How to Teach Narrative Writing in 2nd Grade with Spectacular Results
Teaching narrative writing can be SO fun! But reading student’s personal narratives can get dry after a while. You can only read about so many trips to the pool or vacations where students detail getting to the airport, then their writing ends once they finally arrive in Disney World. Get your students engaged while teaching narrative writing by doing fun, imaginative and personal narratives this year!
Important Concepts:
Students need to recount either one event in detail or a series of events when writing a narrative. One misconception is that the narrative has to have happened to them. It is OKAY to have your students write an imaginative narrative.
Typically, I start by having students write personal narratives, as it is easy for them to recount something that has happened to them. Then, once we have done a few personal narratives, we move to more exciting imaginative topics.
By second grade, students should be able to write a topic sentence, 3-4 event sentences WITH details, and a closing sentence. This means student writing should be anywhere from 5-10 sentences at least. However, many students are ready to write in paragraphs by second grade and should be encouraged to do so by adding more detail sentences to each event.
Challenges:
Students might struggle understanding the difference between an event and a detail. Talk to students about how an event is SOMETHING that happened, and details are the supporting ideas that help tell that story. Details can add dialogue, words from 5 senses, or more explicitly explain certain subjects from their writing.
The Writing Process:
I cannot stress enough the importance of taking your students through the writing process every single week, for every single genre. This involves brainstorming/planning, drafting, revising, editing, publishing, grading and sharing.
Hook/Brainstorm:
Getting students EXCITED can be half the battle during writing. I love to tie all of my writing projects to engaging read alouds and fun topics. You can find my favorite narrative writing companions here.
It is equally important to MODEL each step of the writing process for students. After reading aloud our companion text, I typically will read aloud my model. I also will then model my own plan so students can see what I am looking for when it is their turn to write.
Then, it is time for students to make a plan. Be sure not to skip this phase, it is NOT writing a full draft, but rather jotting down their ideas they are going to write about. They can use bullet points or pictures to gather their ideas, but this should NOT be done in full sentences and should not take longer than 5-10 minutes.
I like to give students two full days to draft for narrative writing. Each week, we focus on a different important skill that needs to be taught during narrative writing. Some skills we focus on are:
• Transition Words • Topic Sentences • Closing Sentences • Adding Details such as adjectives, prepositions, similes, metaphors, etc. • Adding Dialogue • Writing with a problem and a solution
Typically, students write their topic sentence, and first two events and details one day. Then, I have them write their second two events and details, along with the closing on the second day. We focus on the skill of the week, while also reinforcing the other skills that were previously taught.
Revising/Editing:
I spend a lot of time at the beginning of the year setting up a peer editing time that is productive for students. We spend an entire day revising and editing, and I also roam the room and select certain students each week to conference with during this time.
Depending on the length of your writing block, you can either meet with all of your students or rotate through small groups of them each week.
Publish, Grade, Share:
I always have students publish a piece of writing every single week. We add it to our writing portfolios that we take home at the end of the year. When students finish publishing, I have them grade themselves on the rubric. Self-assessment is such a powerful tool for students.
After they self grade, we find time to share each week. This can be partner sharing, author’s chair, sharing with buddies, recording themselves reading or more.
What is your favorite tip for teaching narrative writing? Drop it in the comments below!
Emily - The Mountain Teacher
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2nd Grade Reading Comprehension - Short Passages
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2nd Grade Narrative Writing Prompts: Develop Storytelling Skills
My name is Debbie, and I am passionate about developing a love for the written word and planting a seed that will grow into a powerful voice that can inspire many.
Do you remember the joy of immersing yourself in a captivating story as a child? The thrill of embarking on thrilling adventures and meeting fascinating characters that lived solely in your imagination? Well, now it’s time for your little ones to experience that exhilaration too! Narrative writing is an essential skill that not only enhances their imagination but also helps them effectively communicate their thoughts and feelings. And what better way to ignite their storytelling abilities than with some intriguing and exciting 2nd grade narrative writing prompts ? From forging new friendships to exploring enchanted lands, these prompts are guaranteed to unleash the inner storyteller in your 2nd graders. So, grab a pen, unleash your imagination, and embark on an unforgettable journey of narrative exploration!
Understanding the Importance of 2nd Grade Narrative Writing Prompts
Choosing engaging topics for developing storytelling skills, guiding students in creating an engaging narrative structure, encouraging the use of descriptive language and imagery, promoting character development and dialogue skills, utilizing plot development and conflict to build narrative skills, emphasizing the importance of editing and revising in narrative writing, providing feedback and support to foster storytelling growth, frequently asked questions, the conclusion.
When it comes to developing writing skills, 2nd grade is a critical period in a child’s education. Narrative writing prompts play an essential role in this development by encouraging students to express their thoughts, ideas, and emotions through storytelling. These prompts help students build their imagination and creativity while simultaneously improving their writing skills.
1. Develop Language Skills: Narrative writing prompts allow 2nd graders to expand their vocabulary and learn how to use descriptive language effectively. By engaging in these prompts, students can learn new words and phrases and practice incorporating them into their stories.
2. Enhance Writing Mechanics: Alongside vocabulary development, 2nd grade narrative writing prompts assist students in understanding fundamental writing mechanics such as punctuation, capitalization, and grammar. By practicing these prompts, students learn how to structure sentences, use correct tenses, and express their ideas clearly and cohesively.
3. Foster Creativity and Imagination: Narrative writing prompts encourage students to create stories from their imagination. This process allows them to explore new concepts, characters, and settings, stimulating their creativity and expanding their imaginative capabilities.
4. Develop Critical Thinking: By working with narrative writing prompts, 2nd graders learn how to think critically and solve problems creatively. They are encouraged to plan their stories, develop characters, and determine the sequence of events. This nurtures their ability to analyze situations and make decisions in a logical and imaginative manner.
These are just a few reasons why 2nd grade narrative writing prompts are crucial for a child’s development. By engaging in these prompts regularly, students can enhance their language skills, improve their writing mechanics, foster creativity, and develop critical thinking abilities .
When it comes to developing your storytelling skills, selecting engaging topics can make all the difference in captivating your audience. Whether you are a writer, a public speaker, or just want to improve your communication abilities, here are a few tips to help you choose the perfect topics that will ignite your imagination and boost your storytelling prowess:
- Tap into personal experiences: One way to powerfully connect with your audience is through personal stories. Reflect on your own experiences and identify those that have had a profound impact on you. These narratives are often rich with emotions and relatable moments, allowing you to convey authenticity and engage your listeners.
- Explore diverse themes: Don’t be afraid to venture beyond your comfort zone and explore different topics. By diversifying your storytelling repertoire, you can challenge yourself and keep your narratives fresh. From historical events and mythical creatures to futuristic adventures, the possibilities are endless.
- Consider your audience: Understanding your audience is key to selecting topics that resonate with them. Consider their interests, age, and cultural background. Tailoring your stories to their preferences will enhance the connection and ensure that your audience stays engaged throughout.
Remember, the key to developing storytelling skills lies in the ability to transport your audience into the narrative world you create. By choosing engaging topics that are close to your heart, exploring new themes, and catering to your audience’s interests, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a captivating storyteller.
When it comes to crafting an engaging narrative structure, guiding students is essential for fostering their storytelling skills. By understanding the elements that make a narrative captivating, students can create compelling stories that captivate readers or viewers from beginning to end. Here are some effective strategies to help students develop an engaging narrative structure:
- Introduce a captivating opening: Encourage students to start their narratives with a powerful hook that grabs the reader’s attention from the very first sentence. Whether it’s an intriguing question, a vivid description, or a thought-provoking statement, a compelling opening sets the stage for an engaging story.
- Build well-developed characters: Characters play a crucial role in any narrative. Helping students develop relatable and multidimensional characters allows readers or viewers to form emotional connections. Encourage students to go beyond physical descriptions and delve into their characters’ feelings, motivations, and personalities, making them come alive on the page or screen.
- Create a structured plot: A well-structured plot keeps readers or viewers engaged and eager to find out what happens next. Guide students in developing a coherent plotline with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Discuss the importance of conflict, rising action, climax, and resolution, encouraging students to carefully craft each stage of their story.
Furthermore, providing students with examples of compelling narratives in various mediums, such as books, movies, or even video games, can inspire them to think creatively and expand their narrative skills. By analyzing these examples together, students can identify the narrative techniques used to create captivating stories. They can then apply these techniques to their own writing or storytelling projects.
Allowing students to share their narratives with their peers and providing constructive feedback is another effective way to guide them in creating engaging narrative structures . Encourage active involvement and collaboration among students, fostering an environment where they can exchange ideas, offer suggestions, and help each other improve their storytelling abilities. By providing continuous guidance and support, students can develop their narrative skills and emerge as confident storytellers.
Descriptive language and imagery have the power to transport readers to vivid and immersive literary worlds, awakening their senses and evoking emotions. By , we open doors to unparalleled storytelling and foster a deeper connection with our readers.
One key technique in incorporating descriptive language is through the use of vivid adjectives. Think of words that paint a clear and detailed picture in the minds of your readers. Instead of just saying “the flower,” try “the vibrant, crimson rose.” This simple addition adds depth and liveliness to your writing, making it more engaging and memorable. Additionally, employing metaphors and similes can provide readers with unique perspectives, leading to a better understanding of your subject matter. For example, you could compare a crowded city street to a beehive buzzing with activity, instantly conjuring images of chaos and energy.
To enhance imagery in your writing, consider appealing to all five senses. Describe the scent of freshly baked bread wafting through a bakery, the melodic sound of raindrops tapping against a windowpane, or the rough texture of an old wooden door. By incorporating sensory details, you enable readers to not only visualize but also feel, hear, taste, and smell the world you create. Don’t be afraid to get specific – instead of merely saying ”the car was fast,” describe how it left streaks of hot rubber on the pavement or the wind whistling through open windows. These descriptive nuances elevate your writing and allow readers to experience the story on a deeper level.
Character development and dialogue skills are essential aspects of personal growth and effective communication. Fostering these skills not only enhances an individual’s ability to interact and connect with others but also helps in navigating through different social and professional environments. Here are a few ways to promote character development and improve dialogue skills:
- Engage in active listening: When engaging in a conversation, it is crucial to be fully present and actively listen to the other person. Pay attention to their words, body language, and emotions. This not only demonstrates respect and empathy but also allows for deeper understanding and meaningful dialogue.
- Practice empathy: Empathy plays a vital role in effective communication and character development. Strive to put yourself in others’ shoes and understand their perspectives. By practicing empathy, you can foster compassion, build better relationships, and encourage open and honest dialogue.
- Embrace diversity: To develop strong character and dialogue skills, it is essential to appreciate and embrace diversity. Engage with individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, and opinions. Embracing diversity helps broaden perspectives, challenge assumptions, and encourages respectful and inclusive dialogue.
By incorporating these strategies into your daily life, you can actively promote character development and enhance your dialogue skills. Remember, effective communication is a lifelong learning process, and by continuously striving to improve, you will not only benefit yourself but also create a positive impact on those around you.
Mastering the art of plot development and conflict is essential for any aspiring writer looking to enhance their narrative skills. These literary elements not only captivate readers but also drive the storyline forward, creating a compelling and engaging reading experience. By incorporating strategic plot development, writers can carefully craft a sequence of events that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages.
A well-constructed plot is like a well-orchestrated symphony, with each element harmoniously building upon the next. To achieve this, writers can consider the following techniques:
- Introduce intriguing characters: Crafting relatable and multidimensional characters can help create depth and complexity within the plot. These characters can then become instruments that drive the conflict and ultimately build the narrative.
- Create a strong central conflict: A gripping and well-defined conflict forms the core of any story, compelling readers to become emotionally invested. Whether it’s a battle against an internal struggle or an external force, the conflict should be compelling and resonate with readers.
- Build tension and suspense: Skillful writers utilize pacing and timing to heighten the reader’s anticipation. By strategically placing obstacles in the protagonist’s path and introducing unexpected twists and turns, tension can be heightened, making the resolution of the conflict all the more satisfying.
By employing these techniques, writers can weave captivating narratives that leave readers eagerly awaiting the next chapter. So, grab your pen and paper, let your imagination soar, and watch as plot development and conflict work in harmony to enhance your narrative skills!
Narrative writing is a captivating form of storytelling that allows writers to engage readers on a deep and emotional level. However, the true magic of narrative writing lies not only in the initial draft but also in the editing and revising process. is crucial for creating a polished and compelling piece of work.
Why is editing and revising so essential? Firstly, it ensures that the story flows smoothly, with a logical progression of events. By carefully reviewing and rearranging paragraphs or sentences, writers can enhance the readability and coherence of their narratives. Additionally, editing and revising provide an opportunity to refine the language used in the story. This involves eliminating unnecessary words or repetition and replacing them with vivid and descriptive expressions to bring the narrative to life. By choosing the right words, writers can engage readers’ senses and immerse them in the fictional world they have created.
- Spotting inconsistencies and plot holes: The editing process allows writers to identify any inconsistencies or plot holes that may exist within the narrative. By addressing these issues, writers can ensure their stories are logical and avoid confusing or frustrating readers.
- Paying attention to character development: Effective editing and revising provide an opportunity to evaluate and improve character development in the narrative. Writers can ask themselves if their characters are portrayed consistently, evolving naturally throughout the story.
- Refining dialogue: Dialogue is an essential element in narrative writing that breathes life into characters. Through editing and revising, writers can fine-tune dialogue, ensuring it is realistic, engaging, and furthers character development or plot.
The process of editing and revising may seem daunting, but it is a vital step towards creating a captivating narrative. By focusing on issues like consistency, character development, and dialogue, writers can polish their narratives and captivate readers with their story. So, grab that red pen, embrace the revising process, and watch your narrative shine!
At our community, we believe that storytelling is a powerful tool for self-expression and connection. We are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for aspiring storytellers to grow and develop their craft. One way we achieve this is by offering valuable feedback and support to our members.
When you share your stories with us, whether it’s a piece of fiction, a personal anecdote, or even a poem, our team of experienced writers and editors is dedicated to providing constructive feedback. We understand the importance of encouragement and guidance in enhancing your storytelling skills, which is why we strive to offer specific suggestions to help you improve your writing. Our feedback is always delivered with respect and kindness, aiming to empower you to continue honing your unique narrative voice.
- Receive detailed feedback on your storytelling techniques, plot development, character building, and more.
- Learn how to create engaging storylines that captivate your audience from beginning to end.
- Discover tips and tricks to enrich your storytelling with vivid descriptions, dialogue, and sensory details.
- Gain insights into pacing, structure, and other elements that elevate your storytelling to new heights.
Remember, you are not alone on your journey as a storyteller. Our vibrant community is here to support you every step of the way. Join us today and let us help you nurture your storytelling growth!
Q: What are some second grade narrative writing prompts?
A: Second grade narrative writing prompts are open-ended questions or statements that encourage students to develop their storytelling skills. Some examples include: “Write a story about a magical adventure you had,” “Imagine you found a friendly animal that could talk. Write a story about your adventures together,” or “Describe the best day you’ve ever had and why it was so special to you.”
Q: Why is narrative writing important for 2nd graders?
A: Narrative writing is important for second graders as it helps them improve their communication and language skills. By encouraging students to create stories, they develop their abilities to organize their thoughts, use descriptive language, and engage their imagination. It also promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and emotional expression.
Q: How can narrative writing prompts help improve storytelling skills?
A: Narrative writing prompts provide students with a starting point or inspiration for their stories. They encourage children to think creatively and construct a narrative by introducing characters, settings, plot, and conflict. By regularly practicing with prompts, students can improve their ability to create engaging stories, develop characters, establish a clear beginning, middle, and end, and boost their overall storytelling skills.
Q: How can teachers incorporate narrative writing prompts in the classroom?
A: Teachers can incorporate narrative writing prompts in the classroom in various ways. They can begin each writing lesson with a prompt, allowing students to respond individually or share their ideas with a partner. Teachers can also showcase different prompts on a classroom board and encourage students to choose one that inspires them. Additionally, prompts may be used as a group activity, where students collaborate and create a shared story based on a given prompt.
Q: How can parents support their child’s development of narrative writing skills at home?
A: Parents can support their child’s development of narrative writing skills at home by providing them with opportunities to practice storytelling. They can encourage their child to write stories based on personal experiences, favorite books, or even picture prompts. Additionally, reading aloud together can help expand a child’s vocabulary and expose them to different writing styles. Parents can also provide constructive feedback and praise their child’s efforts, creating a positive writing environment.
Q: Can narrative writing prompts be adapted for different skill levels?
A: Yes, narrative writing prompts can be adapted for different skill levels. For younger or struggling writers, the prompts can be simplified or paired with visual aids to serve as inspiration. On the other hand, more advanced writers can be challenged with prompts that require more complex plots or include specific literary techniques, such as incorporating dialogue or suspense. Adapting prompts ensures that students are appropriately challenged and allows for differentiation in the classroom.
Q: Are there any digital resources available for second grade narrative writing prompts?
A: Yes, there are several digital resources available for second grade narrative writing prompts. Numerous educational websites provide access to printable prompts, interactive writing activities, and even virtual story generators. Teachers and parents can explore these resources and select the ones that best fit their child’s needs and learning style. Additionally, online writing platforms often offer various prompts that can be used or modified to suit specific storytelling objectives.
In conclusion, 2nd grade narrative writing prompts are an excellent tool to develop storytelling skills among young writers. By encouraging imagination and creativity, these prompts empower students to express their thoughts and emotions through engaging storytelling. With consistent practice, students can become confident storytellers, setting a strong foundation for their future writing endeavors.
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How to Teach Narrative Writing
In this post, I share 5 tips for How to Teach Narrative Writing and provide details about the Narrative Writing Units I have created for Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade students. Be sure to download 3 FREE narrative writing graphic organizers !
As teachers we spend a tremendous amount of time teaching our students to write. And for good reason! The ability to clearly express one’s thoughts in writing is an essential academic and life-skill. Study after study has shown that students who are able to master writing skills early on struggle less in overall literacy and communication .
The Common Core writing domain focuses on three big types of writing: informative, opinion and narrative writing. Each genre serves a unique purpose and follows a specific structure which we must explicitly teach our students.
In earlier posts I shared tips and resources for teaching Informative Writing and Opinion Writing . Today I’m excited to move on to the final genre, Narrative Writing.
I love to teach narrative writing. Personal narratives are a great genre to start the year with because they allow you to get to know your students a little bit better. Most kids love to tell us stories about their lives, so writing personal narratives often comes naturally to them.
Imaginative narratives, on the other hand, allow students’ creativity to shine! Many students find it very motivating and engaging to be allowed to write the stories they create in their own mind.
Today I’m sharing 5 tips for teaching narrative writing, as well as details about my narrative writing resource. It is a writing unit that has everything you need to bring narrative writing into your kindergarten , first grade, or secon d grade literacy centers!
Tips for Teaching Narrative Writing
1. read narrative writing mentor texts .
Before you can ask your students to write in a genre that is new to them, you must first immerse them in it. So to begin your unit, you’ll want to share examples of narrative writing with your students. These mentor texts provide students with examples of excellent narrative writing.
As you read them aloud, highlight the way the author structures their writing. Identify the author’s purpose, the topic, the order of the events, and how the author felt. All of these things will help students better understand what type of writing we are asking them to do.
When you’re picking narrative mentor texts to share with your students there are a few things to consider . First, do you (the educator) think it is excellent? Second, is it easy for your students to understand? And finally, is it relevant to the type of writing you are teaching? If you answer “Yes!” to all three, then you’re good to go!
To help you out I’ve created a list of excellent mentor texts you can use when teaching narrative writing to kindergarten, first, or second grade students.
A List of Narrative Writing Mentor Texts:
- New Shoes – Chris Raschka
- Jabari Jumps – Gaia Cornwall
- Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale – Mo Willems
- Library Mouse – Daniel Kirk
- Rocket Writes a Story – Tad Hills
- Diary of a Worm – Doreen Cronin
- The Night I Followed My Dog – Nina Laden
- Rubia and the Three Osos – Susan Middleton Elya
- The Three Snow Bears – Jan Brett
I’ve saved all these titles on one board so you can easily take a closer look at these mentor texts. Click here to see this list on Amazon .
2. Model Your Own Narrative Writing
When modeling your own narrative writing I suggest you use an experience you’ve shared as a class. It could be as simple as a short nature walk outside the school building, a field trip you went on, or a class celebration you had. Show your students that narratives don’t have to be about big events. Small moments, like a walk outside, can be stretched out and turned into a great narrative writing piece!
Next, model how you plan your writing using a graphic organizer. Highlight how you have a topic, use temporal words to order your events, details and a closing sentence. Don’t be afraid to put the events out of order! Let the students catch the mistake and help you fix it!
Model how you use the graphic organizer to guide you as you write out your full piece.
Finally, reread your work aloud to ensure it makes sense and that the events are in the correct order. Check for any silly mistakes and come up with a fitting title!
3. Use Anchor Charts
You want your students to know that when they write a narrative piece they are writing a story to entertain the reader. It can be a true, personal story from their life, or an imagined fictional one. Creating an anchor chart with this information helps to remind students their purpose for writing.
Create a second anchor chart that reviews temporal words. Words such as yesterday, today, first, next, or last describe time or order of events and help make a narrative story more clear for the reader.
When writing fictional narratives, an anchor chart of fictional sentence starters can help students to get ideas for a story.
Finally, you’ll want to create an anchor chart using the writing you model. This will serve as another example of excellent narrative writing. As a class, add labels to identify the title, the topic, temporal words, details, and the closing sentence in your shared writing.
All of these anchor charts can be posted in your writing center. Encourage your students to refer back to them and use them as support as they write their own pieces.
4. Allow students to edit and share their writing
Provide a good writers checklist at your writing center. For narrative writing you’ll want the checklist to include items such, “Does my writing have a title?” “Is there a clear beginning, middle, and end?” “Did I use temporal words?” as well as reminders to check for spelling, capitalization, and punctuation errors.
You can also create a rubric specific to the genre. Model how you use it to assess your own work and how it can be used to provide feedback to others.
Give students the opportunity to share their writing with others! Pair students with partners and let them read their pieces to each other. Encourage them to provide feedback using the editing checklist and the rubric as a guide.
5. Provide Daily Opportunities for Students to Write
As with all things, writing takes PRACTICE! Students need dedicated instructional time to learn the skills and strategies necessary to become effective writers, as well as time to practice what they learn.
When you think about your daily instructional schedule, make sure you are giving your students ample opportunities to practice their narrative writing through whole group instruction, small groups, and/or through independent practice in writing centers.
Narrative Writing Units For Kindergarten, First, and Second Grade Students
Today I’m excited to share with you the details about my Kindergarten Narrative , 1st Grade Narrative , and my 2nd grade Narrative writing units! I love them because they have ALL the resources you need to give your students the practice needed to master narrative writing.
These narrative writing units were developed with standards-based research specific to each grade. You can use them within whole class or small group lessons, or as a literacy center activity where students can practice narrative writing independently!
Let’s take a closer look at each one….
Kindergarten Narrative Writing Unit
The kindergarten resource has everything you need to incorporate narrative writing into your literacy centers all year long!
To help your students better understand the genre you’ll get two mini-lessons , one on personal narratives and the other for imaginative narratives. I recommend focusing on personal narratives at the start of the year and moving onto imaginative narratives in the second semester.
You’ll also get a list of suggested mentor texts and online resources, academic vocabulary posters, printable anchor charts, graphic organizers and differentiated writing prompts.
These seasonal and all-year-long writing prompts come in 3 differentiated versions to meet your Kindergarteners where they are developmentally throughout the year. Each writing prompt comes with a vocabulary word web to assist young writers in brainstorming ideas and spelling words while writing.
Finally, you’ll get a narrative writing editing checklist appropriate for the kindergarten level.
First Grade and Second Grade Narrative Writing Units
The first and second grade resources were designed with standards-based research specific to grade. You’ll get a personal narrative mini-lesson and imaginative narrative mini-lesson to use as a review of the genre. You’ll also get a list of suggested mentor texts and online resources, academic vocabulary posters, anchor charts, graphic organizers and seasonal writing prompts!
You won’t hear students say, “I don’t know what to write about!” when they are using this resource! The seasonal writing prompts include choice boards for personal narratives and imaginative narratives, as well as sentence starters and vocabulary banks to assist in brainstorming ideas and spelling words while writing.
The personal narrative and imaginative narrative seasonal prompts are both PRINTABLE & DIGITAL. The digital version has been PRELOADED for you, with 1 click add them to your Google Drive or upload them to SeeSaw.
Finally, you’ll get self-editing checklists and rubrics for both personal and imaginative narrative writing. The rubric makes a great self-assessment tool and can be used as a guide for peer feedback.
I love these resources because they can be used in so many different ways. They offer opportunities for students to practice both personal and imaginative narrative writing as a whole class, in small groups, as a literacy center activity, for homework, or as a meaningful activity for when they have a substitute teacher!
FREE Narrative Writing Graphic Organizers
Are you ready to begin teaching Narrative Writing in your classroom? To help get you started, I am happy to offer you 3 FREE narrative writing graphic organizers! You can download them here.
Writing is an essential skill that benefits students well beyond the walls of our classrooms. As teachers, we work hard to plan engaging activities that we hope will build our students’ confidence and help them to develop a lifelong love of writing.
I hope the information and resources I’ve shared on narrative, opinion and informative writing will help to bring stronger instruction and more meaningful writing practice to your kindergarten, first and second grade classrooms!
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- Picture Book Brain
29 New and Noteworthy Narrative Nonfiction Books for 2nd Grade
- February 20, 2022
Looking for the best narrative nonfiction books for 2nd grade kids? These narrative nonfiction picture books for 2nd grade students will be engaging for your students! Books with lesson plans and activities linked. Picture books about various topics such as historical figures, historical events and more for your second graders. Your students will delight in these classic and brand new books!
If you’re a member of the Picture Book Brain Trust Community , you already have access to EVERY lesson plan and activity for these books! Just click on the Lesson Plans button in the menu!
The secret garden of george washington carver by gene barretta.
When George Washington Carver was just a young child, he had a secret: a garden of his own.
Here, he rolled dirt between his fingers to check if plants needed more rain or sun. He protected roots through harsh winters, so plants could be reborn in the spring. He trimmed flowers, spread soil, studied life cycles. And it was in this very place that George’s love of nature sprouted into something so much more—his future.
Get the lesson plan and activities for The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver HERE
Manfish: A Story of Jacques Costeau by Jennifer Berne
Before Jacques Cousteau became an internationally known oceanographer and champion of the seas, he was a curious little boy. In this lovely biography, poetic text and gorgeous paintings combine to create a portrait of Jacques Cousteau that is as magical as it is inspiring. An excellent book for studying the ocean through the eyes of one of its most well-known explorers.
Get the lesson plan and activities for Manfish: A Story of Jacques Costeau HERE
Grace Hopper Queen of Computer Code by Laurie Wallmark
Who was Grace Hopper? A software tester, workplace jester, cherished mentor, ace inventor, avid reader, naval leader—AND rule breaker, chance taker, and troublemaker. Grace Hopper coined the term “computer bug” and taught computers to “speak English.” Throughout her life, Hopper succeeded in doing what no one had ever done before. Delighting in difficult ideas and in defying expectations, the insatiably curious Hopper truly was “Amazing Grace” . . . and a role model for science- and math-minded girls and boys. An excellent story about a gifted computer programmer for Women’s History Month !
Get the lesson plan and activities for Grace Hopper Queen of Computer Code HERE
Selena: Queen of Tejano Music by Silvia Lopez
Selena Quintanilla’s music career began at the age of nine when she started singing in her family’s band. She went from using a hairbrush as a microphone to traveling from town to town to play gigs. But Selena faced a challenge: People said that she would never make it in Tejano music , which was dominated by male performers. Selena was determined to prove them wrong.
Born and raised in Texas, Selena didn’t know how to speak Spanish, but with the help of her dad, she learned to sing it. With songs written and composed by her older brother and the fun dance steps Selena created, her band, Selena Y Los Dinos, rose to stardom! A true trailblazer, her success in Tejano music and her crossover into mainstream American music opened the door for other Latinx entertainers, and she became an inspiration for Latina girls everywhere. In addition to being one of my favorite children’s books about women in sports and entertainment, this would also be an excellent book for Women’s History Month or Hispanic Heritage Month .
Chester Nez And The Unbreakable Code by Joseph Bruchac
As a young Navajo boy, Chester Nez had to leave the reservation and attend boarding school, where he was taught that his native language and culture were useless. But Chester refused to give up his heritage. Years later, during World War II, Chester―and other Navajo men like him―was recruited by the US Marines to use the Navajo language to create an unbreakable military code. Suddenly the language he had been told to forget was needed to fight a war . This powerful picture book biography contains backmatter including a timeline and a portion of the Navajo code, and also depicts the life of an original Navajo code talker while capturing the importance of Native American heritage .
Get the lesson plan and activities for Chester Nez And The Unbreakable Code HERE
Above the Rim by Jen Bryant
Hall-of-famer Elgin Baylor was one of basketball’s all-time-greatest players—an innovative athlete, team player, and quiet force for change. One of the first professional African-American players , he inspired others on and off the court. But when traveling for away games, many hotels and restaurants turned Elgin away because he was black. One night, Elgin had enough and staged a one-man protest that captured the attention of the press, the public, and the NBA.
Get the lesson plan and activities for Above the Rim HERE
Six Dots by Jen Bryant
Louis Braille was just five years old when he lost his sight. He was a clever boy, determined to live like everyone else, and what he wanted more than anything was to be able to read. Even at the school for the blind in Paris, there were no books for him. And so he invented his own alphabet—a whole new system for writing that could be read by touch. A system so ingenious that it is still used by the blind community today. An excellent book for studying people with disabilities .
Get the lesson plan and activities for Six Dots HERE
Knut by Juliana Hatkoff
When Knut was born, the first polar bear cub at the Berlin Zoo in more than thirty years, he was no bigger than a snowball and unable to care for himself. His mother, a rescued East German circus bear, didn’t know how to take care of Knut and rejected him. Knut would have died if it weren’t for Thomas Dorflein, a zookeeper who nurtured Knut, feeding him, sleeping with him, and giving him the love and attention Knut needed to thrive. But Thomas wasn’t the only one who adopted Knut. The adorable little polar bear captured the world’s attention, and now Knut is loved around the globe. A great story for studies about arctic animals !
Planting Stories: The Life Of Librarian And Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Denise
An inspiring picture book biography of Latin American storyteller, puppeteer, and New York City’s first Puerto Rican librarian , who championed bilingual literature.
When she came to America in 1921, Pura Belpré carried the cuentos folklóricos of her Puerto Rican homeland. Finding a new home at the New York Public Library as a bilingual assistant, she turned her popular retellings into libros and spread story seeds across the land. Today, these seeds have grown into a lush landscape as generations of children and storytellers continue to share her tales and celebrate Pura’s legacy.
Get the lesson plan and activities for Planting Stor ies: The Life Of Librarian And Storyteller Pura Belpré HERE
You can get a free lesson and activities for Planting Stories here:
Energy Island by Allan Drummond
At a time when most countries are producing ever-increasing amounts of CO2, the rather ordinary citizens of Samsø have accomplished something extraordinary―in just ten years they have reduced their carbon emissions by 140% and become almost completely energy independent. A narrative tale and a science book in one, this inspiring true story proves that with a little hard work and a big idea, anyone can make a huge step toward energy conservation.
Get the lesson plan and activities for Energy Island HERE
The Man Who Walked Between The Towers by Mordicai Gerstein
The story of a daring tightrope walk between skyscrapers. In 1974, French aerialist Philippe Petit threw a tightrope between the two towers of the World Trade Center and spent an hour walking, dancing, and performing high-wire tricks a quarter mile in the sky. This picture book captures the poetry and magic of the event with a poetry of its own: lyrical words and lovely paintings that present the detail, daring, and–in two dramatic foldout spreads– the vertiginous drama of Petit’s feat.
Get the lesson plan and activities for The Man Who Walked Between the Towers HERE
The Boy Who Grew a Forest by Sophia Gholz
As a boy, Jadav Payeng was distressed by the destruction deforestation and erosion was causing on his island home in India’s Brahmaputra River. So he began planting trees. What began as a small thicket of bamboo, grew over the years into 1,300 acre forest filled with native plants and animals. The Boy Who Grew a Forest tells the inspiring true story of Payeng–and reminds us all of the difference a single person with a big idea can make. Sometimes to solve a problem, it takes a little bit of effort over a long period of time. A great book for Earth Day or Arbor Day .
Get the lesson plan and activities for The Boy Who Grew a Forest HERE
Rosa by Nikki Giovanni
Fifty years after her refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, city bus, Mrs. Rosa Parks is still one of the most important figures in the American civil rights movement. This tribute to Mrs. Parks is a celebration of her courageous action and the events that followed.
Get the lesson plan and activities for Rosa HERE
Ada’s Violin by Susan Hood
Ada Ríos grew up in Cateura, a small town in Paraguay built on a landfill. She dreamed of playing the violin, but with little money for anything but the bare essentials, it was never an option…until a music teacher named Favio Chávez arrived. He wanted to give the children of Cateura something special, so he made them instruments out of materials found in the trash. It was a crazy idea, but one that would leave Ada—and her town—forever changed. Now, the Recycled Orchestra plays venues around the world, spreading their message of hope and innovation.
Get the lesson plan and activities for Ada’s Violin HERE
For the Right to Learn by Rebecca Langston-George
She grew up in a world where women were supposed to be quiet. But Malala Yousafzai refused to be silent. Discover Malala’s story through this powerful narrative telling, and come to see how one brave girl named Malala changed the world.
Get the lesson plan and activities for For the Right to Learn HERE
Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
Wilson Bentley was always fascinated by snow. In childhood and adulthood, he saw each tiny crystal of a snowflake as a little miracle and wanted to understand them. His parents supported his curiosity and saved until they could give him his own camera and microscope. At the time, his enthusiasm was misunderstood. But with patience and determination, Wilson catalogued hundreds of snowflake photographs, gave slideshows of his findings and, when he was 66, published a book of his photos. His work became the basis for all we know about beautiful, unique snowflakes today. A really interesting biography picture book for the winter months !
Get the lesson plan and activities for Snowflake Bentley HERE
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures by Julia Finley Mosca
When young Temple Grandin was diagnosed with autism, no one expected her to talk, let alone become one of the most powerful voices in modern science. Yet, the determined visual thinker did just that. Her unique mind allowed her to connect with animals in a special way, helping her invent groundbreaking improvements for farms around the globe!
Get the lesson plan and activities for The Girl Who Thought in Pictures HERE
The Girl Who Ran by Frances Poletti
When Bobbi Gibb saw the Boston Marathon her mind was set-she had to be a part of it. But when the time came to apply for the marathon, she was refused entry. They told her girls don’t run, girls can’t run. That didn’t stop Bobbi. This picture book tells the true story of how she broke the rules in 1966 and how, one step at a time, her grit and determination changed the world. A really heroic part of women’s history .
Get the lesson plan and activities for The Girl Who Ran HERE
Storm Run by Libby Riddles
In 1985, Libby Riddles made history by becoming the first woman to win the 1,100-mile Iditarod Sled Dog Race . This brand-new edition of Riddles’s timeless adventure story is complete with updated narrative details, sidebars on all aspects of the race, photographs, and all-new illustrations by beloved illustrator Shannon Cartwright. An inspiration to children and adults everywhere, this is a compelling first-hand account of the arctic storms, freezing temperatures, loyal sled dogs, and utter determination that defined Riddles’s Iditarod victory.
Get the lesson plan and activities for Storm Run HERE
Margaret and the Moon by Dean Robbins
Margaret Hamilton loved numbers as a young girl. She knew how many miles it was to the moon (and how many back). She loved studying algebra and geometry and calculus and using math to solve problems in the outside world. Soon math led her to MIT and then to helping NASA put a man on the moon! She handwrote code that would allow the spacecraft’s computer to solve any problems it might encounter. Apollo 8, Apollo 9, Apollo 10 and Apollo 11. Without her code, none of those missions could have been completed. An excellent book about women in STEM !
Get the lesson plan and activities for Margaret and the Moon HERE
Radiant Child by Javaka Steptoe
Jean-Michel Basquiat and his unique, collage-style paintings rocketed to fame in the 1980s as a cultural phenomenon unlike anything the art world had ever seen. But before that, he was a little boy who saw art everywhere: in poetry books and museums, in games and in the words that we speak, and in the pulsing energy of New York City. Now, award-winning illustrator Javaka Steptoe’s vivid text and bold artwork echoing Basquiat’s own introduce young readers to the powerful message that art doesn’t always have to be neat or clean–and definitely not inside the lines–to be beautiful. This is the most memorable narrative nonfiction books for 2nd grade, especially if you’re studying art and artists .
Get the lesson plan and activities for Radiant Child HERE
Danza!: Amalia Hernández And Mexico’s Folkloric Ballet by Duncan Tonatiuh
As a child, Amalia Hernández saw a pair of dancers in the town square. The way they stomped and swayed to the rhythm of the beat inspired her. She knew one day she would become a dancer. Amalia studied ballet and modern dance under the direction of skilled teachers who had performed in world-renowned dance companies. But she never forgot the folk dance she had seen years earlier. She began traveling through the Mexican countryside, witnessing the dances of many regions, and she used her knowledge of ballet and modern dance to adapt the traditional dances to the stage. She founded her own dance company, a group that became known as el Ballet Folklórico de México. A great book for Hispanic Heritage Month !
Get the lesson plan and activities for Danza!: Amalia Hernández And Mexico’s Folkloric Ballet HERE
The Poppy Lady by Barbara Walsh
When American soldiers entered World War I, Moina Belle Michael, a schoolteacher from Georgia, knew she had to act. Some of the soldiers were her students and friends. Almost single-handedly, Moina worked to establish the red poppy as the symbol to honor and remember soldiers. And she devoted the rest of her life to making sure the symbol would last forever, most notably on Memorial Day . Thanks to her hard work, that symbol remains strong today.
Get the lesson plan and activities for The Poppy Lady HERE
Sonia Sotomayor: A Judge Grows In The Bronx / La Juez Que Crecio En El Bronx by Jonah Winter
Before Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor took her seat in our nation’s highest court, she was just a little girl in the South Bronx. Justice Sotomayor didn’t have a lot growing up, but she had what she needed — her mother’s love, a will to learn, and her own determination. With bravery she became the person she wanted to be, and with hard work she succeeded. With little sunlight and only a modest plot from which to grow, Justice Sotomayor bloomed for the whole world to see. This is one of my favorite bilingual children’s books as well if you teach in a bilingual classroom.
Get the lesson plan and activities for Sonia Sotomayor: A Judge Grows In The Bronx / La Juez Que Crecio En El Bronx HERE
Paper Son by Julie Leung
Before he became an artist named Tyrus Wong, he was a boy named Wong Geng Yeo. He traveled across a vast ocean from China to America with only a suitcase and a few papers. Not papers for drawing–which he loved to do–but immigration papers to start a new life. Once in America, Tyrus seized every opportunity to make art, eventually enrolling at an art institute in Los Angeles. Working as a janitor at night, his mop twirled like a paintbrush in his hands. Eventually, he was given the opportunity of a lifetime–and using sparse brushstrokes and soft watercolors, Tyrus created the iconic backgrounds of Bambi. One of my favorite narrative nonfiction books for 2nd grade about a lesser known Asian American .
Get the lesson plan and activities for Paper Son HERE
Star Stuff: Carl Sagan and the Mysteries of the Cosmos by Stephanie Roth Sisson
When Carl Sagan was a young boy he went to the 1939 World’s Fair and his life was changed forever. From that day on he never stopped marveling at the universe and seeking to understand it better. Star Stuff follows Carl from his days star gazing from the bedroom window of his Brooklyn apartment, through his love of speculative science fiction novels, to his work as an internationally renowned scientist who worked on the Voyager missions exploring the farthest reaches of space .
Get the lesson plan and activities for Star Stuff: Carl Sagan and the Mysteries of the Cosmos HERE
Frida by Jonah Winter
This stunning picture book is the perfect gift for art enthusiasts of all ages. When her mother was worn out from caring for her five sisters, her father gave her lessons in brushwork and color. Later, polio kept her bedridden for nine months, drawing saved her from boredom. When a bus accident left her in unimaginable agony, her paintings expressed her pain and depression – and eventually, her joys and her loves.
Over and over again, Frida Kahlo turned the challenges of her life into art. A playful, insightful tribute to one of the twentieth century’s most influential artists . Viva Frida!
Get the lesson plan and activities for Frida HERE
Conclusion: Best Narrative Nonfiction Books For 2nd Grade
What are some of your favorite narrative nonfiction books for 2nd grade? Are there any must read narrative nonfiction books for 2nd grade that I left out? Let me know in the comments, and I’ll add it!
Remember : You to get a free narrative nonfiction books for 2nd grade lesson plan and activities for Planting Stories here:
Narrative Non-Fiction Books
Here are some of my favorite narrative non-fiction books for kids. If you’re looking for more ideas for specific grade levels I have great narrative nonfiction book lists for each grade level. Check them out here:
Best Narrative Nonfiction Books
15 Narrative Nonfiction Books for Kindergarten
21 Narrative Nonfiction Books for 1st Grade
37 Narrative Nonfiction Books For 3rd Grade
42 Narrative Nonfiction Books for 4th Grade
40 Narrative Nonfiction Books For 5th Grade
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- Story Writing
Ignite a Love for Writing: Silly and Inspiring Story 2nd Grade Writing Prompts
by Royd Hatta
May 24, 2022
Story Writing, Exercises, Writing Prompts
Silly & Inspiring Writing 2nd grade Writing Prompts Your Young Writer Will Love (Free PDF!)
Ever heard of a story prompt like this?
- What if a pig and his friends traveled to the moon?
One student, Audrey Willey, a 2nd-grade homeschooler at the time, created her own adorable story based on a simple “what if” scenario.
Yes, even though we've listed our favorite 2nd grade writing prompts below, you can easily make your own. It doesn't have to be complicated.
You really just need "a problem to solve" or a "big goal" for the characters to achieve. Of course, plopping their heroes in a fun setting will help to capture your 2nd graders imagination and entice them to write.
Oh, and here's a tip we like share.
“Make us Worry!” and “Make us Care! ”
Who or what will block the Hero's way?
How might we care deeply for the hero?
If your 2nd grader doesn't want to dive into those questions, that's fine.
As long as their hero makes progress towards their goal, readers will be engaged and enjoy the ride!
Again, below are some of our favorite 2nd grade fiction writing prompts.
But first, here’s Audrey’s hilarious and wonderfully playful tale. Enjoy.
PEEG STORY
By Audrey Willey
One sunny, hot July day, in the neighborhood swimming pool, Peeg, Panda, Airplane and Rabbit were playing catch the ball. Then Peeg wanted to go play in the mud puddle. They went to play in the mud and played until midnight.
Then Peeg saw the round, white moon.
"Boy, I would like to visit the moon," he said.
"We could," said Plane. "Hop on me!
So they all hopped on Plane.
"One, two, three, take off!" he shouted.
They all flew up. Airplane was so excited he went super duper fast.
Soon, they were close to the moon. But, Peeg, Panda, and Rabbit all fell off Plane.
"My, how light you are!" Airplane said. "Did you eat air?" Peeg, Panda, and Rabbit were drifting in space. Peeg, Panda, and Rabbit found a broken spaceship, but it could not move. They fixed the spaceship together using all the tools in the spaceship.
He was almost there at the moon. But, Plane fell into a black hole. Peeg, Rabbit, and Panda heard the news.
They all thought of ways to save Plane. First, they tried to get Plane out with a rope. Peeg, Rabbit and Panda threw the rope as hard as they could. But it did not work because Plane had no arms.
"I can't grab it!" said Plane.
Then they tried a ladder. They put a huge ladder into the black hole, but Plane could not climb because he had no legs.
Finally, they tried a fishing pole. And that did work!
The hook hooked onto the propeller. And the propeller wound up the string. Peeg, Rabbit and Panda pulled Plane up.
"Hello," said Plane. "Thank you for pulling me up! Let's go have some pixie sticks."
So, they went back to Earth all safe and sound on the spaceship.
Wild prompts inspire wild adventures! We love this beautiful tribute to friendship and imagination, and we can tell Audrey loved telling it.
We hope this story will encourage your child to let out their silly belly and tell us a heartwarming tale just like Audrey!
And now, enjoy these strange and wonderful 2nd grade writing prompts collected from our students. Feel free to send us your own and we’ll include it here! In the meantime, we look forward to reading your young writer's story when we announce a new Story Contest !
Have fun!
Writing Coach
Our List of Silly Writing Prompts for 2nd Graders
Fantasy prompts, 2nd grade writing prompts.
- What happens in Puppy Land?
- A unicorn and her friends must go on a quest to find her horn.
- What happens in a world of tacos and unicorns?
- What happens in a floating castle?
- Name four animals and combine them into a mythical creature.
- What if you and your family found a fairy treasure map on vacation?
- Write a poem about a talkative hero who loses his wand.
- What kind of discussion would a happy elf have with an angry one?
- After Jonny saves a glowing frog from being smushed, the frog grants him a wish.
- What if you woke up and found you sprouted wings like a fairy?
- What if your pet grew wings?
- A wizard chooses you to lead a quest to find the golden donut.
- What if the cookies you made turned people into fairies? Unicorns?
- What kind of birthday dessert would you bake for a princess?
- Your family tells you they're related to Shrek. Suddenly, you grow green ears.
- What if a frog, a dog, and a hog attempt to save a prince and princess?
- Tell us the legend of a penguin who saves an underground kingdom.
- What if you and a friend discovered a portal into a land of talking pickles?
- The muffin mayor must prepare for the Bake City celebration.
- What if you discovered a tiny unicorn?
- If you were a flower fairy, mermaid, or merman, what would you do?
- What if a mermaid showed up in your swimming pool? Or, in a lake?
- During a field trip, you open your lunch bag. Suddenly, a tiny elf jumps out from it.
Science Fiction
Writing prompts for 2nd graders.
- What if your pet was from another planet?
- A cow who likes to play on the farmer’s video games discovers that he just downloaded a computer virus.
- A scientist ventures into the woods and discovers a new species–with special powers.
- What if a smart rabbit was chosen to travel to the moon?
- A kid goes fishing and pulls up something that glows.
- What if you won a trip to Disney’s new theme park on…Mars?
- A baby T-Rex popped out of an Easter egg. What will you do?
- What if a cute little alien knocked on your door?
- What if you were adopted by a family of dinosaurs?
- What if your parent’s minivan could turn into a walking robot?
- You’re on an undersea expedition to find colorful fish. Unfortunately, your cat heard about it and snuck into your duffle bag.
- You and your dog see a floating UFO under a play structure at a park. What would you do?
- You are staying in a hotel on Mars. Suddenly, a short Martian, waves at you on the other side of the window!
- What if an alien gave you some of his strange powers. What could you do?
- A goofy scientist has invented a device that does…..what?
- Suddenly, you’re zapped into your favorite video game.
- Your mom brought home some experimental shoes. What would you do?
Silly Characters
Funny character vector created by jcomp - www.freepik.com
- What would you do if you met a giraffe who only ate blueberry muffins?
- Describe the secret life of a duck who likes to fly jets.
- Describe a party for a hippo who just wrote a play.
- A curious bigfoot learns to like your music and decides to...
- You are a pirate looking for treasure. The only problem is you’re only 5 inches tall.
- Describe your favorite animal that plays on your favorite sports team.
- At 12 o’clock, you turn into your favorite animal. What would you do?
- One day, Jesse’s pet rabbit begins to talk. What does he say and want?
- Tyler wakes up and notices he has an unusual super power. He can make cheese puffs appear.
- What if a slippery hippo moved into your house?
- Describe a shiny beaver who can build tall castles.
- What if you were invited to be a silly hero’s sidekick?
- Write a thank you note to a tuba-playing panda.
- A cat steps on a mushroom and transforms into a pig.
- What in the world is a Unitaco? And what must it do?
- One day a kid discovers that his chickens can talk to him. What do they say?
- What if pigs could fly? Where would they go?
- What if you woke up as your pet bunny? And your bunny woke up as you.
- At lunch time, you’re about to bite into a cookie. Suddenly, it yells! What happens next?
- What if a guinea pig who lives in the city can’t stop growing hair?
Camping adventure vector created by freepik - www.freepik.com
- What if an egg in a refrigerator tries to escape before breakfast?
- What would a jagged rock need to do to be a polished gem?
- A tofu block and his friends try to defeat the evil tomatoes.
- Your hero sandwich actually saves a famous person.
- Muffin, a silly cat, catches a cookie thief.
- A baby tiger finds his brother trapped in a pit of onions.
- A clever rabbit and his friends discover that their land is being dug up by machines.
- Danny bakes his great-grandmother’s secret cookie recipe, but something silly begins to happen.
- The classroom guinea pig escapes into a kid’s backpack.
- What if your action figure could command a three-story robot?
- What if your grandmother was a ninja?
- What if you discovered your grandfather is a superhero?
- A banana becomes alive and starts talking to all the fruits and vegetables about how to escape.
- A cat walks on a piano and opens a small door to a superhero’s cave.
- A boy needs to defend his town from a huge monster. Unfortunately, his mentor is a beaver.
- What if you woke up in a bald eagle’s nest?
We hope you enjoyed our list of writing prompts for 2nd graders !
Oh, and if you have at least five (5) silly prompts to share, we’d be happy to post them to this list.
Write yours today and send it to us through our contact page .
Have fun, and remember to add flavor to your story !
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Writing Prompts for 2nd Grade: Story Starters
Finding engaging writing prompts for second graders can be a challenge.
This article provides a comprehensive set of imaginative story starters that will inspire young writers to flex their creative muscles.
You'll discover seasonally-themed ideas, character and plot development tips, visual writing cues, first sentence wonders, templates and frames, question prompts, peer collaboration strategies, and more for crafting narratives that capture attention and imagination.
Writing prompts can be a fun for 2nd grade students
Writing prompts can be a fun and engaging way to help second graders develop important narrative skills like character development and plot structure. At this age, creative writing also builds vocabulary, imagination, and self-expression.
Here are some of the key benefits of using writing prompts with second graders:
- Helps them practice essential narrative writing skills they will need in later grades
- Allows them to use their creativity and imagination
- Gives them an outlet to express opinions and ideas
- Introduces them to age-appropriate topics and themes to write about
- Provides a playful way to develop writing abilities through storytelling
When choosing prompts, it's important to select topics that will resonate with second graders' experiences and capture their interest. The prompts below offer creative springboards to get their stories started.
What should a 2nd grader be able to write?
Second graders are developing their writing skills and learning how to organize their thoughts. Here are some things a typical second grader should be able to write:
Beginning, Middle, and End
- They can structure their writing to have a clear beginning, middle, and end. This shows they understand basic plot structure.
- The beginning introduces the topic, characters, and setting. The middle develops the events and conflict. The end resolves the conflict and concludes the story.
Simple Essay Elements
Second graders can write a simple essay with basic elements:
An introductory sentence stating the main topic
Supporting detail sentences with examples
A concluding sentence to summarize key ideas
Supporting Details
- They can provide relevant details, descriptions, and examples to support the main topic or story events. This adds interest and showcases their vocabulary.
Concluding Sentence
- A concluding sentence wraps up the writing and reinforces the main point. This demonstrates understanding of main ideas versus supporting details.
In summary, second grade writing aims to organize ideas logically, provide descriptive details, and conclude with a summary statement. With practice in these areas, students build narrative skills to write cohesive stories or informational pieces. The key is structure and elaboration.
What is a fun journal prompt for 2nd grade?
Here are some fun journal prompt ideas to get your 2nd graders writing creatively:
General prompts
- Write about a time when you and a friend had a problem. What was the problem? How did you solve it?
- Write about a favorite birthday party you have had or went to. What made it so fun?
- Write about when you learned how to do something new. What did you learn? Who taught you? How did it make you feel?
These open-ended prompts allow students to write about their own experiences in a personal way. They encourage students to tell a story and describe events in detail. The prompts are designed to inspire narrative writing skills like character development, setting descriptions, sequencing events, and expressing opinions.
When students write about their own lives, it makes the writing more engaging and meaningful for them. The topics are also age-appropriate, tapping into common childhood experiences like birthday parties, learning new skills, and navigating friendships.
What are some creative writing prompts?
Here are some fun and imaginative story starter prompts to get your second graders excited about creative writing:
FREE PROMPTS FOR EVERYONE
- Write about the first conversation you had today. What did you talk about? Who was it with? How did the conversation make you feel?
- Describe your evening routine in vivid detail, step-by-step. What do you do before bedtime to get ready? Brush your teeth? Read a book?
- Imagine you become best friends with a character from your favorite book. Write about what a day spent together would be like. What would you do for fun? Where would you go?
These open-ended prompts encourage students to tap into their imagination. They allow kids to express opinions, practice narrative writing skills like character development and plot structure, and explore age-appropriate topics in a creative way.
Use visual prompts with pictures to spark additional story ideas. When students have an image to reference, they can better describe scenes and build imaginative worlds for their characters.
Scaffold writing development with graphic organizers. Provide second graders with story maps and plotting worksheets to help them structure a basic narrative. This allows kids to translate imaginative ideas into organized stories with a beginning, middle and end.
Focus on the writing process, not just the final product. Have students brainstorm ideas, outline drafts, revise their work and share with peers. This develops essential skills for improving creative writing abilities at this grade level.
How can I make my 2nd grade writing fun?
Here are some fun and engaging writing ideas to try at home with your 2nd grader:
Write for a reason
Help your child understand that we write for specific purposes and audiences. Have them write a letter to a family member, create their own storybook, or write a review of a movie they recently watched. Giving their writing real-world applications will make it more meaningful.
Make a journal jar
A journal doesn't have to just be a diary. Fill a jar with fun writing prompts like "What is your favorite ice cream flavor and why?" or "What would you do if you were invisible for a day?". Have your child pull one out each day and write about it in their journal.
Play "tell me how"
Pick an everyday activity like making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Have your child write out the steps to teach someone else how to do it.
Play writing games
Games like story cubes or once upon a time provide story starters and creative inspiration to get the writing flowing.
Write letters
Have your child write letters to family members and mail them. This gives their writing an authentic audience.
Write family stories
Interview grandparents and other family members about what life was like when they were kids. Turn these memories into short stories.
The key is providing real-world writing opportunities that feel purposeful. With fun ideas like these, your 2nd grader's writing skills will blossom!
Crafting Creative Writing Topics for Grade 2
Age-appropriate and engaging writing prompts are key to sparking second graders' interest in creative writing. Selecting topics that resonate with 7-8 year olds' experiences helps them connect personally with their writing.
Incorporating Seasonal Themes
Tying writing topics to seasons and holidays like summer break and Halloween helps make writing fun. For example:
- What are your plans for summer vacation? Where will you go and what will you do?
- Imagine you could have any magical power. What would it be and how would you use it?
Imaginative Writing Prompts for 2nd Grade
Fantastical scenarios stretch young imaginations. Fun imaginative prompts include:
- You wake up one morning with a superpower. What is your superpower and how do you use it?
- You find a magic wand that can make three of your wishes come true. What do you wish for?
Expressing Opinions in Writing
Second graders have strong opinions worth sharing! Opinion-based prompts help them articulate their thoughts:
- What is your favorite season? Give three reasons why.
- Is it better to eat vegetables or candy? Explain your choice.
Everyday Adventures
Writing prompts based on daily life experiences tap into background knowledge. Relatable ideas include:
- Write about your favorite family trip or vacation. Where did you go and what did you do?
- If you could be the teacher tomorrow, what would you teach the class? What fun activities would you plan?
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Developing plot structure and character.
Writing prompts can help guide second graders to build key narrative writing skills like plot structure and character development. Here are some tips:
Initiating a Compelling Plot
When creating a writing prompt, it's helpful to include an interesting scenario or event to hook the reader and initiate the plot. For example:
- You wake up one morning to find your room filled with balloons. What happens next?
- Your teacher tells the class that you will have a surprise substitute teacher tomorrow. Who is it?
Encourage students to think about the 5 W's in their story:
- Who are the main characters?
- What is the setting?
- What happens first to set things in motion?
- What events build up to the climax?
- How is the conflict resolved in the end?
Creating Dynamic Characters
Prompt students to develop characters by asking:
- What does your character look like?
- How do they behave? Are they shy or adventurous?
- What are their likes/dislikes? Dreams or fears?
Encourage using descriptive words like "athletic", "messy hair", "imaginative", etc. Suggest including dialogue to reveal personality.
Navigating the Middle and End
Explain that the middle builds up to the climax - the most exciting or important moment. The end ties up loose ends and shows how the conflict is resolved.
Ask questions to push the story forward:
- What challenges arise as your character pursues their goal?
- How do they overcome the obstacles?
- How does the story end? Is the conflict resolved?
Integrating Obstacles and Resolutions
Prompt students to create obstacles appropriate to their story's context. Instead of generic "issues", encourage using vivid details. They can reveal solutions through dialogue, character's thoughts, or actions.
Remind students that an engaging ending resolves the main conflict and ties up loose ends.
Enhancing Stories with Visual Cues
Visual cues like pictures and comics can be powerful storytelling tools for young writers. Integrating visuals into second grade writing prompts helps inspire students' creativity, build vocabulary, and strengthen narrative skills.
2nd Grade Writing Prompts with Pictures
Using pictures in writing prompts captures students' attention and sparks their imagination. When students see an interesting photo, they start picturing who the people are, what they might be thinking or feeling, and what events led up to that moment.
Guiding questions help students interpret the visual details and transform them into a story. For example, show a picture of a girl looking at a freshly baked cake and ask:
- What do you think happened before this photo was taken?
- How might the girl be feeling and why?
- What do you think will happen after this photo?
Open-ended questions allow room for creativity as students develop their own unique stories.
Comic Strip Storytelling
Comic strips intrinsically connect words and pictures to convey narratives visually. Using comic strip templates in writing prompts helps teach second graders how sequence images to tell a logical story.
Students can write stories to align with pre-made comic strip panels. Or they can create their own comic strips scene-by-scene to bring their writing to life visually. This builds understanding of narrative elements like setting, characters, plot and resolution.
Drawing from Personal Photographs
Encourage students to bring their own photos to class as writing inspiration. Photos from family vacations, holidays, and school events often resonate emotionally with children.
Prompt them to study a photo and explain:
- Who is in the picture and how they relate
- What important event is happening
- How it makes them feel and why
Connecting writing topics to students' own lives increases engagement and investment in their stories.
Picture-Based Vocabulary Expansion
Integrating new vocabulary words into writing prompts helps reinforce second graders' language skills. Using related pictures grabs their interest in learning new words and makes their meanings more memorable.
For example, teach terms like "joyful", "proud", "frustrated" etc. Show images depicting each mood, then have students write stories describing the emotions and situations. This way students actively apply new vocabulary instead of just memorizing definitions.
Visual cues powerfully ignite young writers' imaginations and improve literacy abilities. Second grade teachers should incorporate relevant photos, comics, and illustrations to create engaging, effective writing prompts.
Structuring Engaging Story Starters
First sentence wonders.
Here are some examples of strong opening sentences that capture a reader's attention and set up an imaginative story:
- As I opened the mysterious box left on my doorstep, I wondered if my life would ever be the same again.
- The trees whispered to each other as I tiptoed through the dark forest, trying not to be seen.
- I never expected a simple game of hide-and-seek to lead me to the discovery of a hidden world.
These first lines introduce intriguing premises that make readers curious to find out what happens next. They set up imaginative scenarios that second graders can build on in their own stories.
Story Frames and Templates
Fill-in-the-blank story starters provide helpful structure for young writers. Here are some templates to try:
- One day, [name of character] found [an object] in [a place]. [He/she] decided to [action] with it, but little did [name of character] know what would happen next!
- [Name of character] loved [an activity] more than anything, but when [a problem occurs], [he/she] has to find another way to [resolve the problem].
These frames allow students to invent key details like characters, settings, and plot points. The sentence structure guides them to move the narrative forward.
Question-Based Prompts
Starting a story by asking a compelling question grabs readers' interest right away. For example:
- What if you woke up one morning with a superpower? What would you do?
- If you could talk to animals, which animal would become your best friend?
Having students answer these questions helps them establish an imaginative premise for their stories. The question format gives them a sense of purpose and direction.
Dialogue Openings
Dialogue is another excellent way to begin a narrative. Some examples:
- "I can't believe what I just found!" Tina shouted as she burst into the room.
- "Shhh, did you hear that?" Joey whispered to his sister. Something was rustling in the bushes behind them.
This technique introduces readers to characters immediately while hinting at an exciting development to drive the plot forward.
Implementing Writing Prompts in the Classroom
Creating a writing routine.
Establishing a consistent writing time allows students to build creative writing skills. Have students journal for 10-15 minutes at the start or end of each day responding to a prompt. Topics could include imagining a day as their favorite animal or superhero. Over time, they will become more comfortable expressing themselves through writing.
Showcasing Student Creativity
Display students' writings on a bulletin board or classroom website so they feel proud sharing their work. Occasionally, have students read aloud their response to a fun prompt for the class. With permission, compile selections into a printed booklet.
Peer Review and Collaboration
Students can swap journals and add to a peer's story, or co-author tales mixing their creative ideas. Also, pair students to give constructive feedback on each other's writing using a simple rubric focusing on ideas, organization and voice.
Incorporating Technology
Some free apps and websites provide age-appropriate writing prompts, and allow students to illustrate and publish their work digitally. These tools boost engagement, and allow easy distribution to parents. However, ensure a balance between technology and traditional writing.
Evaluating Student Progress
Evaluating student progress in creative writing can seem daunting, but using a few key methods makes it manageable and rewarding. Assessing growth over time, rather than just the end product, is essential.
Rubrics for Narrative Skills
Rubrics break down key narrative skills into observable behaviors to evaluate. For second graders, focus on:
- Character development : Can they describe a character's personality traits, emotions, desires? Do characters experience change over the story?
- Plot structure : Are there a clear beginning, middle, and end? Is there a sequence of events with an initiating event, rising action, climax, and resolution?
- Sensory details : Do they use descriptive words related to the five senses - sight, sound, touch, taste, smell?
Share rubrics with students so they understand expectations. Use a 3-point scale to rate mastery.
Journal Reviews
Regularly review each student's writing journal to see their progress over time. Provide encouraging feedback and praise growth in specific skills. Suggest potential areas for improvement they could focus on next.
Writing Portfolios
Compiling multiple writing samples in a portfolio allows evaluation of growth across an entire year. Include a range of works - both prompted and free choice pieces. Portfolios make discussions with parents and students very concrete by showcasing the breadth of creative output.
Parent and Student Conferences
Discuss the student's strengths and stretches with parents and the child themselves. Show growth in skills by comparing early and later writing samples side-by-side. Collaboratively set 1-2 goals for continuing progress. Conferences reinforce growth mindset and accountability.
Conclusion: The Power of Story Starters
Regular use of imaginative writing prompts helps second grade students build essential narrative skills. By providing fun and engaging story starters, teachers give young writers the tools to thrive.
Over time, prompts encourage students to:
- Strengthen creative thinking
- Expand vocabulary
- Build sentence fluency
- Develop story structure
- Practice elements like character and plot
Quality prompts spark ideas and allow creativity to blossom. Students gain confidence in self-expression within a supportive environment.
With continued practice using imaginative prompts, second graders grow as writers. Their stories become more complex and descriptive. Students also learn to apply conventions of print, grammar rules, and punctuation.
In closing, integrating regular story starters into the writing curriculum powerfully impacts young writers. Prompts lay the foundation for blossoming imagination and literacy.
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100 Fun Writing Prompts for 2nd Grade: Journal Prompts
- Prompts for Writing a Narrative Essay
- Prompts for Writing Informative Essays
- Prompts for Research Writing
- Prompts for 2nd Graders for Humorous Writing
- Prompts for Second Graders for Poetry Writing
- Prompts for 2nd Grade Fiction Writing
- Prompts for Animals for Second Graders
- Prompts for Second Grade for Emotional Writing
- Prompts for Journals for Second Graders
- Prompts for Descriptive Writing for Second Graders
Are your little ones ready to embark on a thrilling writing adventure? We have an exciting opportunity for 2nd graders to showcase their creativity through our 100 creative 2nd Grade Writing Prompts . With these prompts, your child can write about anything their heart desires, from their favorite pet to their dream holiday spot. They can even create their own magical kingdom, travel to space, or invent their own superhero.
“Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you go.” – E.L. Doctorow
Incorporating writing prompts into the curriculum has been shown to improve writing fluency, quality, and overall performance, as well as motivation, according to an article published by IJCER . These prompts are a fun and engaging way to help develop their writing skills and spark their imagination. So, let’s encourage our young writers to explore their creative sides and unleash their inner author. Use them for school writing assignments or fun at home. 2nd grade writing prompts offer endless creative possibilities. Let’s look at narrative, informative, research, funny, poetry, fiction, animal, emotion-based, journal, and descriptive writing prompts. So prepare to write your creative ideas.
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More educational resources and worksheets for 2nd graders !
10 Prompts for Writing a Narrative Essay
Here are ten 2nd grade narrative writing prompts that are perfect for 2nd graders:
- Make up a story about a magical adventure you went on with your pet.
- Assume you have a time machine. When and where would you travel? Create a narrative about your experience.
- Write a story about a superhero’s day in life.
- What would your superpower be, and why would you want it? Create a story in which you use your power to save the day.
- Consider yourself a pirate on a treasure hunt. Write a story about your treasure hunt.
- Write a story about a robot’s day in life.
- What animal would you be if you could be any animal, and why? Create a story about your experiences as that animal.
- Write a story about a magical garden you come across.
- Consider the possibility of speaking with anyone in history. Who would you approach, and what would you ask them? Create a story based on your conversation.
- Write a story about an astronaut’s day in life.
10 Prompts for Writing Informative Essays
Opinion writing prompts 2nd grade students to help them express their personal views on various topics. Here are ten Informative essay Writing prompts to try:
- Which animal would you be for a day? Why? Tell your animal adventures.
- Imagine you can fly one morning. Where do you go? See what? Journal about your exciting day.
- What is your favorite summer activity as a kid ? Write a paragraph about your favorite summer activity and why.
- What superpower would you want? Write about rescuing someone with your new power.
- Your favorite educational game . Why is it special? Explain your love in a paragraph.
- Favorite book? Write a book review describing the book and why you liked it.
- Imagine time travel to any historical event. Where do you go? See what? Tell your time-travel story.
- Which celebrity would you like to meet and why? Write to that person about why you admire them and what you would ask if you met them.
- Dream holiday. Where do you go? Do what? Describe your perfect holiday.
- Favorite food? Include ingredients and steps in a recipe.
10 Prompts for Research Writing
Writing topics for 2nd graders can cover a broad range of subjects, from animals and nature to personal learning experiences and cultural traditions. Here are ten research writing prompts that are perfect for 2nd graders:
- Choose an animal you’re interested in and research some facts about it. What does it eat? Where does it live? What are some interesting things about this animal?
- Pick your favorite season and learn about it. What kind of weather happens during this season? What activities can you do during this season?
- Choose a country you’re curious about and discover some facts. What language do they speak? What kind of food do they eat? What are some famous landmarks in that country?
- Learn about different types of plants. What are some common plants in your area? What do plants need to grow?
- Research different types of insects. What do they eat? Where do they live? What is their life cycle like?
- Study the planets in our solar system. What are their names? Which planet is closest to the sun? Which world is the largest?
- Investigate different modes of transportation. What types of vehicles can you think of? How do they move? What is your favorite mode of transportation?
- Learn about a joke that you enjoy. What are the rules? How is the game played? Who are some famous athletes in this sport?
- Choose a historical figure or someone you admire. What did they do that was important? What were their accomplishments?
- Research different types of food. What are some of your favorite foods? Where do they come from? How are they made?
10 Prompts for 2nd Graders for Humorous Writing
Here are ten fun writing prompts for 2nd grade that will get your imagination going!
- Imagine waking up with animal-talking abilities. Write about your new pets’ adventures.
- Write about a silly superhero who turns everything they touch into pizza.
- What pet would you choose and why? Describe life with your new pet.
- If you could have any animal as a pet, What pet would you choose and why? Describe life with your new pet.
- Imagine you woke up in a world made entirely of candy. Write about the adventures you have and the creatures you meet in this sweet new world.
- Write a story about a robot who is terrible at its job but saves the day.
- What would you use it for if you could have any superpower?
- Imagine you were a pirate sailing the seven seas. What adventures would you have, and what treasure would you be searching for?
- Write a story about a talking tree that is always getting into trouble.
- If you could be any character from your favorite book, who would it be and why?
10 Prompts for Second Graders for Poetry Writing
Here are some poetry writing prompts for 2nd grade that will help spark their imagination and creativity:
- Write a haiku about your favorite part of nature. Remember, haikus have three lines with five syllables in the first line, seven in the second, and five in the third.
- Pick your favorite color and write a poem about it. Use descriptive words to explain how the color makes you feel.
- Choose an animal and write an acrostic poem using the letters of the animal’s name. Each line should start with a letter from the title.
- Write a cinquain poem about someone in your family. A cinquain has five lines with a specific number of syllables in each line (2, 4, 6, 8, and 2).
- Write a limerick about your favorite food. A limerick has five lines with a specific rhyming pattern (AABBA).
- Write a free verse poem about a friend. A free verse poem doesn’t have to rhyme, but it should have a clear message or feeling.
- Write a diamante poem about your school. A diamante poem has seven lines that create a diamond shape with specific numbers of syllables in each line.
- Write a poem about the weather. Use descriptive words to compare the temperature to something else.
- Write a quatrain poem about your favorite holiday. A quatrain has four lines with a specific rhyming pattern (ABAB).
- Write a narrative poem about a dream you had. A narrative poem for kids tells a story and has a clear beginning, middle, and end.
10 Prompts for 2nd Grade Fiction Writing
Creative writing prompts 2nd grade students to encourage imaginative storytelling and self-expression. Here are 10 prompts to get their imaginations flowing:
- Your pet dog/cat/rabbit suddenly starts talking! What do they say, and how do you react?
- You discover a magical backyard door leading to a secret world. Describe what you see and do in this new world.
- You wake up one day with 1 Core money. Where do you go, and what do you do?
- Write a story about a lost toy that comes to life and goes on an adventure to find its way back home.
- You find a genie lamp on the beach. What do you wish for, and what happens next?
- Imagine you are a superhero with a special power. Describe your superhero name, costume, and the villain you are fighting against.
- You are the Pirate ship captain. Describe your crew, your treasure, and a daring adventure you go on.
- Write a story about a group of animals that work together to solve a problem.
- Imagine you are the main character in your favorite fairy tale. Rewrite the story with a different ending.
- One day, you can speak to plants. Talk to your favorite plant.
10 Prompts for Animals for Second Graders
Here are some creative animal writing prompts for 2nd grade that they will enjoy:
- Which animal would you be for a day? Why?
- Write about a lost puppy returning home.
- Imagine you are a squirrel gathering food for the winter. Write a diary entry about your day.
- Which wild animal would you pet and why?
- Write a story about a group of animals who work together to build a treehouse.
- Imagine being a bird flying high. Write to your best friend about what you saw.
- If you could talk to any bird, Which bird would you converse with, and what would you say?
- Write a story about a cat who has magical powers.
- Imagine being a dolphin in the ocean. Poemize your life.
- Which zoo animal would you be and why? Write an essay persuading the zookeeper to let you be that animal for a day.
10 Prompts for Second Grade for Emotional Writing
Here are 10 creative 2nd grade writing prompts about emotions for 2nd graders:
- Describe a happy moment. Your activity? With whom? Has it affected you?
- Write a letter to someone you love expressing your love.
- Write about an angry character. What happened? Their anger management?-
- Imagine going back to a happy memory. Explain why you like that memory.
- Write a poem about peace. It could be a place, person, or activity.
- Recall a scary moment. Describe what happened and how you overcome your fear.
- Write about a sad character. Why? How do they handle emotions?
- Imagine having any emotion for a day. Which feeling and why? Write about it.
- Write about an excited character. What’s exciting? How do they show excitement?
- Think of a time you were proud. Explain how you felt and why?
10 Prompts for Journals for Second Graders
2nd grade journal prompts can encourage students to express their thoughts and emotions through writing.
“Writing prompts are the highway to the creative subconscious.” – Karen Salmansohn
Here are ten 2nd grade journal prompts to inspire your creative Writing:
- Imagine a magic pencil that brings your drawings to life. Why?
- Favorite outdoor activity for kids ? Discuss your favorite exercise and why?
- If you could have any pet worldwide, what would it be and why?
- Write about a proud moment. What made you proud?
- Imagine you are a superhero. How would you help others with your superpower?
- Describe your favorite holiday and why. Family and friend traditions?
- If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
- Recall a problem-solving experience. Describe the issue and your solution.
- Write a story about a talking fish. What kind of fish is it, and what adventures does it go on?
- Imagine you are a chef. Write about your favorite recipe and how you make it.
Second grade journal prompts can inspire young writers to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. By providing a variety of 2nd grade journal topics, parents and teachers can encourage their students to explore different writing styles and develop their own unique voices.
10 Prompts for Descriptive Writing for Second Graders
Writing ideas for 2nd grade can range from descriptive writing to narrative writing, providing opportunities for skill-building and growth. Here are 10 descriptive writing prompts for second graders to inspire their creativity and imagination:
- Describe your favorite toy in detail. What color is it? What does it feel like? What sounds does it make?
- Imagine you are on a trip to the beach. Describe the sand, the waves, and the sun. How do they make you feel?
- Describe your favorite animal. What does it look like? What does it eat? Where does it live?
- Write a description of your bedroom. What color are the walls? What kind of furniture do you have? What’s on your bed?
- Envision a magical forest. Describe your surroundings. Animals? Any special plants or trees?
- Describe your favorite food. What does it smell like? What does it taste like? What ingredients are in it?
- Imagine you are in a haunted house. Describe the creaky floors, the cobwebs, and the spooky sounds. What do you see?
- Describe your best friend. What do they look like? What do they like to do? What’s their favorite thing to eat?
- Imagine you are in outer space. Describe the planets, stars, and galaxies. What do they look like? What colors do you see?
- Describe your dream vacation. Where would you go? What would you do? What would you see?
How to Assist Second-Grade Students in Developing Writing Skills?
The research paper “The Effect of Creative Writing Prompts on Students’ Written Expression in a Second Grade Classroom” suggests that incorporating writing prompts in the classroom and at home can be an effective strategy to help second-grade students develop their writing skills and foster a love for writing. It is an opportunity to encourage them to express their thoughts and ideas creatively and build their confidence as writers. As parents and teachers, we can utilize this to help our second-graders develop their writing skills and build a passion for writing.
“Writing is an act of faith, not a trick of grammar.” – E.B. White
Here are a few actionable tips to help your child become an excellent writer using 2nd grade writing prompts.
- Start by teaching the basics of sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation.
- Set realistic goals and gradually increase the difficulty of writing prompts or journal entries to challenge your child’s writing skills.
- Provide constructive feedback to help your child improve their writing skills and boost their confidence.
- Incorporate 2nd grade journal prompts regularly in classroom activities and at home to improve your child’s writing fluency and confidence.
Using these tips and incorporating writing prompts into your child’s learning journey can have a significant impact on their writing performance and motivation.
Celebrating the Journey of 100 Fun Writing Prompts for 2nd-Grade
As parents and teachers, we can play an essential role in nurturing the writing skills of our 2nd graders. By using 2nd grade writing prompts we can encourage our young writers to express themselves in a creative and thoughtful manner. It’s important to note that writing prompts are not just limited to creative writing, they can also be used to explore various topics and encourage critical thinking. In a recent article published by The New York Times , the benefits of using writing prompts have been highlighted as a tool to motivate and engage students. By incorporating prompts into classroom activities such as a mock debate assignment, teachers can help students develop their writing skills, critical thinking abilities, and overall academic performance.
“Writing prompts are a great way to stimulate your mind and push your writing to new heights.” – Steve Alcorn
So let’s make writing fun and exciting for our 2nd graders by providing them with a variety of writing prompts, and let’s encourage them to write with passion, curiosity, and creativity. Together, we can help our young writers unlock their full potential and become confident and effective communicators.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can these prompts help 2nd grade students.
These 2nd grade writing prompts can help students in several ways. They can help students develop their writing skills by giving them a specific topic to write about and encouraging them to use their imagination. They can also help students learn about different topics and express their thoughts and feelings.
How can teachers or parents use these prompts with their students/children?
Teachers or parents can use these prompts as writing assignments for their students/children. They can give the students/children a prompt and ask them to write a story or a paragraph about it. Teachers or parents can also use the prompts as conversation starters to encourage students/children to talk about different topics and practice their speaking skills.
Are there any resources available to accompany these prompts?
Yes, there are many resources available online that can accompany these prompts. For example, teachers or parents can find graphic organizers, writing templates, and other resources that can help students organize their thoughts and ideas.
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Personal Narrative Writing Unit SECOND GRADE
Grade Level: 2nd Grade
My second grade personal narrative writing unit includes 8 weeks of done-for-you writing lessons about how to write a small moment story. This unit contains detailed lesson plans, mentor texts, anchor charts, student writing tasks, and rubrics –everything you need to be a capable, confident writing teacher with students who love to write.
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If teaching writing has ever made you cry, weep, tear out your hair, question your existence, or binge-watch reality television—because it’s just that frustrating and overwhelming—this writing unit is perfect for you.
If your students dread writing time more than meatloaf in the school cafeteria…this writing bundle is perfect for them, too.
Teaching writing can be tough. Teachers tell me that their district-provided writing curriculum is:
- too complicated
Or worse, they don’t have any curriculum at all. Yikes!
But my second grade personal narrative writing unit makes teaching writing easy . It takes all the guesswork out of teaching writing and gives you the tools you need to teach engaging and effective writing lessons without breaking a sweat.
This resource is part of a money-saving writing bundle! Click HERE to see the bundle!
The ready-to-use lessons and activities in this personal narrative writing unit will teach your students how to write a small moment story with dialogue, a strong lead, interesting word choice, and paragraphs. And all you have to do is print and teach . The lesson plans are that simple. Seriously.
Student-friendly mentor texts make it easy to provide illustrative examples of new writing skills. You don’t have to waste your time and money hunting down just the right book. Focused mini lessons and daily writing tasks simplify the writing process helping ALL students, even reluctant writers, experience success. Preprinted anchor charts make it easy to model new skills and engage in shared writing without wasting valuable time.
And best of all, my personal narrative writing unit makes writing fun for ALL your students – from reluctant writers to excited writers . The Student Success Path helps you identify where your students are on their writing journey and plan just-right lessons and interventions . Short, focused lessons keep students engaged. Simple, direct writing tasks help kids develop confidence. Conference materials, including outlines and topic cards, you can use to guide small group discussion make it easy for you to differentiate lessons.
Choice empowers students to write about things they care about and makes them more invested in their writing. And that’s a big deal because students who enjoy writing and get lots of practice perform better on standardized testing.
Plus, these materials are easy-to-use . Everything is organized in folders to help you find just what you need. A Quick Start Guide makes it simple to get started and provides tips on how to prep materials for long-term use.
The 2-week Starting Writing Workshop mini-unit will help you start your writing instruction on the right foot. Detailed teacher directions show you exactly how to use all the resources and activities.
How Our Writing Bundles are Aligned with the Science of Reading :
- Structured writing routine: Our writing bundle is organized into 4 genres. Each 8-week unit is carefully structured, beginning with foundational skills before moving into more advanced skills. Students are taught a systematic approach to writing including: brainstorming, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing.
- Explicit instruction: Daily lessons begin with explicit instruction including access to examples via mentor texts, modeling, and directed practice. Each skill is broken down into bite-size pieces so that students can learn one skill at a time. Students practice skills independently, working on one sentence or paragraph at a time.
- Differentiation: Writing is differentiated through small group instruction that provides reteaching, additional practice, and support at appropriate levels.
- Daily opportunities to write: The majority of the writing lesson is reserved for independent writing time, providing students with large blocks of time to write and practice skills every day.
- Demonstrates the connection between reading and writing: Mentor texts provide concrete examples of writing skills and allow children to experiment with and apply sophisticated skills and language in their own writing. In addition, constructing their own writing pieces helps students recognize, connect, and understand these strategies when reading.
What’s Included:
- Detailed teacher directions and suggestions for simple implementation
- Unit-at-a-glance calendar for each unit with multiple options
- 7 exclusive videos walking you through how to get the most out of these writing units
- 40 days of lesson plans that include guiding questions, materials, mini lessons, student work tasks, student share tasks, intervention, and several extension activities
- 14 original mentor text passages
- 24 personal narrative task cards
- 24 punctuating dialogue task cards
- 24 personal narrative writing prompts task cards
- 12 teacher anchor charts (blank and filled in versions)
- Student anchor charts and printable for writing notebooks
- Conference and goal tracking forms
- Writing grades tracking forms
- List of 12 additional mentor text books (Remember, using them is optional, because I’ve included all the mentor texts you need)
- 20 different writing publishing papers
- Student writing notebook cover and dividers
- Teacher notebook covers and binder spines
- Multiple ideas for author share celebration
- DIGITAL writing notebooks on Google Slides
- Conferencing Materials – Conference outlines, a sample conference, and topic cards you can use to guide your small-group conferences
- Student Success Path – Identify where your students are on their writing journey
- Starting Writing Workshop Bonus – Two weeks of writing lesson plans to help build stamina and set your students up for writing success
Skills Covered:
Students learn h ow to write a small moment story with dialogue, a strong lead, interesting word choice, and paragraphs. Lessons include:
- Setting goals
- What is a personal narrative?
- Generating story ideas
- Narrowing your story idea to a small moment
- Rehearsing and drafting
- Writing a lead
- Adding and punctuating dialogue
- Adding details
- Word choice
- Show, don’t tell
- Breaking writing into paragraphs
- Transition words
- Writing an ending
How to Use it in the Classroom:
A typical day of writing:.
I recommend you set aside thirty minutes for writing each day (or more if you have it). Check out the sample schedules below. Each day follows the same plan:
- Mini-Lesson (8-10 minutes): The day kicks off with a mini-lesson to teach a particular skill. The mini-lesson uses mentor text (remember, it’s included in the unit) and anchor charts. For the teacher version of the anchor charts, you can project and fill them out with the class, or print and display them in your classroom. The student versions are smaller so they can fill them out and keep them in their writing notebooks for reference.
- Work Time (18-20 minutes) : Students will apply the skill they just learned into their writing each day. The included writing tasks make it crystal-clear what to do during independent writing time–for you and your students. By the end of the unit, they will have completed two full masterpieces and many other independent writings.
- Share Time (2 minutes) : Students are encouraged to share a piece of their writing with a partner or with the entire class. This makes writing more meaningful to kids and holds them accountable.
Organization made easy:
- The personal narrative writing unit is organized into multiple folders and files so it’s easy for you to find what you need.
- A 40-day daily schedule so you know exactly what to teach each day.
- Detailed daily lesson plans make teaching writing easy.
Differentiation:
There are many ways to differentiate writing assignments:
- Use the Student Success Path to identify where students are on their writing journey and use the suggested interventions to modify lessons.
- These daily writing prompts are intentionally short and sweet so that all students, even those below grade level, can feel successful. Most tasks can be completed in 1-2 sentences.
- More advanced writers can write longer responses, or work on a second masterpiece if they finish early.
- Students can complete fewer task cards or work with a partner; you can also provide support to students as they work on task cards.
- The process for teaching writing includes group conferencing time. These groups should be based on ability so that you can individualize your instruction to meet the specific needs of the group. Use the topic cards to guide your small group lessons.
Why you’ll love this writing unit:
- You’ll save hours of prepping and planning time. The daily lesson plans are easy to implement. All you have to do is print and teach.
- Mentor texts are included. You do not need to hunt down or purchase any additional books! (Unless you want to. Far be it from me to stand between a teacher and new books.)
- Digital anchor charts project onto your white board-so you don’t have to be Picasso or Renoir to anchor your kids in the lesson.
- Pre-printed student anchor charts make it easy for students to follow along without having to write every word and draw complicated diagrams.
- Digital student notebooks are perfect for 1:1 classrooms and a great way to save paper.
- These lessons work for all students, even students below grade level.
- Task cards incorporate movement, reinforce concepts, and make learning fun. Daily share time encourages students to take pride in their writing.
- Direct writing instruction provides a solid foundation of writing skills that leads to increased test scores.
- Aligned with the Science of Reading.
*****************************
More Second Grade Writing Units:
Informational for Second Grade
Opinion for Second Grade
Fiction Narrative for Second Grade
Writing Bundles for Other Grade Levels:
Third Grade Writing Bundle
Fourth Grade Writing Bundle
Fifth Grade Writing Bundle
Additional Resources You Might Like:
2nd Grade Spelling Curriculum Bundle
Frequently Asked
Yes. I also have informational report , opinion essay , and fiction narrative writing units available.
This personal narrative writing unit is available for grade 2. I also have personal narrative writing units available for grades three , four , and five .
I prefer composition notebooks because they are sturdy and easy to use and store. But other teachers have used spiral bound notebooks or three-ring binders.
Yes. These writing lessons are based on Common Core standards.
The lessons for consecutive grade levels are very similar because the standards are similar. The biggest difference is that the reading level on the mentor text passages is modified to meet the specific grade level. Other differences include new examples in the lesson plans and anchor charts and new task cards. It is generally fine to use units that are one level above or below grade level. You might want to select the lower grade level to ensure that the mentor texts are easier for students to read.
Each unit includes eight weeks of materials. I recommend spending 30-45 on writing each day. The lesson takes 8-10 minutes and the rest of the time would be used for independent writing.
Students complete two masterpieces in each unit. But they may work on additional pieces if they finish daily assignments early.
My writing units are a standalone curriculum. They are not based on or aligned with any other curriculum. However, they are based on the writing standards. My curriculum is organized into units of study and formatted in the workshop model and hundreds of teachers have successfully used my writing units with their district provided curriculum.
My writing units are a standalone curriculum. They are not based on or aligned with any other curriculum. With that being said, I have hundreds of teachers who have chosen to use my units as a supplement to their Lucy curriculum because it is more manageable and engaging for students.
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60 Best Second Grade Books To Update Your Classroom Library
Discover new favorite titles.
An awesome second grade classroom library needs so many types of books. You’ve got your favorite series, read-alouds, and teaching titles, but updating your shelves can help make sure your library represents diverse experiences and feels energizing and exciting for kids. Check out 60 of our favorite recent second grade picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, series, and more.
1. The Wilderness by Steve McCarthy
Oktober Vasylenko is part of an adventurous family, but he prefers to stay closer to home … and definitely indoors. He’s heard people speak of “the Wilderness” and he’s sure it’s a terrible monster lurking outside. This story about fear, bravery, imagination, differing perspectives, and, of course, nature, is sure to start some lively classroom discussions.
Buy it: The Wilderness on Amazon
2. This Book Is Banned by Raj Haldar
This clever book puts a hilarious spin on an important topic. Introduce kids to the dangers of censorship in a developmentally appropriate way, while simultaneously making them laugh out loud.
Buy it: This Book Is Banned on Amazon
3. Dear Unicorn by Josh Funk
Not just for unicorn lovers, though you probably have plenty of them in second grade! Pen pals Connie and Nic send letters and art back and forth all year. They learn a lot about each other—but when they finally meet, they are shocked to find out Connie is a human and Nic is a unicorn! Perfect for discussing characters and relationships, along with themes of friendship, positivity, and acceptance.
Buy it: Dear Unicorn on Amazon
4. Moving the Millers’ Minnie Moore Mine Mansion: A True Story by Dave Eggers
When Annie had to raise pigs to earn a living but her neighborhood did not allow livestock, what did she do? She figured out how to move her house 4 miles down the road! Second graders who love quirky true stories will adore this account of how a 19th-century widow in Idaho tackled a problem in an innovative way. Add this fun read-aloud to your second grade books for talking about story elements.
Buy it: Moving the Millers’ Minnie Moore Mine Mansion on Amazon
5. Lunch From Home by Joshua David Stein
Four chefs contributed memories about being teased for bringing school lunches from their home cultures to create this school lunch story. The targeted kids try out bringing sandwiches like everyone else, but soon that feels … boring. Ultimately everyone agrees that a lunch from home that you love is always delicious. This title is good for discussions about author’s message. (Plus, the lunch descriptions will make your mouth water!)
Buy it: Lunch From Home on Amazon
6. The World’s Best Class Plant by Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick
Students in Room 109 envy all the other classrooms that have animal pets. All they have is a plant. It’s so boring … or is it? Over time students come to appreciate their faithful spider plant and learn lots about plants in the process. We’re adding this to our second grade books to to share during a science unit on plants.
Buy it: The World’s Best Class Plant on Amazon
7. 100 Mighty Dragons All Named Broccoli by David LaRochelle
This counting “down” book is perfect for introducing subtraction story problems. Through zany, random events, a crew of 100 dragons (all named Broccoli) gradually part ways. Perfect for adding a little laughter to math class.
Buy it: 100 Mighty Dragons All Named Broccoli on Amazon
8. My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero
A young girl tells the tale of a motorcycle ride around her neighborhood with her Papi. Lean on this title for studying character traits and emotions and as a fresh, diverse mentor text for personal narrative writing.
Buy it: My Papi Has a Motorcycle on Amazon
9. If You Come to Earth by Sophie Blackall
The illustrations in this new title from two-time Caldecott medalist Sophie Blackall are gorgeous, as are the book’s themes of connectedness and inclusivity. Share it to open community-building conversations, or to support your social studies curriculum. Having students write their own “If you come to …” letters would be an awesome writing prompt too!
Buy it: If You Come to Earth on Amazon
10. Your Name Is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
When Kora-Jalimuso’s teacher and classmates can’t pronounce her name, her mother gives her the most empowering, uplifting advice of all: Tell them her name is a song. Share this affirming story at the start of the school year or to lead off conversations about celebrating identity. Every classroom needs this book!
Buy it: Your Name Is a Song on Amazon
11. Norman: One Amazing Goldfish! by Kelly Bennett
Not Norman: A Goldfish Story is a longtime read-aloud favorite. Now there’s a sequel that makes us love that glug-glugging goldfish and his endearing owner even more! Norman and his human are excited to perform a routine of tricks at Pet-O-Rama—until an unexpected case of goldfish stage fright. The details are perfect for supporting kids’ narrative writing.
Buy it: Norman: One Amazing Goldfish! on Amazon
12. Ten Ways To Hear Snow by Cathy Camper
Lina wakes up on the morning she’s meant to visit her grandmother to help cook grape leaves, only to discover a fresh blanket of snow. Her walk to her grandmother’s house inspires a poetic list of ways to “hear” snowcapped observations for her grandmother, who is blind. Use this text to support both narrative and poetry writing, or simply enjoy it on the first snowy morning of the school year.
Buy it: Ten Ways To Hear Snow on Amazon
13. Cat Problems by Jory John
The Animal Problems books are awesome second grade books for their perfect balance of humor, vocabulary, and curriculum connections. In this one, a cat complains about its life indoors. Meanwhile, a squirrel outside the window reminds the cat how cushy a life it has. Great for lessons about reading with expression or to discuss point of view.
Buy it: Cat Problems on Amazon
14. Skywatcher by Jamie Hogan
Tamen wishes he could see the stars, but that’s basically impossible in his bright urban neighborhood. His mom surprises him with a camping trip to make his dream come true. If you need more second grade books that portray single parents, this is a good one. The back matter teaches readers about astronomy and light pollution.
Buy it: Skywatcher on Amazon
15. Granny and Bean by Karen Hesse
A grandmother and small child take a beach walk on a gray day. The story tells how they “crouched to greet dogs,” “skirted a fence,” “leapt over logs,” and more. The language is gorgeous but concise. Use this book as a mentor text for reading-comprehension strategies or narrative-writing craft techniques.
Buy it: Granny and Bean on Amazon
16. What Are Your Words? A Book About Pronouns by Katherine Locke
This is an invaluable resource for talking to kids about pronouns and how pronoun choice is just one piece of someone’s identity. Uncle Lior, who prefers they/them pronouns, comes to visit and helps Ari explore the words that feel right to use.
Buy it: What Are Your Words? A Book About Pronouns on Amazon
17. and 18. I’m New Here and Someone New by Anne Sibley O’Brien
This pair of titles tells the story of three newly arrived immigrant children and the peers who welcome newcomers to their school community. Presenting the two books together offers a unique chance to examine an experience from multiple perspectives.
Buy it: I’m New Here and Someone New on Amazon
19. Hey, Wall by Susan Verde
Ángel notices an ugly, neglected wall that spans an entire city block near his home and organizes a neighborhood effort to create a mural that celebrates their community. Inspire students with this kid-powered story of art and activism.
Buy it: Hey, Wall on Amazon
20. How To Solve a Problem: The Rise (and Falls) of a Rock-Climbing Champion by Ashima Shiraishi
This autobiography shares how Ashima Shiraishi became one of the world’s top rock climbers—as a teenager! It’s an inspirational story that will wow kids (and teachers) and is a unique addition to a biography genre study.
Buy it: How To Solve a Problem: The Rise (and Falls) of a Rock-Climbing Champion on Amazon
21. How To Write a Story by Kate Messner
Follow a young writer’s illustrated thought bubbles and tips as she works through the narrative-writing process from the seed of an idea to drafting, revising, and editing, and then to showcasing her work. Share this to inspire a budding author, or use it during a fiction-writing unit.
Buy it: How To Write a Story on Amazon
22. Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun’s Thanksgiving Story by Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry, and Alexis Bunten
Thanksgiving stories from a Native perspective are essential to share in the classroom. Introduce students to how the Wampanoag people helped the Pilgrims survive by teaching them skills like how to grow “The Three Sisters”: corn, beans, and squash. Beyond the important social studies content, we love all the connections to second grade science standards about plants.
Buy it: Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun’s Thanksgiving Story on Amazon
23. The First Blade of Sweetgrass by Suzanne Greenlaw and Gabriel Frey
A gorgeous Own Voices story about a present-day Wabanaki girl who joins her grandmother in harvesting sweetgrass to make baskets. Add this to your growing collection of second grade books that celebrate indigenous characters.
Buy it: The First Blade of Sweetgrass on Amazon
24. Abdul’s Story by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
A new favorite! If you’re looking for second grade books to inspire students as writers, you absolutely need this one. Abdul has many stories to tell, but handwriting and spelling are so hard for him. A visiting author, Mr. Muhammad, gives him the reassuring nudge he needs to shine.
Buy it: Abdul’s Story on Amazon
25. Dream Street by Tricia Elam Walker and Ekua Holmes
On this street, “the houses and dreams inside are as different as thumbprints.” This celebration of a diverse neighborhood is based on the author’s and illustrator’s own childhoods in Roxbury, Massachusetts. It would make a strong mentor text for descriptive writing. And a class display about students’ hopes and goals would be a perfect follow-up project.
Buy it: Dream Street on Amazon
26. The Cool Bean by Jory John and Pete Oswald
If you loved The Bad Seed and The Good Egg , you need to meet the Cool Bean! Who knew legumes could be such good models for how it’s “cool to be kind”?
Buy it: The Cool Bean on Amazon
27. The Night Gardener by Terry and Eric Fan
Every Fan Brothers book is gorgeous, but this is one of our favorite second grade books to mull over with students. One morning, William notices a mysterious topiary out his window. Soon, there are changes all over town.
Buy it: The Night Gardener on Amazon
28. Rodney Was a Tortoise by Nan Forler
Rodney was Bernadette’s treasured pet and companion. When he dies, no one seems to notice how Bernadette’s sadness lingers—until new friend Amar reaches out. This is a tender story to help second graders talk about important themes of grief, friendship, and empathy.
Buy it: Rodney Was a Tortoise on Amazon
29. The Flamingo by Guojing
This almost-wordless graphic novel shares the story of a girl who visits her grandmother, her Lao Lao, at the beach. When she finds a flamingo feather in Lao Lao’s house, the magical story-within-a-story explains where it came from. Definitely add this one to your second grade books for teaching about making inferences—there is so much to wonder and talk about!
Buy it: The Flamingo on Amazon
30. Five Minutes (That’s a Lot of Time) (No, It’s Not) (Yes, It Is) by Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick
We reference it all the time, but how long is five minutes, really? Well, that depends on whether you’re waiting in line or playing your favorite game! Add some fun to your math lessons about telling time by sharing this little gem.
Buy it: Five Minutes (That’s a Lot of Time) (No, It’s Not) (Yes, It Is) on Amazon
31. Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise
Storyteller and author Pura Belpré was the first Puerto Rican librarian in New York City. Treat yourself and your class to this gorgeous and inspirational biography that offers just the right amount of detail for a classroom read-aloud and discussion. (Plus, motivate your students to explore other Pura Belpré Award titles!)
Buy it: Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré on Amazon
32. Now You Know How It Works by Valorie Fisher
How often do we stop and think about how things we use every day, like soap or screws, work? This title explains it all, with labeled diagrams perfect for teaching students about using nonfiction text features for reading and their own writing.
Buy it: Now You Know How It Works on Amazon
33. How To Make a Mountain in Just 9 Simple Steps and Only 100 Million Years! by Amy Huntington
Introduce second grade standards about processes that shape the earth with this funny and informative guide. The different text sizes and sections give you choices about how much detail to share if reading aloud.
Buy it: How To Make a Mountain in Just 9 Simple Steps and Only 100 Million Years! on Amazon
34. Seeds Move! by Robin Page
Did you ever think of seed dispersal as involving “hitchhiking,” “catapulting,” or “parachuting”? Robin Page’s fresh, informative text and collage illustrations will get students thinking about grade-level science concepts.
Buy it: Seeds Move! on Amazon
35. We Move Together by Kelly Fritsch and Anne McGuire
Everyone deserves to be able to move through their world with ease. This is one of our favorite all-ages books to open discussions about social justice and disability. It’s especially suited to second graders who are eager to connect to others and make the world a more fair place.
Buy it: We Move Together on Amazon
36. Money Math by David Adler
Content-area book guru David Adler addresses money identification and beginning addition and subtraction. Break out the piles of change!
Buy it: Money Math on Amazon
37. The Disgusting Critters Series by Elise Gravel
This series combines science, silly humor, and just enough gross facts to delight any young reader.
Buy it: The Disgusting Critters Series on Amazon
38. The Boy Who Grew a Forest: The True Story of Jadav Payeng by Sophia Gholz
Share this biography of an Indian environmental activist with students when you talk about the role of plants in an ecosystem. After reading, go outside and plant some native plants in your own habitat!
Buy it: The Boy Who Grew a Forest: The True Story of Jadav Payeng on Amazon
39. Big and Small and In-Between by Carter Higgins and Daniel Miyares
Three whimsical chapters make poetic observations about the world based on size. This book invites readers to notice things like how big the quiet feels when it’s your turn to perform, the “in between” of a wiggling tooth, and how small you feel when you stare at the ocean. Add this title to your second grade books for Poetry Month or launching a poetry unit of study.
Buy it: Big and Small and In-Between on Amazon
40. On Duck Pond by Jane Yolen
We still read Owl Moon every single year, but we also love Jane Yolen’s more recent nature offerings. Here, her signature poetic and precise language chronicles the brief moment when a child walks a dog past a pond.
Buy it: On Duck Pond on Amazon
41. A Place To Start a Family: Poems About Creatures That Build by David L. Harrison
As anyone who has studied a bird’s nest up close knows, animal structures are amazing. Each poem describes how an animal creates a home for its young.
Buy it: A Place To Start a Family: Poems About Creatures That Build on Amazon
42. Gone Camping: A Novel in Verse by Tamera Will Wissinger
Read about a family’s camping experience, as described by different family members. This fun title also includes a handy guide for teaching kids about different forms of poetry. Also check out Gone Fishing: A Novel in Verse , starring the same characters.
Buy it: Gone Camping: A Novel in Verse on Amazon
43. Two-Headed Chicken series by Tom Angleberger
Share these hilarious graphic novels with your second graders who love funny books or need something to read after Dog Man . A two-headed chicken has bizarre adventures as it hops around the multiverse and back and forth through time.
Buy it: Two-Headed Chicken series on Amazon
44. Frankie and Friends: Breaking News by Christine Platt
Add this illustrated chapter book series opener to your second grade books for building kids’ background knowledge about different careers. Frankie’s mom is a busy journalist. It’s tough on Frankie when her mother has to rush out of town to cover a breaking news story, but she decides to pass the time by honing her own reporting skills at home. The back matter includes information about journalism terms.
Buy it: Frankie and Friends: Breaking News on Amazon
45. Yasmin series by Saadia Faruqi
Yasmin has plenty of spirit and a talent for looking on the bright side. This early chapter book series has lots of titles to keep kids reading. It’s a must-own on the growing list of kid-lit titles starring contemporary Muslim Americans.
Buy it: Yasmin series on Amazon
46. Diary of an Ice Princess series by Christina Soontornvat
Second graders love this fantasy series about a princess who lives in the clouds and wields a ton of cool weather-related powers. And teachers shouldn’t be discouraged by all the pink! The series has diverse characters and relatable themes to discuss with kids.
Buy it: Diary of an Ice Princess series on Amazon
47. Every Day With April & Mae series by Megan Dowd Lambert
April and Mae are best friends who navigate relatable kid situations and feelings. It’s so important to have second grade books available for readers who are still learning to decode. This series is easier but still engaging. Plus, we love the cheerful illustrations.
Buy it: April & Mae and the Tea Party on Amazon
48. Pets Rule! series by Susan Tan
The Branches illustrated chapter book collection offers tons of great choices, but kids especially love this funny series about a pet chihuahua who has big dreams of world—or at least neighborhood—domination.
Buy it: Pets Rule! series on Amazon
49. Word Travelers series by Raj Haldar
Best friends Eddie and MJ use an enchanted word book to go on fantastic treasure-hunting adventures. They’ve got to stretch their vocabulary knowledge to figure out clues. This is a fun series for advanced second grade readers who still need age-appropriate content.
Buy it: Word Travelers series on Amazon
50. Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly series by Jordan Quinn
A crew of young dragons goes head-to-head with one danger after another. These imaginative graphic novel spinoffs of a popular chapter book series have wide appeal, and there are plenty of titles to keep kids reading.
Buy it: The Coldfire Curse (Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly) on Amazon
51. The Apartment House on Poppy Hill by Nina LaCour
This feel-good series opener stars Ella, who lives with her two moms in an apartment building in San Francisco. She delights in knowing her neighbors, their habits, and their comings and goings. Add this title to your collection of endearing, character-driven second grade early chapter books.
Buy it: The Apartment House on Poppy Hill on Amazon
52. Too Small Tola series by Atinuke
Stories by this author—we also love the Anna Hibiscus series—are great for adding representation of life in contemporary Africa to your classroom libraries. Tola lives with her siblings and grandmother in an apartment in Lagos, Nigeria, where things are never dull. These collections of stories have endearing characters and rich descriptions for kids working on noticing details about setting.
Buy it: Too Small Tola on Amazon
53. Ada Twist, Scientist: The Why Files by Andrea Beaty and Theanne Griffith
We love the Questioneers , and these nonfiction partner titles based on the Netflix show are awesome additions to your second grade science books. A fun journal format keeps readers interested.
Buy it: All About Plants (Ada Twist, Scientist: The Why Files) on Amazon
54. Geraldine Pu series by Maggie Chang
Geraldine Pu has lots of relatable school experiences and is proud of her family’s Taiwanese culture. These are the perfect second grade books for introducing kids to reading graphic novels. Each one has a “How To Read This Book” tutorial to teach kids about speech and thought bubbles and how to read panels left to right and top to bottom.
Buy it: Geraldine Pu series on Amazon
55. Class Critters series by Kathryn Holmes
Mrs. Norrell’s second grade class seems normal, but kids learn in unusual ways. Each student gets the chance to turn into an animal for a day, giving them an interesting perspective! Relatable themes with an appealing fantasy twist make these excellent second grade chapter books.
Buy it: Class Critters series on Amazon
56. Classroom 13 series by Honest Lee and Matthew J. Gilbert
Spark those 7- and 8-year-old imaginations! These second grade books work well as fun class read-alouds, book club picks, or independent reads. Each short chapter stars one student in Classroom 13, where plenty of wacky things take place.
Buy it: Classroom 13 series on Amazon
57. Mac B., Kid Spy series by Mac Barnett
Mac Barnett tells his childhood story—as a spy for the queen of England. It’s a spoof, of course, but there are real themes here too. This series would be a great fit for advanced but reluctant readers or as fun read-alouds (especially if you’re a kid of the ’80s and treasured your Game Boy as much as the author did).
Buy it: Mac B., Kid Spy series on Amazon
58. Planet Omar series by Zanib Mian
Omar is a fun-loving and imaginative kid navigating relatable kid challenges like starting at a new school and trying to earn money. These fast-paced illustrated chapter books work well as read-alouds or as independent reading. We especially love how they highlight Muslim characters.
Buy it: Planet Omar series on Amazon
59. Legends of Lotus Island series by Christina Soontornvat
Plum learns about her own strength as a Novice student on magical and mysterious Lotus Island. Read the series opener aloud to introduce students to the fantasy genre. Or offer these chapter books as independent reading material for confident second grade readers. The stories weave in themes related to animals, protecting the environment, and friendship, making them appealing to a wide range of readers.
Buy it: Legends of Lotus Island series on Amazon
60. The Sheep, the Rooster, and the Duck by Matt Phelan
This is one of our new favorite second grade chapter books to read aloud. Kids and clever farm animals (inspired by the real animals who rode in the first hot-air balloon!) work together to take down a villainous plot in 18th-century France. There’s some historical context, great vocabulary, humor, fun illustrations, and plenty of adventure.
Buy it: The Sheep, the Rooster, and the Duck on Amazon
Which second grade books are your recent favorites? Let us know in the comments!
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Playing Catch 154 words. Sly's Secret Adventure 422 words. Going to the Movies 150 words. Dave and Grant Love Kayaking 155 words. The Clean Park 200 words. Taking the Chill Out 398 words. Don't Give Up Poem, 94 words. The Camping Trip 195 words. Giving Fiction 314 words.
Our second grade writing prompts and story writing worksheets feature graphic organizers, clever prompts that stimulate creativity, and exercises for creating dialogue, developing characters, structuring effective story endings, and so much more. Second grade writing stories worksheets are a great tool for young storytellers.
10 Short Stories Elementary School Teachers Love. Sep 19, 2022 • 6 min read. Allie Liotta. These compelling short stories are sure to engage your students and build reading comprehension! When it's time to plan a new unit that adheres to ELA standards, it can be daunting to find high-quality, relatable short stories your students will enjoy.
50 Irresistible Short Stories for Kids (Read Them All for Free!) Quick reads with lasting impact. By Jill Staake. Apr 24, 2023. Looking for some free tales to use for close reading or classroom read-alouds? This roundup of short stories for kids has plenty of options. From quick fables with morals to old-fashioned fairy tales and folktales from ...
Narrative Writing Prompts for 2nd Grade Kids— By the time students reach second grade, they've likely had some practice writing small narratives and learning about the elements of storytelling. Many second graders are capable of recounting a story from beginning to end, including an introduction, a basic plot, a simple description of the setting and characters, a climax, and an ending or ...
Outline: By second grade, students should be able to write a topic sentence, 3-4 event sentences WITH details, and a closing sentence. This means student writing should be anywhere from 5-10 sentences at least. However, many students are ready to write in paragraphs by second grade and should be encouraged to do so by adding more detail ...
Let's take a look at a few examples of narrative fiction writing. Here is a fictional story that was written by a second-grade student during the month of April. The title of his story is "Castle Crashers and the 4 Crystals". Lesson seven of the writing unit is about using punctuation to convey meaning. We use the mentor text, Grumpy ...
Here are a few examples of second-grade narrative writing prompts: 1. Write a story about an unexpected adventure you had. 2. Imagine you could talk to animals. ... In conclusion, second grade narrative writing prompts are a wonderful tool in nurturing young minds and inspiring creativity in storytelling.
Even reluctant writers will enjoy responding to these narrative writing prompts for 2nd grade. 1. Write a story about an amazing day that you shared with your family. 2. Describe the most exciting vacation you ever took. 3. Share a funny memory about your favorite pet. 4. Tell about an experience riding a rollercoaster.
Second Grade Narrative. Whether you're teaching second grade composition at home or in the classroom your second grader is sure to love these second grade narrative writing resources. From activities that have your student stretch their mind by coming up with new creatures to prompts that have them write about every day life, there is something ...
Sam is collecting eggs in the hen house, but one egg seems a little strange. 2nd Grade. View PDF. Killer Whales (Short) Another quick-read with facts and questions about orcas. 2nd through 4th Grades. View PDF. Cheetahs (Short) Students read a short, non-fiction paragraph about cheetahs and answer the questions that follow.
Prompt #1: "Tell a story about the most fun day you can imagine.". This narrative prompt always generates a plethora of entertaining responses, and no two are ever exactly alike. Putting a twist on a typical personal narrative prompt, this assignment asks your students to make up a day instead of remembering one.
Narrative writing is an essential skill for 2nd graders as it hones their storytelling abilities. To foster creativity and engage young minds, using narrative writing prompts is key. These prompts provide a starting point for students to develop characters, settings, and plotlines, ultimately enhancing their overall writing skills. By encouraging story development and imagination, teachers can ...
As a class, add labels to identify the title, the topic, temporal words, details, and the closing sentence in your shared writing. All of these anchor charts can be posted in your writing center. Encourage your students to refer back to them and use them as support as they write their own pieces. 4.
This is the most memorable narrative nonfiction books for 2nd grade, especially if you're studying art and artists. Get the lesson plan and activities for Radiant Child HERE. Check Prices on Amazon. Check Prices on Books-A-Million. Danza!: Amalia Hernández And Mexico's Folkloric Ballet by Duncan Tonatiuh.
2nd-grade writing prompts inspired by our own students! These exciting story starters will help spark a story within your 2nd-grader.
Add to Wish List. $25.00 - Add to Cart. Grade Level: 2nd Grade. My second grade fiction writing unit includes 8 weeks of done-for-you writing lessons about how to write an engaging fiction essay, with strong characters, an interesting problem and solution, and rich dialogue. This unit contains detailed lesson plans, mentor texts, anchor ...
Regular use of imaginative writing prompts helps second grade students build essential narrative skills. By providing fun and engaging story starters, teachers give young writers the tools to thrive. Quality prompts spark ideas and allow creativity to blossom. Students gain confidence in self-expression within a supportive environment.
10 Prompts for Second Graders for Poetry Writing. Here are some poetry writing prompts for 2nd grade that will help spark their imagination and creativity: Write a haiku about your favorite part of nature. Remember, haikus have three lines with five syllables in the first line, seven in the second, and five in the third.
Add to Wish List. $25.00 - Add to Cart. Grade Level: 2nd Grade. My second grade personal narrative writing unit includes 8 weeks of done-for-you writing lessons about how to write a small moment story. This unit contains detailed lesson plans, mentor texts, anchor charts, student writing tasks, and rubrics-everything you need to be a ...
K5 Learning offers free worksheets, flashcards and inexpensive workbooks for kids in kindergarten to grade 5. Become a member to access additional content and skip ads. Students respond to writing prompts by writing a narrative text; a word bank is provided to help students create the narrative in a sequential and logical manner.
Check out 60 of our favorite recent second grade picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, series, and more. 1. The Wilderness by Steve McCarthy. Amazon. Oktober Vasylenko is part of an adventurous family, but he prefers to stay closer to home … and definitely indoors.