family asking them to send picture postcards. This activity provides motivation for writing and reading and provides a wonderful opportunity to learn about maps as students discover where... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Social Studies)

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

Listen, look, and learn: An information-gathering process

In this lesson, primary students will work together as a class to seek information on the sloth. A variety of resources and formats will be used with notes recorded on an information wheel graphic organizer. Guiding the listening, looking, and learning... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 English Language Arts and Information Skills)

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

Let's build a snowman

This ReadWriteThink lesson suggests building a snowman as one way to provide food for birds and animals during the winter. Students read fiction and nonfiction books and access the Internet to gain information about how animals survive during the winter.... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 English Language Arts)

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

Learning centers: From shared to independent practice

To become proficient at any skill, hands-on practice is necessary. This ReadWriteThink lesson provides a framework for using a shared reading experience to introduce independent literacy learning centers. Teaching students to work independently is critical... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 English Language Arts)

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

Investigating animals: Using nonfiction for inquiry-based research

In this ReadWriteThink lesson, students research animals with nonfiction and informational material. Through their research they will learn how to document their discoveries. They will work together to question, research, investigate, and share their findings.... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 English Language Arts)

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

I wonder: Writing scientific explanations with students

Students learn about scientific inquiry in this lesson that focuses on reading and writing. After students have collected items that relate to trees participated in several activities based on trees, they ask questions or “wonderings” about... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 2 English Language Arts)

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

How does my garden grow? Writing in science field journals

Students learn about their environment in this lesson that challenges them to plan, plant, and observe the changes in a class gardening project. Once the teacher has completed a read-aloud of a book about a garden, students brainstorm terms and information... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 1–2 English Language Arts and Science)

Provided by: ReadWriteThink