Grade 2 Guided Reading Title
Level
Synopsis
Text Features
High-Frequency Words (Levels A-G)
Comprehension Focus
Working With Words Focus
Oral Language and Writing Connections
LPEY Text Connections
Cross-curricular Connections
I Can Ride Non-fiction: Description — Account
A
Children identify different forms of transportation.
Text Features: • text below photo on page 12 • exclamation marks Visual Literacy: • environmental print
a, can, dad, I, my
Making connections
•u sing picture cues to support word recognition • using beginning letter sounds to read unfamiliar words
Oral: • making predictions • describing Writing: • group book
Vehicles: Trains (GRL: G))
social studies: technology in daily life
I Am Going to Be… Non-fiction: Description — Account
B
Children identify different occupations.
Text Features: • repeated language pattern • one line of text per page, except page 8
a, am, be, going, I, like, school, to
Making connections
• identifying high-frequency words • using photo cues and initial letters to support word recognition
Oral: • discussing • acting out occupations Writing: • drawing and labelling
Occupations: At the Apple Farm (GRL: G); Meet the Safety Helpers (GRL: I)
health and phys ed: roles and responsibilities within communities
We Can Help Fiction: Narrative — Comic
C
A brother and sister help other family members.
Text Features: • speech balloons with one line of text each • repeated language pattern Visual Literacy: • sequential illustrations • environmental print
are, can, help, to, want, we, you
Evaluating
•u sing picture cues and initial letters to support word recognition • identifying high-frequency words • tracking print
Oral: • describing comics • sharing opinions • oral story telling • dramatizing Writing: • creating a one-page comic
Problem solving: The Lost Tooth (GRL: E); Aunt Maud’s Mittens (GRL: J); Hickory’s Problem (GRL: J); Mr. Fix-It (GRL: K); A Playground for Lisa (GRL: L); Dr. Bufflehead Explores Energy (GRL: L) Comics: The Spider and the Honey Tree (GRL: K); The End of the Dinosaurs (GRL: L)
health and phys ed: roles and responsibilities within communities
The Hockey Game Fiction: Narrative — Realistic Story
D
Tom and Nina play hockey.
Text Features: • dialogue with question marks
and, I, in, it, like, play, the, to
Synthesizing Inferring
•u sing picture and context cues to predict unfamiliar words • using beginning letter sounds to read unfamiliar words • action words
Oral: • discussing • sharing opinions Writing: • What Happened in the Story BLM • sentences with action words
Sports and activities: Adam in Net (GRL: E); Baseball Mom (GRL: F); Justin’s New Bike (GRL: F); African Dance Class (GRL: I); Feel the Beat (GRL: N)
health and phys ed: friendship; being active
Adam in Net Fiction: Narrative — Realistic Story
E
In this book, Marcus helps his brother Adam gain confidence by helping him practise being a goalie.
Visual Literacy • envinronmental print
too, hard, again, game, every
Inferring Synthesizing
•u sing picture cues and prior knowledge to determine meaning • using word patterns to solve unfamiliar words
Oral: • sharing related personal experiences in a group • predicting what the book will be about Writing: • personal dictionary • listing contractions
Overcoming fear/anxiety: Ruler of the Courtyard (RA); A Touch of the Zebras (RA) Sports and Activities: The Hockey Game (GRL: D); Baseball Mom (GRL: F); Justin’s New Bike (GRL F); African Dance Class (GRL I); Feel the Beat (GRL: N)
health and phys ed: roles and responsibilities within families
All Kinds of Beetles Non-fiction: Description — Report
E
This non-fiction book introduces readers to the many shapes, sizes, and colours of beetles.
Text Supports: • bug-shaped labels • inset photographs
kind, too, know, round
Analyzing Making connections: comparing
•u sing initial consonant clusters and picture cues to solve unfamiliar words
Oral: • expressing opinions with reasons • sharing personal knowledge • describing various beetles shown in the book • suggesting names for beetles Writing: • analyzing—chart
NF reports: Animal Defenses (RA); Crocodile (RA); Chameleons Are Cool (RA); Inuksuk (SR); Trains (GRL: G); Whales (GRL: J); Happy New Year! (GRL: K); Extreme Animals! (GRL: L); Dragonflies Are Amazing (GRL: O)
science: growth and changes in animals
The Lost Tooth Fiction: Narrative — Mystery Story
E
Ada has lost her tooth but a friend will help her find it.
Text Features: • dialogue Visual Literacy: • thought bubbles
hard, today, think, know
Inferring Making connections
•u sing word parts to solve unfamiliar words • using illustrations to help with word recognition
Oral: • discussing in pairs and groups Writing: • writing a mini-mystery
Problem solving: We Can Help (GRL: C); Aunt Maud’s Mittens (GRL: J); Hickory’s Problem (GRL: J); Mr. Fix-It (GRL: K); A Playground for Lisa (GRL: L); Dr. Bufflehead Explores Energy (GRL: L)
health and phys ed: friendship
© Scholastic Canada Ltd., 2014 Literacy Place for the Early Years (NL) – Grade Two
1
Grade 2 Guided Reading (continued) Title
Level
Synopsis
Text Features
High-Frequency Words (Levels A-G)
Comprehension Focus
Working With Words Focus
Oral Language and Writing Connections
LPEY Text Connections
Cross-curricular Connections
Baseball Mom Fiction: Narrative — Realistic Story
F
A mom passes her love of baseball on to her daughter.
Text Features: • text boxes Visual Literacy: • multiple pictures on each page
asked, best, brings, fast, game, happy, keep, lost, much, needs, thank, today, too
Predicting Making connections
•u sing picture cues to solve unknown words • recognizing compound words • finding chunks and small words inside larger words
Oral: • discussing in groups and pairs • reading the text in roles Writing: • writing and illustrating a story
Sports and activities: The Hockey Game (GRL: D); Adam in Net (GRL: E); Justin’s New Bike (GRL: F); African Dance Class (GRL: I); Feel the Beat (GRL: N)
health and phys ed: being active
Justin’s New Bike Fiction: Narrative – Realistic Story
F
Justin has a new bike and Danny has an old bike. In this story, the two friends take their bikes to a bike track.
Text Features: • dialogue with quotation marks • elipses
fast, took, start, face
Inferring Making connections: text to self
• word solving and building: using word parts to solve unfamiliar words • demonstrate awareness of word structure: “-ing” and “-ed” endings
Oral: • responding to questions • listening to others • retelling • oral reenactment with a group Writing: • synthesizing – writing the worm’s story • word building
Sports and Activities: The Hockey Game (GRL: D); Baseball Mom (GRL: F); African Dance Class (GRL I); Feel the Beat (GRL: N)
health and phys ed: being active
Who Laid These Eggs? Non-fiction: Description – Narrative
F
In this book, readers guess the name of the animal that laid the eggs in the photographs. Fold-out pages reveal the life cycle and interesting facts for each animal.
Visual Literacy: • fold-out pages • photographs • labels • arrows
round
Self-monitoring Analyzing
• using photographs and labels to solve unfamiliar vocabulary • using sounds–symbol associations, small words within bigger words, and suffixes to read unfamiliar words
Oral: • discussing and predicting in a group • sharing with a group and with a partner Writing: • creating own fold-out page • completing a chart
At the Apple Farm Non-fiction: Retell – Account
G
A little girl and her mother visit an apple farm to pick apples. Her mom picks different apples because she is going to cook something special.
gave, hold, mom, took, face, best
Making connections: text to self Sequencing
•w ord solving and building: using word parts to read unfamiliar words • using illustrations to assist with the recognition of unfamiliar words
Oral: • discussing with a partner and a group • responding to questions • listening to others Writing: • using the BLM to write steps • word solving and building
From Seeds to Sunflowers Fiction: Narrative — Realistic Story
G
Grandpa, Ben, and Sam grow sunflowers. Whose will be the tallest?
Text Features: • varied text layout
any, deep, every, gave, give, good, grow, hand, held, inside, need, place, something, sunny, tall, thank, water
Sequencing Making connections: text to self
•u sing known word parts to read longer unfamiliar words • identifying and solving compound words
Trains Non-fiction: Description — Report
G
Through words and photographs this report informs the reader about how Freight, Commuter, Passenger, and Model trains help move things and people
Text Features: • Table of Contents Visual Literacy: • photos with inset captions
place, along, short, across, carry, different, work, too, eat
Analyzing Synthesizing
What Tools Does a Dentist Use? Non-fiction: Explanation/ Procedure — Magazine Article
G
An explanation of the tools a dentist uses in a regular dental checkup with instructions on caring for teeth.
Text Features: • subheading • text boxes Visual Literacy: • insert photos with labels • bolded words
every, keep, uses
Making connections Evaluating
© Scholastic Canada Ltd., 2014 Literacy Place for the Early Years (NL) – Grade Two
science: growth and changes in animals; life cycles
NF retell: Antonio’s Music (SR); African Dance Class (GRL: I) Occupations: I Am Going to Be (GRL: B); Meet the Safety Helpers (GRL: I)
social studies: people and places in the community
Oral: • discussing in groups and pairs Writing: • creating a poster
Grandparents and grandchildren: Going Fishing (GRL: I); Why Is It Called Moose Meadow? (GRL: J)
health and phys ed: roles and responsibilities in families
• c hunking words into syllables • using beginning sounds and known words to read unfamiliar words
Oral: • discussing with a group and a partner • listening to others Writing: • recording train adventure
NF reports: Animal Defenses (RA); Crocodile (RA), Chameleons Are Cool (RA); Inuksuk (SR); All Kinds of Beetles (GRL: E); Happy New Year! (GRL: K); Extreme Animals! (GRL: L); Dragonflies Are Amazing (GRL: O) Vehicles: I Can Ride (GRL: A)
social studies: technology in daily life
•u sing photographic clues, background knowledge, and word-solving strategies to solve unfamiliar words • identifying plural words and action verbs
Oral: • discussing in groups and pairs Writing: • creating a poster
Procedures: Make a Dragon Puppet (in Let’s Celebrate, SR); 3–2–1 Blast Off (SR); Keep Us Clean (GRL: J); What Does Your Dog Know? (GRL: K); How to Make a Bird Feeder (GRL: L) Explanation: How Does a Trick Candle Work? (in Let’s Celebrate, SR); The End of the Dinosaurs (GRL: L); Journey of a Water Drop (GRL: N)
health and phys ed: healthy practices
2
Grade 2 Guided Reading (continued) Title
Level
Synopsis
Text Features Text Features: • heading and subheadings • bulleted information • labels Visual Literacy: • photographs of artifacts • text “blast” • different-coloured text
Innu Culture Days Non-fiction: Persuasive — Flyer
H
A flyer gives information about a special event at the Town Museum.
Messy Is Nice Fiction: Narrative – Humorous Story
H
Molly tells her mother, “Messy is nice.” Rather than fight with her, Molly’s mother lets Molly discover for herself why leaving things in a mess is not such a good thing.
Postcards From Hawaii Fiction: Narrative — Postcards
H
A series of postcards describe Kim’s trip to Hawaii with her family.
The North Wind and the Sun: An Aesop’s Fable Fiction: Narrative – Fable
H
When the North Wind brags about his strength, the Sun challenges him to a contest. The North Wind learns that kindness can achieve more than force.
African Dance Class Non-fiction: Retell/ Description — Account
I
Michelle tells about the fun she has at her African dance class with her best friend.
Aunt Maud’s Mittens Fiction: Narrative – Realistic Story
I
Luke’s aunt is coming for a visit. Unfortunately, Luke has given away the mittens she gave him. Luke’s attempts to locate the mittens and get them back form the basis for this entertaining story.
Text Features: • postcard layout: date, greeting, message, farewell, postscript, address Visual Literacy: • postcard images • cancelled stamps • child’s drawings
Text Features: • boxed author blurb Visual Literacy: • inset photographs • inset map of Africa • dancing figures beside page numbers • ribbons at top of pages
© Scholastic Canada Ltd., 2014 Literacy Place for the Early Years (NL) – Grade Two
Comprehension Focus
Working With Words Focus
Oral Language and Writing Connections
LPEY Text Connections
Cross-curricular Connections
Evaluating Making connections
•u sing photographic cues and wordsolving strategies to solve unfamiliar words
Oral: • discussing in pairs • retelling stories Writing: • creating a flyer
Celebrations and traditions: Let’s Celebrate (SR); Come to the PowWow (SR); Why Snow Is White: A Story for Holi (GRL: O) Life in the North: Inuksuk (SR); Inuit Still (GRL: K)
social studies: cultural traditions and celebrations
Inferring Making connections: text to self Evaluating
•u sing multiple sources of information for word recognition • integrating cues • language predictability: associating meanings with words (vocabulary) • words with a soft “c”
Oral: • sharing predictions • discussion with the whole class, small groups, and partners • joining in with written language structures Writing: • evaluating – writing lists • word solving and building
Humour: Pete the Sheep-Sheep (RA); Coyote Sings to the Moon (RA); Aunt Maud’s Mittens (GRL: I); Ants Belong Outside (GRL: J); Mr. Fix-It (GRL: K); Kaput! (GRL: L))
health and phys ed: roles and responsibilities within families
Self-monitoring Evaluating
•u sing a variety of strategies to solve unfamiliar words • identifying multi-syllable words
Oral: • discussing in pairs and groups Writing: • making a postcard
Inferring sequencing
•w ord solving and building: using word parts to read unfamiliar words
Oral: • discussing with a group and a partner • retelling
Making connections: text to self Sequencing
•u sing photographs to help read unfamiliar words • using word parts to read unfamiliar words
Oral: • discussing with a partner or a small group • retelling similar personal experiences • chanting rhythms with opportunities to create their own rhythms • listening to others
NF retell: Antonio’s Music (SR); At the Apple Farm (GRL: G) Sports and Activities: The Hockey Game (GRL: D); Adam in Net (GRL: E); Baseball Mom (GRL: F); Justin’s New Bike (GRL F); Feel the Beat (GRL: N)
social studies: cultural traditions the arts: dance
Inferring Sequencing
• reading ahead to solve unfamiliar words • using context and illustrations to predict words that make sense • word solving and building: using word parts to read unfamiliar words
Oral: • retelling • discussing with whole class • discussing with partners • learning new vocabulary meanings in context Writing: • sequencing—writing answers on charts
Humour: Pete the Sheep-Sheep (RA); Coyote Sings to the Moon (RA); Messy Is Nice (GRL: H); Ants Belong Outside (GRL: J); Mr. Fix-It (GRL: K); Kaput! (GRL: L) Problem-solving: We Can Help (GRL: C); The Lost Tooth (GRL: E); Hickory’s Problem (GRL: J); Mr. Fix-It (GRL: K); A Playground for Lisa (GRL: L); Dr. Bufflehead Explores Energy (GRL: L)
health and phys ed: roles and responsibilities within families
health and phys ed: friendship
3
Grade 2 Guided Reading (continued) Title
Level
Synopsis
Going Fishing Fiction: Narrative – Realistic Story
I
Mary and her Gran go fishing. They catch many fish, but always find reasons for not keeping them.
Meet the Safety Helpers Non-fiction: Description — Magazine Article
I
Three safety helpers–a lifeguard, a park warden, and a police officer—provide tips for playing safely.
Ants Belong Outside Fiction: Narrative – Humorous Story
J
Hickory’s Problem Fiction: Narrative – Fantasy Story
Text Features
Comprehension Focus
Working With Words Focus
Oral Language and Writing Connections
LPEY Text Connections
Cross-curricular Connections
Inferring Synthesizing
•u sing illustrations to support word recognition • word solving and building: using root words and word parts to solve unfamiliar words
Oral: • responding to questions • listening to others Writing: • scene sketch • word solving and building
Grandparents and grandchildren: From Seeds to Sunflowers (GRL: G); Why Is It Called Moose Meadow? (GRL: J)
social studies: impact of people on the environment
Text Features: • subheadings • text boxes Visual Literacy: • inset illustrations with labels • bolded words
Synthesizing Making connections
•u sing a range of strategies to solve unfamiliar words • identifying compound words
Oral: • discussing in pairs and groups • presenting information Writing: • writing safety tips • adding speech bubbles to a picture
Occupations: Am Going to Be… (GRL: B); At the Apple Farm (GRL: G)
health and phys ed: roles and responsibilities within communities
Teresa loves all bugs, but her favourites are ants. Even though her mom insists, “Ants belong outside,” Teresa fills her bedroom with jars of ant farms, but the ants escape.
Visual Literacy: • page numbers made of ants • environmental print
Inferring Synthesizing
•u sing picture cues to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words • word solving and building: using beginning letters and consonant clusters, and breaking down compound words to read unfamiliar words
Oral: • predicting, discussing, and discussing in a group • discussing with a partner Writing: • word solving and building • generate list of compound words in the story • making connections—writing five great pets
Pets: Dominic’s Aquarium (GRL: K); What Does Your Dog Know? (GRL: K) Humour: Pete the Sheep-Sheep (RA); Coyote Sings to the Moon (RA); Messy Is Nice (GRL: H); Aunt Maud’s Mittens (GRL: I); Mr. Fix-It (GRL: K); Kaput! (GRL: L)
J
Hickory has a problem – he loses everything. Then, one day, he gets a clever idea.
Visual Literacy: • thought balloons
Analyzing Making connections: text to self
• reading ahead to solve unfamiliar words • understanding contractions
Oral: • asking/responding to questions • discussing with partners and a small group Writing: • filling in spaces on BLM
Problem-solving: We Can Help (GRL: C); The Lost Tooth (GRL: E); Aunt Maud’s Mittens (GRL: J); Mr. Fix-It (GRL: K); A Playground for Lisa (GRL: L); Dr. Bufflehead Explores Energy (GRL: L) Fantasy: Jurassic Kick (GRL: M); Bill Bruin Shovels His Roof (GRL: M)
Keep Us Clean Non-Fiction: Procedure — Instructions
J
The rules for hand washing are outlined through words and pictures, in the form of a brochure. Visual literacy is strongly emphasized.
Visual Literacy: • diagrams • text boxes • labels • speech bubbles • inset illustrations
Analyzing Sequencing
• c ross-checking across cueing systems (e.g., predicting a word that makes sense and checking the visual sound cues to ensure it looks right) • using context and picture cues to aid in reading unfamiliar words
Oral: • participate in planning and preparing posters • introduce the posters to classmates or others in the school Writing: • sequencing: steps to brushing teeth
Procedures: Make a Dragon Puppet (in Let’s Celebrate, SR); 3–2–1 Blast Off! (SR); What Tools Does a Dentist Use? (GRL: G); How to Make a Bird Feeder (GRL: L)
Out in Space Fiction: Narrative – Science Fiction Story
J
Three children search a number of planets to find their lost dog.
Text Features: • capital letters for emphasis Visual Literacy: • “No pets allowed” sign
Sequencing Making connections
• identifying verb endings “ed” and “ing” • using background knowledge and word-solving strategies to solve unfamiliar words
Oral: • discussing in pairs and groups • retelling the story • presenting a Readers’ Theatre dramatization Writing: • creating story strips for a booklet • creating a comic
© Scholastic Canada Ltd., 2014 Literacy Place for the Early Years (NL) – Grade Two
health and phys ed: healthy practices
health and phys ed: roles and responsibilities in families
4
Grade 2 Guided Reading (continued) Title
Level
Synopsis
Text Features
Comprehension Focus
Working With Words Focus
Oral Language and Writing Connections
LPEY Text Connections
Whales Non-fiction: Description — Report
J
A variety of information about whales.
Text Features: • table of contents • headings • labels Visual Literacy: • illustrations to show comparison
Synthesizing Making connections Analyzing Evaluating
• u sing word parts to solve unfamiliar words • using consonant blends to decode unknown words • using a range of sources (photographs, illustrations, context) to solve unfamiliar words
Oral: • discussing in pairs and groups • presenting researched information Writing: • recording questions • comparing and contrasting with a Venn Diagram • creating a graph • researching and writing a report on whales • creating a glossary
NF reports: Animal Defenses (RA); Crocodile (RA); Chameleons Are Cool (RA); Inuksuk (SR); All Kinds of Beetles (GRL: E); Trains (GRL: G); Happy New Year! (GRL: K); Extreme Animals! (GRL: L); Dragonflies Are Amazing (GRL: O) Animal Characteristics and Behaviour: We Are Wolves (RA); Extreme Animals! (GRL: L); Flying Acrobats (GRL: M); Dragonflies Are Amazing (GRL: O)
Why Is It Called Moose Meadow? Fiction: Narrative — Realistic Story
J
Jeremy and his grandmother like to walk by the march to listen to and see the animals. But Jeremy wonders why it is called Moose Meadow when he’s never seen a moose there.
Text Features: • italicized words
Synthesizing Inferring
•u sing unknown words and/or chunks to solve unfamiliar words • adjectives • compound words
Oral: • discussing with a group • discussing with a partner Writing: • descriptive sentences
Onomatopoeia: Spring Conversations (in An Early Worm Got Out of Bed, SR) Grandparents and grandchildren: From Seeds to Sunflowers (GRL: G); Going Fishing (GRL: I)
The challenges of Down syndrome do not stop Michael from living a full and happy life. His enthusiasm and energy shine through as he tells the readers about his daily activities and his “Zest for Life.”
Text Features: • illustrations support text • consistent placement of text
Analyzing Synthesizing
• integrating visual and meaning cues to unlock unfamiliar words • using word parts to read unfamiliar words • breaking words into syllables
Oral: • discussing the story before and after reading Writing: • making connections: writing an account
Kids with special needs: A Playground for Lisa (GRL: L)
Zest for Life Non-fiction: Retell — Personal Account
J
K
A young boy and his dad work together to set up an aquarium.
Visual Literacy: • environmental print
Making Connections: text to self Sequencing
• looking at word parts to solve unfamiliar words
Oral: • predicting and discussing in a group and with a partner • sharing reading strategies • describing steps in a daily process Writing: • sequencing – creating a booklet with directions
Pets: Ants Belong Outside (GRL: J); What Does Your Dog Know? (GRL: K) Aquariums: Aquarium (in An Early Worm Got Out of Bed, SR)
Happy New Year! Non-fiction: Description — Report
K
This book describes the way several cultures celebrate the New Year.
Text Features: • table of contents • headings Visual Literacy: • photographs
Making connections: comparing, text to self, text to world Synthesizing
• breaking the word into familiar chunks
Oral: • discussing in a group • listening to others Writing: • synthesizing – recording
NF reports: Animal Defenses (RA); Crocodile (RA); Chameleons Are Cool (RA); Inuksuk (SR); All Kinds of Beetles (GRL: E); Trains (GRL: G); Whales (GRL: J); Extreme Animals! (GRL: L); Dragonflies Are Amazing (GRL: O) Celebrations and traditions: Let’s Celebrate (SR); Come to the Pow-Wow (SR); Innu Culture Days (GRL: H); Why Snow Is White: A Story for Holi (GRL: O)
•u sing known word parts to read unfamiliar words • identifying Inuit words and determining their meaning from the text
Oral: • discussing with a group and a partner • listening to others Writing: • completing chart
Life in the North: Inuksuk (SR); Innu Culture Days (GRL: H) In Canada: Ten Best Things About Canada (SR); Inuksuk (SR); Innu Culture Days (GRL: H); Extreme Animals! (GRL: L)
Inuit Still Info-fiction: Description — Comparison
K
In this book, a girl named Naomi talks about the changes to life in Northern Canada and about those things that have remained the same.
Visual Literacy: • italicized words (qudliq) • boldfaced sentences
© Scholastic Canada Ltd., 2014 Literacy Place for the Early Years (NL) – Grade Two
Analyzing Making connections: text to self
science: growth and changes in animals
health and phys ed: individuals are unique
Dominic’s Aquarium Fiction: Narrative — Realistic Story
Cross-curricular Connections
5
Grade 2 Guided Reading (continued) Title
Level
Synopsis
Text Features
Comprehension Focus
Working With Words Focus
Oral Language and Writing Connections
LPEY Text Connections
Mr. Fix-It Fiction: Narrative – Humorous Story
K
Cal and Lucy break a lamp playing catch. After trying to fix the lamp, Cal calls his friend for help. Nat arrives with Mr. Fix-It who repairs the lamp.
Text Features: • Table of contents
Predicting Evaluating Inferring
•u sing known word parts to read unfamiliar words • using letter and picture cues to read unfamiliar words
Oral: • discussing with a group • offering an opinion Writing: • sequencing – writing events of the story • analyzing – Cal’s character • inferring – letter writing
Humour: Pete the Sheep-Sheep (RA); Coyote Sings to the Moon (RA); Aunt Maud’s Mittens (GRL: I); Ants Belong Outside (GRL: J); Kaput! (GRL: L) Problem-solving: We Can Help (GRL: C); The Lost Tooth (GRL: E); Aunt Maud’s Mittens (GRL: J); Mr. Fix-It (GRL: K); A Playground for Lisa (GRL: L); Dr. Bufflehead Explores Energy (GRL: L)
The Spider and the Honey Tree Fiction: Narrative — Folk Tale/Comic
K
This African folk tale, presented as a comic, describes how a greedy spider learns a hard lesson.
Text Features: • comic format with two frames per page • narrative text between comic frames • two different styles of type Visual Literacy: • comic-style illustrations • speech bubbles
Predicting Inferring
•u nderstanding similes • using various strategies to solve unfamiliar words • attending to word endings
Oral: • discussing in a group • dramatizing in small groups • generating similes in pairs Writing: • creating a comic
Comics: We Can Help (GRL: C); The End of the Dinosaurs (GRL: L)
Time to Blast Off! Non-fiction: Description — Invitation
K
An invitation gives details for a birthday party. Includes a map with a map key.
Text Features: • headings Visual Literacy: • map and map key • coloured type
Analyzing Making connections
• s olving content-specific words using picture cues within the text
Oral: • discussing in pairs and groups Writing: • creating an invitation
What Does Your Dog Know? Non-fiction: Procedure — Quiz/ Brochure
K
This subtly humorous brochure gives instructions for how to test what your dog knows, along with a scoring guide.
Text Features: • folded brochure format • scoring guide • quotation marks for commands • illustrations for sequence of test administration Visual Literacy: • speech bubbles
Sequencing Evaluating
•u sing context and picture cues to aid reading of unfamiliar words
Oral: • discussing in a group • discussing in pairs Writing: • persuasive paragraph
Pets: Ants Belong Outside (GRL: J); Dominic’s Aquarium (GRL: K) Procedures: Make a Dragon Puppet (in Let’s Celebrate, SR); 3–2–1 Blast Off! (SR); What Tools Does a Dentist Use? (GRL: G); Keep Us Clean (GRL: J); How to Make a Bird Feeder (GRL: L)
A Playground for Lisa Fiction: Narrative — Realistic Story
L
Lisa, who is in a wheelchair, becomes friends with Binh. Together they help their school to raise funds and design a new playground that is accessible to all students.
Text Features: • illustrated list of characters Visual Literacy: • thought bubble • italics • letter from Lisa to the principal (page 9)
Predicting Synthesizing
•u sing picture and context cues to read unfamiliar words • using picture cues and recognizing smaller words inside unfamiliar words • identifying compound words
Oral: • predicting what the book is about • sharing personal knowledge • discussing word-solving strategies • offering opinions • listening to others’ opinions • recapping the first part of the story • answering questions Writing: • letter writing • script writing
Kids with special needs: Zest for Life (GRL: J) Problem-solving: We Can Help (GRL: C); The Lost Tooth (GRL: E); Aunt Maud’s Mittens (GRL: J); Hickory’s Problem (GRL: J); Mr. Fix-It (GRL: K); Dr. Bufflehead Explores Energy (GRL: L)
© Scholastic Canada Ltd., 2014 Literacy Place for the Early Years (NL) – Grade Two
Cross-curricular Connections social studies: cultural traditions and celebrations
social studies: maps and mapping
health and phys ed: individuals are unique; friendship social studies: community action
6
Grade 2 Guided Reading (continued) Title
Level
Synopsis
Text Features
Comprehension Focus
Working With Words Focus
Oral Language and Writing Connections
LPEY Text Connections
Cross-curricular Connections
Dr. Bufflehead Explores Energy Info-fiction: Narrative — Fantasy Story
L
In this book, Dr. Bufflehead looks for a source of energy to power his mechanical wings.
Text Features: • glossary
Synthesizing Analyzing
•u sing a range of word-solving strategies to read unfamiliar words • using the glossary to find the meaning of unfamiliar words
Oral: • discussing with a group and with a partner • presenting orally • listening to others Writing: • synthesizing – creating page booklet • analyzing - recording
Problem solving: We Can Help (GRL: C); The Lost Tooth (GRL: E); Aunt Maud’s Mittens (GRL: J); Hickory’s Problem (GRL: J); Mr. Fix-It (GRL: K); A Playground for Lisa (GRL: L)
health and phys ed: individuals are unique; friendship social studies: community action
The End of the Dinosaurs: A Comic Strip Info-fiction: Explanation — Comic Strip
L
Grandaddy Cockroach tells Junior Cockroach about the days when dinosaurs ruled the earth. Grandaddy offers different explanations as to how dinosaurs became extinct.
Visual Literacy: • speech bubbles • words in capital letters
Analyzing Inferring
• s olving multi-syllabic words using a variety of strategies, including using context, visual cues, and chunking
Oral: • discussing with a group • discussing with a partner • offering an opinion Writing: • word building – creating a glossary
Explanation: How Does a Trick Candle Work? (in Let’s Celebrate, SR); What Tools Does a Dentist Use? (GRL: G); Journey of a Water Drop (GRL: N) Comics: We Can Help (GRL: C); The Spider and the Honey Tree (GRL: K)
science: air and water in the environment
Extreme Animals! Non-fiction: Description — Report
L
This non-fiction book describes the lives of animals that live in extreme conditions in Canada.
Text Features: • table of contents • headings, subheadings Visual Literacy: • labelled diagram • photographs with captions
Analyzing Evaluating
• identifying names for extreme animals • using chunking/syllabication to solve unfamiliar words
Oral: • discussing with a group • discussing with a partner • responding to questions • listening to others Writing: • recording
NF reports: Animal Defenses (RA); Crocodile (RA); Chameleons Are Cool (RA); Inuksuk (SR); All Kinds of Beetles (GRL: E); Trains (GRL: G); Whales (GRL: J); Happy New Year! (GRL: K); Dragonflies Are Amazing (GRL: O) In Canada: Ten Best Things About Canada (SR); Inuksuk (SR); Innu Culture Days (GRL: H); Inuit Still (GRL: K) Animal characteristics and behaviour: We Are Wolves (RA); Whales (GRL: J); Flying Acrobats (GRL: M); Dragonflies Are Amazing (GRL: O)
science: growth and changes in animals
How to Make a Bird Feeder Non-fiction: Procedure/ Description — Poster
L
Instructions for making a bird feeder along with information describing six birds found in various parts of Canada.
Text Features: • titles • headings • text boxes • bulleted information Visual Literacy: • detailed diagrams • inset photos and maps • bolded headings
Sequencing Making connections Analyzing Synthesizing
•u sing a range of sources to solve unfamiliar words • identifying root words
Oral: • discussing in groups and pairs • performing a Readers’ Theatre Writing: • recording answers to questions • creating a poster
Procedures: Make a Dragon Puppet (in Let’s Celebrate, SR); 3–2–1 Blast Off! (SR); What Tools Does a Dentist Use? (GRL: G); Keep Us Clean (GRL: J); What Does Your Dog Know? (GRL: K)
health and phys ed: roles and responsibilities within communities social studies: community action
Kaput! Fiction: Narrative — Humorous Story
L
Max’s grandfather comes to say good night and bedtime goes kaput. Max is the only one who can restore order before bedtime.
Text Features: • 4-page magazine story • dialogue with quotation marks Visual Literacy: • coloured initial capital letter
Self-monitoring Inferring
•u sing context to solve unfamiliar words
Oral: • discussing in groups and pairs • rereading the story with expression
Humour: Pete the Sheep-Sheep (RA); Coyote Sings to the Moon (RA); Messy Is Nice (GRL: H); Aunt Maud’s Mittens (GRL: I); Ants Belong Outside (GRL: J); Mr. Fix-It (GRL: K)
health and phys ed: roles and responsibilities in families
© Scholastic Canada Ltd., 2014 Literacy Place for the Early Years (NL) – Grade Two
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Grade 2 Guided Reading (continued) Title
Level
Synopsis
Text Features
Comprehension Focus
Working With Words Focus
Oral Language and Writing Connections
LPEY Text Connections
Cross-curricular Connections
Winter Wonderland Fiction: Description — Brochure
L
This brochure outlines all you need to know about the Winter Wonderland Park. Plan your visit using the calendar and rate schedule. Use the map to choose the activities you want to do, and plan your route.
Text Features: • headings Visual Literacy: • logo • symbols
Making connections: text to self Analyzing
•u sing context to support word recognition and meaning • using a range of word-solving strategies to work out unfamiliar words
Oral: • discussing with a group • discussing with a partner • listening to others Writing: • My Day at Winter Wonderland chart
Bill Bruin Shovels His Roof Fiction: Narrative – Fantasy Story
M
The snow that covers Bill Bruin’s roof is so heavy that his ceiling sags and he can’t open his bathroom door. If he wants a hot bubbly bath, he has to shovel the snow off his roof first.
Visual Literacy: • environmental print
Predicting Analyzing Inferring
•u sing picture cues, clusters, and context to aid in reading unfamiliar and multi-syllabic words • some challenging words
Oral: • discuss with a group and a partner • offering an opinion Writing: • sequencing – writing about events of the story • inferring/predicting – writing sentences • inferring – writing a journal entry
Friendship: Come to the PowWow (SR) Fantasy: Hickory’s Problem (GRL: J); Jurassic Kick (GRL: M)
health and phys ed: friendship
Flying Acrobats Info-fiction: Retell – Account
M
A boy observes hummingbirds in his backyard. He learns about the birds and describes them to the reader.
Visual Literacy: • labeled illustrations, diagrams, maps, and photographs • glossary • environmental print
Analyzing Evaluating
•u sing word parts, context, and picture cues to solve unfamiliar words
Oral: • discussing with a group • listening to others • describing text features • offering an opinion Writing: • analyzing – writing sentences • sequencing – recording what happened in order
Animal characteristics and behaviour: We Are Wolves (RA); Whales (GRL: J); Extreme Animals! (GRL: L); Dragonflies Are Amazing (GRL: O)
science: growth and changes in animals
Jurassic Kick Fiction: Narrative — Fantasy Story
M
A young boy wants nothing more for his summer holidays than to go to soccer camp with his friend. When his parents send him to his Uncle Maxwell’s house instead, a strange thing happens.
Visual Literacy: • italicized words • magazine cover Text Features: • table of contents • chapter headings
Predicting Analyzing Inferring
•u sing context to support word recognition • using a range of word-solving strategies to work out unfamiliar words • using a variety of strategies to solve unfamiliar words • using rereading, reading ahead, and cross-checking to read unfamiliar words
Oral: • discussing with a group • discussing with a partner Writing: • analyzing – writing an ending • sequencing – writing a timeline • word solving – idiom chart
Fantasy: Hickory’s Problem (GRL: J); Bill Bruin Shovels His Roof (GRL: M)
Feel the Beat Non-fiction: Persuasive — Brochure
N
A dance studio brochure gives information about the facility, instructors, and types of classes offered.
Text Features: • headings and subheadings • chart (schedule) • bulleted information Visual Literacy: • various fonts and bulleted text • inset photographs
Making connections Analyzing
•u sing various strategies to solve unfamiliar words
Oral: • discussing in groups and pairs • orally sharing opinions Writing: • writing a letter • designing a brochure
Sports and activities: The Hockey Game (GRL: D); Adam in Net (GRL: E); Baseball Mom (GRL: F); Justin’s New Bike (GRL: F); African Dance Class (GRL: I);
health and phys ed: being active the arts: dance
Journey of a Water Drop Info-fiction: Explanation — Account
N
This book describes the water cycle as a water drop is followed on its journey from the sky to earth and back up to the sky.
Text Features: • headings Visual Literacy: • inset illustrations • information boxes • italicized words • labelled diagram
Analyzing Predicting Synthesizing
• identifying compound words • using chunking, word parts, blending, rereading, reading ahead, cross-checking, and reading ahead to solve unfamiliar words • using context cues and illustrations to read unfamiliar words
Oral: • discussing with a group • discussing with a partner • Think/Pair/Share • retelling Writing: • writing sentences • writing a story
Explanation: How Does a Trick Candle Work? (in Let’s Celebrate, SR); What Tools Does a Dentist Use? (GRL: G); The End of the Dinosaurs (GRL: L)
science: water in the environment
© Scholastic Canada Ltd., 2014 Literacy Place for the Early Years (NL) – Grade Two
social studies: maps and mapping
8
Grade 2 Guided Reading (continued) Title
Level
Synopsis
Text Features
Comprehension Focus
Working With Words Focus
Oral Language and Writing Connections
LPEY Text Connections
Cross-curricular Connections
Dragonflies are Amazing Non-fiction: Description — Report
O
Interesting facts about dragonflies are presented through text, photographs, cartoons, and charts.
Text Features: • table of contents • headings • captions Visual Literacy: • labelled diagram (life cycle) • cartoons, illustrations, and magnified photographs
Analyzing Inferring Synthesizing
•d etermining meaning of subjectspecific words • using word parts to read unfamiliar words • breaking down compound words
Oral: • discussing with the group • listening to others • describing text features • offering an opinion Writing: • writing sentences
NF reports: Animal Defenses (RA); Crocodile (RA); Chameleons Are Cool (RA); Inuksuk (SR); All Kinds of Beetles (GRL: E); Trains (GRL: G); Whales (GRL: J); Happy New Year! (GRL: K); Extreme Animals! (GRL: L) Animal characteristics and behaviour: We Are Wolves (Ra); Whales (GRL: J); Extreme Animals! (GRL: L); Flying Acrobats (GRL: M)
hscience: growth and changes in animals; life cycles
Why Snow Is White: A Story for Holi Fiction: Narrative — Realistic/Fantasy Story
O
Suraj loves to hear his mother’s stories. In this book, Suraj’s mother tells a story about how the god of colours and how he decided to colour the world
Text Features: • pronunciation guide • a note from the author and illustrator Visual Literacy: • italicized words
Inferring Analyzing Synthesizing
•u sing a range of word-solving strategies to read unfamiliar words • using the pronunciation guide to discover how to pronounce unfamiliar vocabulary
Oral: • discussing with a group • discussing with a partner • listening to others • dramatic retelling Writing: • synthesizing: writing about the god of a color • word solving: writing words that end in “-ed”
Celebrations and traditions: Let’s Celebrate (SR); Come to the Pow-Wow (SR); Innu Culture Days (GRL: H); Happy New Year! (GRL: K)
social studies: cultural traditions
© Scholastic Canada Ltd., 2014 Literacy Place for the Early Years (NL) – Grade Two
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