1. 2 ND GRADE WRITING J anuary 30, 2014 Jessica Rentas Jessica.rentas@pequannock.org

2. 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 Writing W.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.

3. 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

4. How can I help at home?

5. Paragraph Writing

7. 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

8. 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=Y2xv dmlzdXNkLmsxMi5jYS51c3xjdXJyaWN1bHVtLWFuZC1pb nN0cnVjdGlvbnxneDozZTE3NGJlNjQyMWY4ZTBk

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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