Berkeley Second Grade

Ideas Organization Voice Word Choice Sentence Fluency Conventions + Publishing

“You must be a reader to be a writer.” Stephen King

This is the heart of the paper – what the second grade writer has to say.

Prompts are used to help spark a personal connection between the second grade writers and their ideas.

Prompts may be narrative or expository.

“Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending.” Longfellow

Organization gives writing a sense of purpose and structure.

This is the road map which leads through the writing. (hand plan)

It begins with a good lead or starting sentence. (answers who, when, where)

Details along the way add interest and build toward the conclusion.

“No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader.” Robert Frost

Voice is the personality of the second grade writer coming through on the paper.

Strong examples are given to the children by reading to them stories that show tone.

It encourages commitment and enthusiasm to the topic.

“The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter – it’s the difference between the lightning bug and lightning.” Mark Twain

Good word choice means being able to choose verbs that are active, powerful, and energetic.

Selecting just the right words makes the writing sound natural. (onomatopoeia)

Word choice adds to details. (thesaurus)

“Writing, when properly managed,… is but a different name for conversation.”

Tristram Shandy

This trait focuses on smoothness and easy flow.

Reading aloud helps train the ear for fluency.

Use different sentence lengths for variety. It means creating a sense of rhythm.

(poetry)

“Only in grammar can you be more than perfect.” William Safire

This trait is editing and proofreading skills.

It reflects the correct patterns of grammar, spelling, punctuation, paragraphing, and capitalization.

Conventions should not distract from good ideas.

It’s not over until the fat lady sings.”

Second grade writers love to share and read aloud their creations with others.

They enjoy using microphones. They feel pride in their journals and

poetry books.