2nd Grade Writing-Expository Resources

Combining a collaborative art project with the how-to writing adventure can enhance the overall experience and engage students in a multi-sensory creative activity.

How-To Catch a Gingerbread Man Writing!

Creating a how-to writing guide on catching a gingerbread man, complete with two types of writing papers (dotted and lined) and a graphic organizer for brainstorming.

Graphic Organizer:

• A fun and interactive graphic organizer to help readers plan their gingerbread-catching strategy.
  • Sections for brainstorming ideas, creating a step-by-step plan, and considering potential challenges.

Writing Papers:

• Dotted Paper:
  • Ideal for younger writers or those practicing handwriting skills.
• Lined Paper:
  • Suitable for more advanced writers or those who prefer a traditional writing format.

First page of the final draft comes in 2 versions. One with the gingerbread man clipart and one without.

Collaborative Art Project- Each student will color one square to create a colorful Gingerbread Man mural

This integrated approach allows participants to not only develop their individual writing and artistic skills but also to experience the power of collaboration and storytelling as a collective activity.

Get ready for an exciting adventure in learning with our Research Reading Passage and Body Biography Poster Bundle!

Step onto the baseball diamond and into history with our engaging 2-page nonfiction reading passage on Jackie Robinson, the trailblazing athlete who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball. Packed with fascinating facts, and vibrant photographs, this passage invites students to explore Jackie Robinson's remarkable journey from his early life to the big leagues, providing essential research material for the poster project.

INCLUDED- Reading Comprehension Questions! Differentiated and can be used with any reading passage about an influential female leader. Perfect for close reading!

• Colored and black-line version
• Reading comprehension questions for early elementary (1-3) and separate worksheet for upper elementary (4-6)

Then, gear up for creativity with our Body Biography Poster - a 12-piece collaborative masterpiece! Students color, assemble, and fill in the details, choosing between lined or unlined boxes to suit their style. As they work on their poster, they'll uncover Jackie Robinson's indomitable spirit, perseverance, and enduring impact on sports and civil rights.

Once complete, proudly display their work in the hallway, on bulletin boards, or as door decorations, showcasing their dedication and celebrating the legacy of Jackie Robinson!

It's the perfect blend of fun and learning for grades 1-6 - guaranteed to make every lesson about Jackie Robinson unforgettable!

Misty Copeland Educational Bundle

This is a Informational Newsletter AND Research Report AND Collaborative Art Project about Misty Copeland as an African American Athlete, Artist, and a Black Changemaker. Students can use this as a jumping off point for a research project or as an activity for Black History Month or Women's History Month.

Information on...

- Early Life

- Career

- Interesting Facts

- Artistic Contributions/Influences

1. The Educational Newsletter:

Enrich your lesson plans with our meticulously crafted educational newsletter, offering teachers a valuable resource to guide discussions and activities. Dive into Misty Copeland's life story, her impact on the dance world, and the historical significance of her achievements.

2. Collaborative Art Poster Activity:

Foster creativity and teamwork with our collaborative art poster activity. The bundle includes a step-by-step guide for students to contribute to the creation of a larger-than-life poster celebrating Misty Copeland. This hands-on activity encourages students to explore their artistic abilities, work together towards a common goal, and visually represent the themes of perseverance and achievement embodied by Misty.

3. Trifold Template:

Choose from a pre-filled or blank template

Key Features:

• Curriculum-aligned educational newsletter
• Collaborative art poster activity to promote creativity and teamwork.
• Classroom decor and engagement tools for an immersive learning experience.

The "Misty Copeland Educational Bundle" is designed to empower teachers to bring Misty's story to life in the classroom, fostering a love for learning, creativity, and the transformative power of the arts. Elevate your teaching experience and leave a lasting impact on your students with this thoughtfully curated educational bundle.

This is a Informational Reading Passage AND Research Report AND Collaborative Art Project about Ruth Bader Ginsburg as an American Leader and a Female Changemaker. Students can use this as a jumping off point for a research project or as an activity for Women's History Month.

INCLUDED- Reading Comprehension Questions! Differentiated and can be used with any reading passage about an influential female leader. Perfect for close reading!

• Colored and black-line version
• Reading comprehension questions for early elementary (1-3) and separate worksheet for upper elementary (4-6)

Information on...

- Early Life

- Career

- Interesting Facts

- Artistic Contributions/Influences

• Inclusive Learning: Foster an inclusive classroom environment by exploring diverse narratives and celebrating the achievements of underrepresented voices.
• Ready-to-Use Content: Save time on lesson planning with our pre-packaged materials, allowing you to focus on what you do best – inspiring the next generation.

How It Works:

1. Choose a Subject (Ruth Bader Ginsburg): Students select an individual to research. This could be anyone from historical figures, scientists, artists, to contemporary leaders or influencers. Ruth Bader Ginsburg is pre-filled in on version of this template.
2. Fill in the Blanks: The template guides students through the research process. They'll fill in key sections, providing biographical information, accomplishments, and the impact of the chosen individual.
3. Present to the Class: The completed reports become the basis for engaging class presentations. This step encourages students to express themselves confidently and articulately.

Introducing our profound collaborative art project: Collaborative Mural Poster! Engage students as artists, inviting them to contribute to a larger masterpiece that pays tribute to the wisdom and resilience of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. This unique product transforms any space into a vibrant tapestry of collective expression, capturing the spirit of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's impactful words and life.

***Pro-Tip*** To make a smaller puzzle- use your printer or copiers "combine" feature and print 2 pages on one paper!

2 sizes- 25 pieces or 36 pieces! (Bordered)

Celebrate Women's History Month and Hispanic Heritage Month with this versatile informational reading passage, research report, and collaborative art project on Dolores Huerta, a U.S. leader, hero, and Latina changemaker. Perfect for a research project or as an engaging classroom activity.

***Reading Passages***

DIFFERENTIATED LEVELS FOR ALL LEARNERS

- Early elementary (1-3)

- Upper elementary (4-6)

- Complex Readers (7-12)

*Each newsletter is 2 pages.

Information on...

➡️ Early Life

➡️ Career

➡️ Interesting Facts

➡️ Influence

***Reading Comprehension Questions***
These questions are differentiated and can be used with any reading passage about an influential female leader, making it ideal for close reading exercises.

Features:

• Colored and Black-Line Versions: Available in both vibrant color and easy-to-print black-line formats.
• Reading Comprehension Questions: Tailored for early elementary (grades 1-3) and a separate worksheet for upper elementary (grades 4-6).

***Trifold Reseach Template***

How It Works:

1. Choose a Subject (Dolores Huerta): Students select an individual to research. This could be anyone from historical figures, scientists, artists, to contemporary leaders or influencers. Dolores Huerta is pre-filled in one version of this template.
2. Fill in the Blanks: The template guides students through the research process. They'll fill in key sections, providing biographical information, accomplishments, and the impact of the chosen individual.
3. Present to the Class: The completed reports become the basis for engaging class presentations, encouraging students to express themselves confidently and articulately.

***Collaborative Mural Poster***

Have students contribute to a larger masterpiece that honors the wisdom and resilience of Dolores Huerta. This unique product transforms any space into a vibrant tapestry of collective expression, capturing the spirit of Dolores Huerta's impactful life and words.

Pro-Tip To make a smaller puzzle, use your printer or copier's "combine" feature and print 2 pages on one sheet!

Two Sizes Available: 25 pieces or 36 pieces! (Includes both Color-Guide & BW versions)

Are you a teacher looking for an engaging way to develop your students' research and presentation skills?

Look no further! This is the perfect tool to inspire creativity, critical thinking, and research skills in your classroom.

Included:

• Lionel Messi
• Sonia Sotomayor
• César Chávez
• Frida Kahlo
• Roberto Clemente
• Dolores Huerta
• Selena Quintanilla
• Ellen Ochoa... and more added all the time!

Two blank templates:

• One that is pre-filled with some of an influential Latino's picture and name
• One that is blank and requires the student to write their name and draw their portrait (can be used for any person)

Key Features:

✨ Structured Framework: This template provides a well-organized and structured framework for students to conduct research on a chosen individual's biography. It guides them through essential components such as background, early life, accomplishments, and more.

✨ Versatility: Tailor the template to fit the unique needs of your curriculum. Whether your focus is historical figures, contemporary leaders, or cultural icons, this template is adaptable to a variety of subjects.

✨ Encourages Independent Learning: Empower students to take ownership of their learning journey. The blank spaces prompt students to conduct independent research, fostering a sense of curiosity and self-directed learning.

✨ Develops Research Skills: Our template encourages students to utilize various research methods, including online resources, books, and interviews. It's a fantastic opportunity for them to hone their research skills and discern reliable information.

✨ Promotes Presentation Skills: Beyond researching, students will practice organizing information coherently and presenting it in a well-structured report. This template lays the foundation for effective communication, a crucial skill in any academic or professional setting.

How It Works:

1. Choose a Subject: Students select an individual to research. This could be anyone from historical figures, scientists, artists, to contemporary leaders or influencers. Lionel Messi is pre-filled in one version of this template.
2. Fill in the Blanks: The template guides students through the research process. They'll fill in key sections, providing biographical information, accomplishments, and the impact of the chosen individual.
3. Present to the Class: The completed reports become the basis for engaging class presentations. This step encourages students to express themselves confidently and articulately.

Why Choose Our Template:

⭐️ Time-Saving: No need to create a research template from scratch. Our product saves you time and ensures a standardized approach to student research projects.

⭐️ Engagement: Transform mundane research projects into exciting opportunities for self-discovery and exploration.

⭐️ Skill Development: Equip your students with essential research, organization, and presentation skills that will serve them well in their academic and professional journeys.

Veteran’s Day Bundle

This three packet activity bundle has more than 50+ handouts to help students define, understand, and discuss the importance of Veteran’s Day.

Packet 1: Veteran’s Day Thank You Cards (English and Spanish)

Product Description

Pages: 23

Instill gratitude for our Armed Services with these 20 Veteran's Day Thank You Cards. Write a note of thanks, color images, fold, and give to make a veteran smile!

Includes a mix of English and Spanish gratitude phrases, black and white images to color, and one blank card for students to create their own Veteran's Day message. Highlights each branch of the Armed Services: Army, Marines, and Navy. Includes female and male armed services members.

Use as across curriculum government/history/social studies and ELA lesson, to practice fact-based letter/note writing skills, develop social skills, learn more about U.S. history, practice vocabulary, and meet local veterans in your community. Contact your local Veteran's of Foreign Wars (VFW) for a list of veterans in your area.

Packet 2: 30 Veteran’s Day Activities

Product Description

Pages: 32

30 activities to celebrate Veteran's Day! Coloring, lists, poems, writings, and more...for using critical thinking skills to learn about a national holiday.

Includes:

Democracy is...
Freedom is...
Liberty means...
The eagle is representative of...
Veteran's Day Speech
Map for listing no. of veterans/naming veterans
10 Ways to Thank a Veteran
Make your own dog-tags
Many faces of soldiers
Many roles of soldiers
What Veteran's Day means to me...
Thank you to a Veteran
My Message to a Veteran
Decorate the tombstone of a fallen soldier
Veteran Acrostic Poem
A Veteran's Poem
My favorite branch of armed services
My Pledge for Peace
Veteran's Day Maze
Veteran's Day Word Search
Women's roles in the Armed Services
How many words can you make from "veteran"
What will you do on Veteran's Day?
From a soldier's point of view: What Veteran's Day means...
The War Wall--fill in to make and display your own war wall

30 activities to help students acknowledge, appreciate, celebrate, and honor veterans and what the special day means.

Packet 3: Get Fit Action Story: A Veteran’s Day Celebration

Product Description

Pages: 15

What is Veterans Day? When does it fall each year? What kinds of celebrations honor our veterans? Students get an introduction and definition of Veterans Day, plus why it is different than Memorial Day. Then, get ready to join the parade! Play ball, watch fireworks, and thank a veteran for serving!

Get Fit Action Stories combine reading, sight words, listening, speaking, directions, and physical education into one assignment. It's a fun, physical learning adventure!

Action Words included:
1. salute
2. clap
3. Miss America wave
4. struts
5. moves a scepter up and down
6. twirl
7. toss
8. catch
9. plays a violin
10. toots a horn
11. beats a drum
12. pedal
13. flip hamburgers
14. toss salads
15. swing bats
16. hit homeruns
17. yells, “Ewwwww” then “Awwwww”
18. “Thank you!”
19. salute
20. “Happy Veterans Day!”

This three packet activity bundle with over 50+ handouts will encourage discussions, increase understanding, and reinforce meaning of Veteran’s Day.

Take your students on an unforgettable journey through the United States with the "Ultimate U.S.A. Classroom Adventure Bundle." This comprehensive package includes everything you need to bring geography, history, and interactive fun into your classroom. Featuring America-themed Human-Sized Monopoly posters, detailed U.S. State research sheets, and customizable character posters, this bundle is designed to engage, educate, and excite. Plus, as a special bonus, we've included a set of blank Human-Sized Monopoly posters for your own creative customization.

Bundle Highlights:

1. America Human-Sized Monopoly Posters:

• Dive into a life-sized game of Monopoly with posters representing various U.S. states.
• Features states like North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, Colorado, Arizona, California, Nevada, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island.
• Bonus posters for Airports of America, Chance, Community Chest, Federal Tax, State Tax, Go, Free Parking, and Alcatraz Prison.

1. U.S. State Report Research Sheets:

• Comprehensive research pages for students to explore and document important information about each state.
• Includes sections for the map, capital city, state bird, flower, flag, population size, actual size, and interesting facts.

1. Choose Your Character Posters:

• Features iconic Monopoly characters like the Scottie Dog, Roadster Car, Stovepipe Hat, and Thimble.
• Each poster links to U.S. history and culture, enhancing the educational experience.
• Includes customizable hats for students to color and personalize, adding a creative touch to the game.

1. Bonus Freebie: Blank Human-Sized Monopoly Posters:

• A set of blank posters for you to fill in with any topic of your choosing.
• Allows for endless customization and flexibility to tailor the game to your specific lesson plans and curriculum needs.

Why This Bundle Is Essential:

• Engages Students: Combines the excitement of a life-sized board game with educational content, making learning fun and interactive.
• Comprehensive Learning: Covers geography, history, and cultural studies, providing a well-rounded educational experience.
• Promotes Creativity: Encourages students to research, design, and personalize their learning materials.
• Supports Active Learning: The physical movement and team-based activities enhance engagement and retention.

Ideal For:

• Teachers looking for innovative ways to teach U.S. geography and history.
• Classrooms preparing for International Day events with a focus on the United States.
• Educators seeking to incorporate interactive and hands-on learning activities into their curriculum.

Transform your classroom into an exciting learning environment with the "Ultimate U.S.A. Classroom Adventure Bundle." From exploring states to engaging in a giant Monopoly game, this bundle provides all the tools you need to make learning about America a thrilling adventure.

Perfect for Groundhog's Day observance! File includes instructions and masters to create a groundhog using heart shapes and two non-fiction texts (one with facts about groundhogs and one with facts about the holiday). The texts can be used as student readers, or as resources for expository writing.

A perfectly adorable February Bulletin Board! 4 sweet animal templates made with hearts and options for extending the craft with expository writing! A cute way to learn about animals while having festive fun. Options to use purchased foam hearts or construction paper hearts from the patterns included.

*Bonus! "These Animals Have Our Hearts" Bulletin Board Headers!

Animal crafts and non-fiction text included in this resource:

Owl

Panda

Leopard

Groundhog

Each non-fiction text can be used for student readers or reports and include a color picture of the animal.

*Groundhog is also sold separately

Summer Writing Prompts Journal: Writing Challenge Activities for 1st & 2nd Grade

Are you worried about your 1st and 2nd-grade students falling behind in writing during the summer? This summer writing challenge is your answer!

This 30-Day Summer Writing Challenge for 1st and 2nd grade contains a variety of engaging writing material for your students. There are 30 different writing activities (2 sheets per activity, created to be copied back-to-back and bound into a writing journal, if you choose). For a total of 60 writing pages, you will see the following activities:

• 2 opinion essays
• 1 explanatory essay
• 1 informative essay
• 2 descriptive writing activities
• 2 narrative writing activities
• 1 "how-to" essay
• 5 journal prompts
• 5 story starters
• 2 recipes activities
• 3 newspaper articles
• 1 packing list activity
• 2 book reports
• 1 biography
• 1 restaurant review
• 1 autobiography

These writing activities are purposeful, but fun. Students will find that completing all of them is challenging, but rewarding. Some teachers choose to stretch the challenge to 60 days so that students have 2 days to complete each activity. I also reward my students with a pizza lunch party if they complete the writing challenge (for the summer challenge, I plan the pizza party during the first or second week back to school).

NOTE: THIS FILE INCLUDES A DIGITAL DISTANCE LEARNING OPTION!

This product includes a digital option (as well as the no prep printable option). The instructions for utilizing the digital portion appear at the end of the packet.

Are you a 3rd or 4th grade teacher? Please click below to find the summer writing challenge for your students. The format, content, and prompts will be more appropriate for your students:

• 30 DAY SUMMER WRITING CHALLENGE FOR 3rd-4th GRADE

These Newspaper Article Templates are SO easy to use! These newspaper template graphic organizers can be used in Google Slides or can be printed on paper for students to write on!

These no-prep worksheets can be used for ANY subject area, writing assignment, or information-gathering activity in your classroom.

This newspaper templates product is so versatile that you can use it all year long in multiple subject areas!

NOTE: Students can now use these templates in Google Slides! DOWNLOAD this file and refer to the final seven pages of the file for the digital distance learning option.

Newspaper templates can be used for any of the following: book reports, All About Me, science or social studies reports, expository writing, assessments of learning, or fun facts activities.

Some ideas include:

• book reports
• an All About Me Unit
• science or social studies reports
• expository writing
• assessments of learning
• reflection activities
• fun facts activities

There are 13 templates with the newspaper's name printed on the front (The Chatty Commentator, The Social Studies Star, Book Report Times, The Babbling Bulletin, etc.). These are followed by 13 templates with varying borders, layouts, and phrases on the front (students create their own newspaper name).

Each of the 26 templates is followed by the back side with a matching border.

Each template includes doodle clip art for illustrations, images, or photos. Of course, an obvious option is for students to illustrate their own pictures on the printed pages. Other options might include printing pictures from the internet, drawing diagrams, or creating information tables.

In the Google Slides options, students right-click on the empty square and replace it with an image.

These newspaper templates can be used for the2nd-12th grade, homeschooling, or camp/activities outside school.

NOTE: THIS FILE INCLUDES A DIGITAL DISTANCE LEARNING OPTION!

This product includes a digital option (as well as the no prep printable option). The instructions for utilizing the digital portion appear at the end of the packet.

Please reach out with any questions before purchasing this product!

The Wacky Writing Kids' Bundle comes with 3 products bundled together for a discounted price. The bundle comes with All Wacky Writing Kids templates and writing prompts.

The Wacky Writing Kids products are great to incorporate fun and creativity while practicing the different types of writing. Students will love to construct each Wacky Kid Template. The template serves as a Writing Anchor Poster or Plan for each type of writing. After students create their writing plan they can write their paragraph on the lined paper provided. The Wacky Writing kids template also includes a writing checklist to proofread and edit their writing. The Wacky Writing kids make a fun wall display! This is a great activity as part of a Writing Lesson, at a Writing Workstation, or as an Art and Craft project.

The Wacky Writing Kids Bundle includes all three of the following products:

Wacky Writing- Informative Kit

Informative Isaac Body Template (writing plan)

Informative Isabelle Body Template (writing plan)

Line Writing Paper Template

Writing Prompt and Title Template

Blank Writing Prompt and Title Template

Wacky Writing- Narrative Kit

Narrative Nate Body Template (writing plan)

Narrative Natalie Body Template (writing plan)

Line Writing Paper Template

Writing Prompt and Title Template

Blank Writing Prompt and Title Template

Wacky Writing- Persuasive Kit

Persuasive Pete Body Template (writing plan)

Persuasive Paula Body Template (writing plan)

Line Writing Paper Template

Writing Prompt and Title Template

Blank Writing Prompt and Title Template

All printables in black and white.

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