•Second Grade,

•The elements of Living Systems and communication skills are integrated in the activities.

•We suggest that students keep a journal.

•It is critical for students to use writing skills to explain answers. When you see this symbol students should use their journals.

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Teacher Page

WritingActivity

DirectionsRead the prompt in the box.

Imagine that your class is taking a field trip to the zoo. You spot an animal you’ve never seen before. Write a description of this animal to a friend. You can include a picture with your writing.

You can use the following prewriting sample, or the prewriting activity you usually use in your class to help you with your rough draft.

Story Map

Your animal

Body parts

gills

lungs

numberof legs

tailBody coverings

feathersscales

fur/hair

skin

shell

Diet

Meat-eater

Plant-eater

Size

ColorMovement Family

fly

hop

swimslither

crawl walk

bird

amphibianmammal reptile

fish

Final CopyDirectionsRevise your draft. Reread your draft and think about the Writer’s Checklist below. Make sure each of these statements is true about your draft.

My paper has a beginning, middle, and end.My paper stays on the topic.My paper has complete sentences.My paper includes correct punctuation, capitalization, grammar, and spelling.

Writer’s Checklist

If any of these statements are not true about your paper, make the needed changes on your draft before you write your final copy.

End of Activity