Microsoft Word - 2nd_Gr. Eng._Fluency

Second Grade 0

2

nd

Grade Fluency Folder

Dear Parent(s),

We have created this Fluency Folder to help your child develop effective reading skills. Your child

will need and use this folder throughout the school year. Please keep this folder safe. It will be

your responsibility to keep this folder intact. It will not be replaced. This folder will need to be

brought to school and taken home on a daily basis. Below is a list of ways we will use this reading

folder:

1. Sight Words: These lists contain words 300 to 400 from the Fry Instant Word Lists

(1980).The students will be required to know how to read the words on each set. The daily

practice is designed to help the students build reading fluency. The students will be tested

weekly for mastery. Mastery is being able to read each word in a second (see it, say it).

The student will move on to the next set when at least 75% (20 words) has been mastered.

When the child moves into the next set please continue to review any words that have not

been mastered from the previous sets. This is part of the daily homework. Please help your

child to achieve this goal. These words may be written on sentence strips to be practiced at

home.

2. Sight Word Phrases: In addition to Sight Word Lists, there are Sight Word Phrases.

Please follow the directions indicated for Sight Word Lists. As with the Sight Word List,

please remember that the student will move on to the next set when at least 75% (20

phrases) has been mastered. When the child moves into the next set please continue to

review any phrases that have not been mastered from the previous sets. These phrases

contain the word from 300 to 400 Fry Instant Word List (1980). Repeated reading of a few

phrases per week gives students practice reading high-frequency words and developing

fluency and general proficiency. These phrases may be written on sentence strips to be

practiced at home.

3. Reading Passages: The same story will be read 3 times per evening, Monday-Thursday for

homework. Your child’s Homework Log will indicate which story is to be read each week.

a. Your child will read the 1

st

time to build accuracy. It should be timed for 1

minute. Count the number of words read correctly and record the words

per minute (wpm) in the Home Practice section.

b. Your child will read the story a 2

nd

time to practice using punctuation when

reading and to develop expression.

c. Your child will read the story a 3

rd

time to develop comprehension.

d. In addition to fluency practice, your child will answer one to two questions

per night from the passage. This will help to enhance comprehension and

vocabulary development.

We have found these reading folders to be very effective in developing reading skills. By working

together, your child will become a successful reader.

Second Grade 1

Sight Word List

(Taken from Fry Instant Word List – Third 100 Instant Words)

Set 9

earth while life

eye along always

light might those

thought close both

under begin paper

saw seem got

left next group

don’t hard

few something

Please initial and date each day that your child reads this list.

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

Second Grade 2

Sight Word List

(Taken from Fry Instant Word List – Third 100 Instant Words)

Set 10

often walk book

run white hear

until sea stop

children began without

side grow second

feet took later

car carry miss

mile state

night once

Please initial and date each day that your child reads this list.

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

Second Grade 3

Sight Word List

(Taken from Fry Instant Word List – Third-Fourth 100 Instant Words)

Set 11

idea it’s sun

eat cut fish

watch talk mark

far soon dog

really list birds

almost leave room

let family knew

above sometimes

girl stand

Please initial and date each day that your child reads this list.

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

Second Grade 4

Sight Word List

(Taken from Fry Instant Word List – Fourth 100 Instant Words)

Set 12

every top black

told ship whole

didn’t across waves

friends today reached

easy short ate

red better bag

door best bark

sure however

become hours

Please initial and date each day that your child reads this list.

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

Second Grade 5

Sight Word List

(Taken from Fry Instant Word List – Fourth 100 Instant Words)

Set 13

body music color

stand sun questions

fish area mark

dog horse birds

problem complete room

knew since piece

usually heard order

during low

happened remember

Please initial and date each day that your child reads this list.

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

Second Grade 6

Sight Word List

(Taken from Fry Instant Word List – Fourth-Fifth 100 Instant Words)

Set 14

fast south done

hold sing road

five ground halt

mop fall ten

farm king fly

pulled I’ll gave

seen wood box

cold fire

plant upon

Please initial and date each day that your child reads this list.

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

Second Grade 7

Sight Word List

(Taken from Fry Instant Word List – Fifth 100 Instant Words)

Set 15

wait rest round

quickly inside boat

became wheels game

stars stay warm

feel green bring

fact week dry

street less shape

class behind

note ran

Please initial and date each day that your child reads this list.

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

Second Grade 8

Sight Word List

(Taken from Fry Instant Word List – Fifth-Sixth 100 Instant Words)

Set 16

deep cannot test

yes six anything

yet size moon

filled dark picked

heat ball paint

full special mind

hot fine love

check pair

am can’t

Please initial and date each day that your child reads this list.

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

Second Grade 9

Fluency Phrases

(Fry Phrases Level 3)

List 9

g

o ask her

a small tree

a yellow box

you may show

a fast race

pl

ease clean this

buy a present

say thank you

they will sleep

open the letter

jump the wall

by myself

go fly high

please don’t run

a fast race

a cold day

must call today

does come back

a pretty face

little green box

for everyone

I like brown

your red c

oat

six people ran

gave a present

(Total of 75 words – contains rimes and patterns)

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

Practice in class Practice at home

M_____________ppm M_____________ppm

T_____________ppm T_____________ ppm

W____________ ppm W_____________ppm

Th____________ppm Th_____________ppm

(ppm

–

phrases per minute)

Second Grade 10

Fluency Phrases

(Fry Phrases Level 3)

List 10

the black hat

in his ear

write a letter

to try it

as for mys

elf

can no longer

those were clean

hold on tight

full of water

please carry it

eight little ducks

would you sing

food was warm

sit on the

the black dog

can you ride

hot and cold

grow the seed

do not cut

seven people came

the pretty woman

the funny mo

nkey

yes it is

as he ate

stop your car

(Total of 75 words – contains rimes and patterns)

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

Practice in class Practice at home

M_____________ppm M_____________ppm

T_____________ppm T_____________ ppm

W____________ ppm W_____________ppm

Th____________ppm Th_____________ppm

(ppm – phrases per minute)

Second Grade 11

Fluency Phrases

(Fry Phrases Level 3)

List 11

off his ship

his sister went

my happy mother

once I w

ent

he didn’t go

set the table

round and round

dress the baby

fail the test

wash the clothes

car will start

always ready to go

anything to wear

around the yard

close the door

the bedroom wall

gave some money

turn the corner

might be late

hard, long t

rail

go to bed

fine black line

along the way

sat on the chair

I hope you

(Total of 75 words – contains rimes and patterns)

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

Practice in class Practice at home

M_____________ppm M_____________ppm

T_____________ppm T_____________ ppm

W____________ ppm W_____________ppm

Th____________ppm Th_____________ppm

(ppm – phrases per minute)

Second Grade 12

Fluency Phrases

(Fry Phrases Level 3)

List 12

start the fire

ten

little boys

was an order

part was missing

the early bird

the fat cat

a third team

was the same

were in love

can you hear

yesterday he came

eyes are blue

door was open

clothes are dry

though he went

at three o’clock

second not last

water is warm

the

little town

took off his

pair of mittens

now getting dark

want to keep

head and neck

warm the food

(Total of 75 words – contains rimes and patterns)

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

Practice in class Practice at home

M_____________ppm M_____________ppm

T_____________ppm T_____________ ppm

W____________ ppm W_____________ppm

Th____________ppm Th_____________ppm

(ppm – phrases per minute)

Second Grade 13

Fluency Phrases

(Fry Phrases Level 4)

List 13

the story told miss the bus with his father

the children moved reached the land with great interest

in the government within two feet the beautiful garden

to be done the country house different from them

the bad men across the ocean a fenced yard

a winter morning a round table a bedtime story

because I’m through

sometimes I run tried to run

rode the horse something for her brought the salad

the dancing shoes

(Total of 75 words – contains rimes and patterns)

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

Practice in class Practice at home

M_____________ppm M_____________ppm

T_____________ppm T_____________ ppm

W____________ ppm W_____________ppm

Th____________ppm Th_____________ppm

(ppm

–

phrases per minute)

Second Grade 14

Fluency Phrases

(Fry Phrases Level 4)

List 14

time after time has come yet true or false

above the door still, cool water meet me at

since we started a number of please state your

does it matter draw the line did you remember

the large hen a few came hit the ball

under the cover the open window store the box

in the city are we together the bright sun

all my life across the street at the party

suit was ready

(Total of 75 words – contains rimes and patterns)

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

Practice in class Practice at home

M_____________ppm M_____________ppm

T_____________ppm T_____________ ppm

W____________ ppm W_____________ppm

Th____________ppm Th_____________ppm

(ppm – phrases per minute)

Second Grade 15

Fluency Phrases

(Fry Phrases Level 4)

List 15

said the word was almost lost he quickly thought

sent the letter receive the gift had to pay

better than nothing what I need mean to cry

spoke too late only finished half afraid to fight

was strong enough feel the fur during the storm

already had gone to one hundred for the week

walked between them hard to change being at home

care and feeding the right answer an interesting course

voted against it

(Total of 75 words – contains rimes and patterns)

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

Practice in class Practice at home

M_____________ppm M_____________ppm

T_____________ppm T_____________ ppm

W____________ ppm W_____________ppm

Th____________ppm Th_____________ppm

(ppm – phrases per minute)

Second Grade 16

Fluency Phrases

(Fry Phrases Level 4)

List 16

w

ear your coat

Mr. and Mrs.

i

n the side

t

he poor boy

l

ost his book

w

as cold outside

t

he wind

howled

Mrs. Brown said

w

e learn by

h

eld the book

t

he front door

i

t was built

i

n the family

i

t all began

c

lean air is

y

oung and old

w

as long ago

a

round the world

t

he airplane flew

w

ithout his lunch

d

o not kill

r

eady set go

p

lease stay away

w

on’t you

come

t

he paper flower

(Total of 75 words – contains rimes and patterns)

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

Practice in class Practice at home

M_____________ppm M_____________ppm

T_____________ppm T_____________ ppm

W____________ ppm W_____________ppm

Th____________ppm Th_____________ppm

(ppm – phrases per minute)

Second Grade 17

Fluency Phrases

(Fry Phrases Level 5)

List 17

hour by hour be glad that follow my directions

you have company would you believe begin at once

do you mind pass the meat try to reach

next month we at this point rest and relax

he sent it please talk louder when we want

to the bank ship the box his business is

the whole thing a short stop make certain that

was not fair give the reason it’s almost summer

fill your glass

(Total of 75 words – contains rimes and patterns)

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

Practice in class Practice at home

M_____________ppm M_____________ppm

T_____________ppm T_____________ ppm

W____________ ppm W_____________ppm

Th____________ppm Th_____________ppm

(ppm – phrases per minute)

Second Grade 18

Fluency Phrases

(Fry Phrases Level 5)

List 18

grade your paper

my big brother

r

emain there until

glass of milk

several years ago

the long war

are you able

please change it

either you come

change was less

train the dog

d

oes it cost

in the evening

sing the note

time is past

find her room

flew overhead

at his office

the cow stood

will you visit

wait in line

the teacher said

is almost spring

picture was gone

the blue bird

(Total of 75 words – contains rimes and patterns)

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

Practice in class Practice at home

M_____________ppm M_____________ppm

T_____________ppm T_____________ ppm

W____________ ppm W_____________ppm

Th____________ppm Th_____________ppm

(ppm – phrases per minute)

Second Grade 19

Fluency Phrases

(Fry Phrases Level 5)

List 19

fry an egg

on the ground

when you add

the dripping ice

a sunny afternoon

feed the sheep

the boat trip

plan his work

the question is

the biggest fish

return the gum

call him sir

would not tell

the huge hill

the wet wood

broke the car

watch for chi

ldren

left all alone

to bend low

broke her arm

dinner was cold

hair is brown

service the car

in class today

was quite short

(Total of 75 words – contains rimes and patterns)

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

Practice in class Practice at home

M_____________ppm M_____________ppm

T_____________ppm T_____________ ppm

W____________ ppm W_____________ppm

Th____________ppm Th_____________ppm

(ppm – phrases per minute)

Second Grade 20

Fluency Phrases

(Fry Phrases Level 5)

List 20

spell a word a beautiful picture the sick cat

because a teacher

will you cry finish the work

toss and catch the shiny floor a broken stick

great amounts of guess the answer paint the bridge

in the church a tall lady a treat tomorrow

ice and snow for whom the women and children

among the leaves a rocky road the farm animals

my famous cousin bread and butter gave wrong directions

the space age

(Total of 75 words – contains rimes and patterns)

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

Practice in class Practice at home

M_____________ppm M_____________ppm

T_____________ppm T_____________ ppm

W____________ ppm W_____________ppm

Th____________ppm Th_____________ppm

(ppm – phrases per minute)

Second Grade 21

Riding the Bus to School 2.1

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

I ride a big yellow bus to school. I stand on the corner of our

street with my friends and we wait for the bus. My friend’s

grandma waits with us. When it’s raining, she holds an umbrella

to keep us dry. Sometimes when it’s cold she brings us hot

chocolate.

I leave my house to walk to the bus stop after my parents go

to work. I watch the clock so I know when to leave. Sometimes

mom phones me from her office to remind me. Sometimes she

can’t call, so I have to be sure to watch the time.

Our bus driver puts his flashing yellow lights on and then

stops right next to us. When he has stopped he turns the red

lights on so all the cars will stop. He makes sure we are all

sitting down before he starts to go. He watches out for us very

carefully.

My friends and I are the first ones to be picked up by the bus.

We like to sit right behind the bus driver and watch while he

picks up all the other kids. We know where everyone lives. By

the time we get to our school, the bus is almost full. Sometimes

the kids get noisy and the driver has to remind us to keep it

down. He says their noise makes it hard for him to concentrate

and drive safely. I am glad that our bus driver is so careful.

15

27

38

50

51

65

78

89

101

112

125

139

152

153

168

181

193

206

220

232

245

Practice in class Practice at home

M_____________ M_____________

T_____________ T_____________

W____________ W_____________

Th____________ Th_____________

Second Grade 22

Riding the Bus to School 2.1 Use Complete Sentences

Monday:

What does the grandma do when it is

raining?

The reader can tell that the friend’s grandma

cares about them because…….?

Tuesday:

What does the student do after his parents go to

work?

How does he know when to leave?

Wednesday:

What will probably happen if the student’s

mother does not call, and he forgets to

watch the time?

Why does the bus driver turn the red lights

on?

Thursday:

The reader can tell that the bus driver watches

out for them because…….?

What word or words in paragraph four help the

reader know what concentrate means?

Second Grade 23

Twins 2.2

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

Six years ago my family grew from two people to four

people in one day. That was the day my sister and I were born.

That was the day Mom and Dad had to start buying two of

everything. My mom and dad say we were much more than

twice the work of one baby. They also said we gave back more

than twice as much love and fun.

We look just alike because we are identical twins, but we

don’t act just the same. My sister likes peas and beans and I hate

them. I like grape juice and she likes apple juice. She likes to

read. I would rather climb a tree than read a book.

Mom and Dad are the only ones who can tell us apart when

we dress the same. They know the secret. I have a mole on my

ear and my sister doesn’t. We look so much alike that we can

even fool Grandma and Grandpa.

It’s nice to be a twin sometimes. We always have someone

our own age who will share our secrets. Sometimes we don’t

want to share everything. Sometimes it is nice to have my mom

or my toys all to myself. Dad says we aren’t really that much

alike because no person is exactly like anyone else.

11

25

38

49

62

69

80

94

107

118

131

145

158

163

174

185

197

210

219

Practice in class Practice at home

M_____________ M_____________

T_____________ T_____________

W____________ W_____________

Th____________ Th_____________

Second Grade 24

Twins 2.2 Use Complete Sentences

Monday:

Why did the family grow from two to four

people in one day?

Write a summary for paragraph one.

Tuesday:

What does mom say about how much work

twins are?

What do they give back?

Wednesday:

Which sentence in paragraph two shows

that the twins are not identical in every

way?

How are the twins not alike?

Thursday:

How do the twins feel about being twins?

What words in paragraph two help the reader

know what identical means?

Second Grade 25

Open House at My School 2.3

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

We had open house at my school last week. My whole family

went: my mom, my grandma, and I. We sat together at my table

in my room. It was a tight squeeze for my mom and grandma,

but they made it. My class has second and third graders in it.

Some of my friends were there and their families came, too. My

best friend was there. His stepfather and mother sat with him at

his table. They took up the whole table because his little brother

came along. I waved at him.

My other friend and her big sister came, too. Their family

had two classes to visit at the same time because her brother goes

to my school, too. Her mom went to her brother’s room, and her

big sister came to her room.

I like my teacher a lot. Our room looked really nice. Our

teacher had been saving all of our best penmanship and

drawings. They were hung all over the walls. My grandmother

could tell right away which ones were mine. She used to be an

artist. She says I take after her.

My teacher told all the parents how important it is for them

to make sure we do our homework. He said anytime they have

questions about us they can talk to him. Afterwards he talked to

my mom and me. He said what a good job I was doing and my

mom gave me a big hug when we left.

12

25

38

51

63

75

87

93

104

117

130

136

148

158

168

181

188

200

212

224

239

248

Practice in class Practice at home

M_____________ M_____________

T_____________ T_____________

W____________ W_____________

Th____________ Th_____________

Second Grade 26

Open House at My School 2.3 Use Complete Sentences

Monday:

When was the open house?

Why was it a “tight squeeze” for mom and

grandma?

Tuesday:

In paragraph three what does the word

penmanship mean?

You can tell that the author likes art and is good

at it because?

Wednesday:

How does the student feel about his

teacher?

How can you tell that the teacher is

interested in his students?

Thursday:

How do you think the student felt at the end of

the evening?

What makes you think that?

Second Grade 27

Colors of the Rainbow 2.4

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

I decided my favorite color is the rainbow. It has all the

colors in it: red, yellow, blue, green, and purple. They are all my

favorite colors. How could I ever choose just one?

Red makes me feel like smiling. I love red cards and shiny

red apples. My favorite type of candy is a red gum drop. My

favorite flower is a red rose. I’m happy when I get to see a red

sunset.

Blue makes me feel like taking a nap. My bed is fluffy blue

and white with clouds all over it. I love the blue sky and ocean.

Blue bubble gum is the best flavor of ice cream.

Yellow makes me feel like jumping rope. I love the sun in

summer and the full moon in the fall. Our meadow is full of

yellow flowers that dance in the breeze. Applesauce is one of my

favorite treats, and it is kind of yellow. Fuzzy yellow ducklings

always make me laugh.

Green makes me feel like climbing a tree. I love playing in

the grass and the fields. Green gummy bears and pears are my

special snacks. My favorite place to go is a park filled with trees

and grass.

Purple makes me feel like eating grapes. I use my purple

crayon so much it is almost gone. My favorite backpack is

purple, too. Whenever anyone asks me what my favorite color is,

I tell them it is a rainbow.

12

25

34

46

59

74

75

88

102

112

124

137

149

160

164

176

188

201

203

214

225

236

243

Practice in class Practice at home

M_____________ M_____________

T_____________ T_____________

W____________ W_____________

Th____________ Th_____________

Second Grade 28

Colors of the Rainbow 2.4 Use Complete Sentences

Monday:

What sentence or sentences in paragraph

two helps the reader know how the student

feels about the color red?

List the red items that the author likes?

Tuesday:

Why is the “rainbow” the student’s favorite

color?

What word or words in paragraph one help the

reader know what a rainbow is?

Wednesday:

Paragraph four is mostly about….?

In paragraph three what word means the

opposite of best?

Thursday:

Which color makes the character feel like

climbing a tree?

Which color makes the character feel like

eating grapes?

Second Grade 29

The Wind Has a Job to Do 2.5

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

I learned that the wind is important for more than flying kites

or making our wind chime make music. Without the wind, our

world wouldn’t have any people, food, or animals. Wind moves

the heat from the sun all around the planet. Without the wind,

about half of the earth would be too hot for any living thing.

Most of the rest of the earth would be too cold. In fact, most of

our country would be under ice.

Wind is useful to all living things. It brings moisture up from

the oceans into the air. Then the wind blows the moisture

around. The moisture falls as rain, dew, or snow and ice.

Many plants and trees depend on the wind. The wind helps

them spread their seeds to new places. Wind also blows pollen

around so trees, grass, and grains can ripen. Without the wind,

farmers couldn’t grow corn or wheat. Bees help the wind spread

pollen. Their job is to fly from blossom to blossom with pollen

on their feet and wings.

You can see for yourself how the wind spreads seeds. The

next time you see a yellow dandelion that has turned into a white

puffball, blow it. Or, if you find a maple tree seed with wings

that looks like a helicopter, throw it. You’ll see all of the seeds

go flying and you will be helping the wind do its job.

12

23

33

45

58

73

79

91

102

113

124

135

146

157

169

174

185

198

211

224

236

Practice in class Practice at home

M_____________ M_____________

T_____________ T_____________

W____________ W_____________

Th____________ Th_____________

Second Grade 30

The Wind has a Job to Do 2.5 Use Complete Sentences

Monday:

I learned that the wind is important for

more that flying kites or making our wind

chime make music. Is this sentence from

paragraph one a fact or an opinion?

What word or words in the sentence help

you to decide?

Tuesday:

From paragraph one, give two examples of how

the wind makes it possible for us to live on

earth.

What happens before moisture falls as rain

dew, or snow and ice?

Wednesday:

In what way are plants and trees dependent

on the wind?

In what two ways is pollen spread from

plant to plant?

Thursday:

What is it about the seeds in paragraph four that

makes it possible for the wind to blow them

around?

What word in paragraph four means the

opposite of grab?

Second Grade 31

Writing My Life Story 2.6

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

Today our teacher said we would each write a story. She said

if we wanted we could draw pictures to go with it. I decided to

write my life story. I started with the night I was born. I drew a

picture of me as a tiny baby. I wrote about what my first words

were and how I liked to play.

When I was little I was always making tall towers. My

grandfather said he thought I would build hotels when I grew up.

I drew a picture of me playing with my blocks.

I also liked to ride my scooter and swing on the swings in the

park. I drew pictures of me on my scooter and a picture of my

dad pushing me on the swing. The next picture is of me licking

an ice cream cone and getting it all over me. I still love chocolate

ice cream.

Then I wrote about my first day at school. I wrote about how

I cried and cried because I didn’t want my mother to leave me. I

made a drawing of me with a sad face. The last page is about my

last birthday party. I drew of picture of me blowing out the

candles on my birthday cake. There are six candles and I blew

them all out.

12

26

41

55

62

73

85

95

109

123

136

150

152

165

179

194

206

218

221

Practice in class Practice at home

M_____________ M_____________

T_____________ T_____________

W____________ W_____________

Th____________ Th_____________

Second Grade 32

Writing My Life Story 2.6 Use Complete Sentence

Monday:

Why does the author begin his/her story

with the night he/she was born?

What did he write about after he drew the

picture of him/herself as a tiny baby?

Tuesday:

What leads the grandfather to believe that

he/she will one day build hotels?

Which sentence for the story shows how he/she

feels about ice cream?

Wednesday:

I also liked to ride my scooter and swing on

the swing in the park? Rewrite this sentence

using a synonym for the word liked.

What is paragraph three mostly about?

Thursday:

Which sentence in paragraph four shows how

he/she felt about his/her first day of school?

How old is the main character? How can you

tell?

Second Grade 33

I’m a Good Babysitter 2.7

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

When I turned twelve years old I got to babysit for the first

time. My aunt asked my parents if I could babysit my cousin. My

aunt and uncle wanted to go to the movies. They said they would

pay me! My cousin is two and still wears diapers. She knows me

pretty well because my mother and my aunt are sisters. We

spend a lot of weekends together and we live in the same town.

My parents talked it over and said yes. My uncle picked me

up after supper and took me to their house. My cousin was

waiting at the door. She was ready for bed and wearing her

slippers. My aunt told me when to change her and put her in bed.

My aunt said we could both have graham crackers and apple

juice for a snack and that my cousin loved bedtime stories. She

gave me her cell phone number in case I had a problem. Mom

called me about three times while I was babysitting. She said it

was to make sure I was doing okay.

My cousin didn’t even cry when her mom and dad drove

away. I read her ‘Goodnight, Moon,’ and ‘Pat the Bunny.’ I

washed her face and changed her. She didn’t even cry when I put

her in bed. Once my aunt called to see if everything was all right.

I just watched TV until they came home. I think babysitting is

fun and I hope my aunt asks me again.

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Second Grade 34

I’m a Good Babysitter 2.7 Use Complete Sentences

Monday

Why do the main character’s aunt and uncle

need a babysitter?

What can you tell from the first paragraph

about how the main character feels about

babysitting?

Tuesday

What happened right before he/she saw his/her

cousin waiting at the door?

Why did the aunt give him/her, her cell phone

number?

Wednesday

This story takes place at____.

My uncle picked me up after supper and

took me to their house. What is a synonym

for supper in this sentence?

Thursday:

What sentence in paragraph four helps the

reader know that the baby cousin was not upset

when her parents left?

How does the main character feel at the end of

the story? Do you think she will want to baby

sit in the future?

Second Grade 35

Playing Shuffleboard With Grandpa 2.8

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

There is a shuffleboard court where my grandpa lives. Most

of the men there play shuffleboard. Grandpa likes to play and

sometimes he takes me with him. He says I can be his partner

anytime. Grandpa is a very good player and often wins.

Shuffleboard is played on a very smooth walk. Grandpa

waxes the walk before a game. Each player uses a long stick to

push disks down the walk. You try to get the disks into spaces

marked with numbers. You can get seven, eight, or ten points.

You can lose ten points if your disk lands in the wrong section.

You have to be very careful about how you push the disks.

Grandpa taught me how to play shuffleboard when I was

five. He says the secret to playing well is to push the disk very

smoothly. If you push too fast, the disk goes much too far. If you

jerk the stick, it goes off the side of the court.

Last week there was a special family day at my grandpa’s

place. There were contests and games for people to play.

Grandpa said I could be his partner in shuffleboard. We got the

most points of any of the other teams and won a blue ribbon.

Grandpa says I’m the shuffleboard champ of all time.

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Second Grade 36

Playing Shuffleboard With Grandpa 2.8 Use Complete Sentences

Monday

What in paragraph one lets the reader know

that shuffleboard is a popular game where

the grandpa lives?

What words in paragraph one help the

reader know what shuffleboard means?

Tuesday

Why is it important that the surface of the

playing area be smooth?

How is it possible to lose ten points in

shuffleboard?

Wednesday

What is the secret to playing shuffleboard

well?

What is paragraph three mostly about?

Thursday:

Why do you think grandpa allowed him/her to

be his partner?

What word in paragraph two means about the

same thing as flat?

Second Grade 37

I Want to Fly in Space 2.9

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

When I grow up I want to fly in space. I have my plan all

worked out. First I will go to college and then I am going to

learn how to fly planes. I will fly very fast planes that can go

faster than the speed of sound. When I can fly planes very well, I

will learn how to fly space ships.

I will get to wear a silvery space suit and live inside a space

ship. I will be inside the space ship when we blast into space.

When I am up in space, I will watch the sun and moon come up

every day. I will be so close to the stars that I can count them.

Maybe I will see other space ships and wave as they go by. I will

float around whenever I want. It will be just like flying.

I will get to put on my space suit and walk in space. When I

look down I will see the green and blue earth far below. I might

even be able to see where I live. I will be on TV to describe what

I see. The whole world will be watching and listening to me.

When we get to the moon, I will walk all across the surface.

It will be dusty and crunchy. I will pick up samples of moon

rocks to bring back. I want to drive all over the moon in a little

moon buggy. I will plant the flag on the moon. I might even see

some little green aliens running around. I can’t wait to fly in

space.

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Second Grade 38

I Want to Fly in Space 2.9 Use Complete Sentences

Monday

What does the main character say he will do

right after he goes to college?

In paragraph one what goal is he/she

working towards?

Tuesday

What word or words in paragraph three help the

reader know what describe means?

How will the main character feel if he is able to

accomplish what he says he will at the end of

the story?

Wednesday

What does the main character believe he/she

will be able to do because of the closeness

of the stars?

What word in paragraph three means the

opposite of above?

Thursday:

The author wrote this story most likely

to…….?

What is paragraph four mostly about?

Second Grade 39

The New Bookstore 2.10

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

Grandma said, “I want to take you and your sister to the new

bookstore at the mall.” She picked us up from school and drove

us to the mall. The bookstore is huge. There are books on pets,

gardens, hobbies, and travel. There are rows of magazines and

papers. There are tapes, videos, greeting cards, and calendars.

The new bookstore is so big it even has a place to get

something to eat. We asked Grandma if we could have a snack.

She said that we could have cookies and juice. Grandma had

coffee.

Grandma wanted to look at the cookbook section. She

showed us where she would be. Then she took us to the

children’s corner. It was perfect for us. There were pillows and

stuffed toys everywhere. The tables and chairs were all our size.

There were more books than I had ever seen in one place. It was

even bigger than the library. My sister started looking at picture

books. I found books about magic tricks.

Grandma found us and said she was almost ready to go. She

said because we were so good we could each pick out a book to

buy. My sister got When You Give a Mouse a Cookie. I got a

book about secret magic tricks.

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Second Grade 40

The New Bookstore 2.10 Use Complete Sentences

Monday

In paragraph one what word is the opposite

of small?

List the types of media can be found at the

bookstore?

Tuesday

Where is the bookstore?

What other activities can they do at the

bookstore?

Wednesday

What does the main character believe he/she

will be able to do because of the closeness

of the stars?

How can you tell that the children’s corner

is meant to be used by children?

Thursday:

What kind of books most interest the main

character?

What information in paragraph four helps the

reader know how the children in the story

behave?

Second Grade 41

We Celebrate Kwanzaa 2.11

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

One holiday celebrated by African Americans is Kwanzaa.

Kwanzaa means a gathering time like Thanksgiving. It means

not only the gathering of foods for the winter, but also the

gathering of family. It began in Africa many years ago. The

holiday reminds us of the way of life of the first African

Americans.

In America, houses are decorated in black, red, and green for

Kwanzaa. Black stands for the color of the people. Red reminds

us of our struggle. Green is for Africa and hope. Seven candles

are on the table, one for each rule for how to live. An ear of corn

for each child in the family is on the table. Everyone wears

colorful African clothes.

The party lasts for seven days, from the day after Christmas

to New Years’ day. We do not eat during the day. Every night

we feast and light a new candle. For dinner we have chicken and

catfish. We add greens, black-eyed peas and corn bread. For

dessert we have sweet potato pie and carrot cake. After dinner

we play music and dance.

Kwanzaa is also a time for older family members to tell

stories. We remember those who have lived before us. On the

sixth night we give presents to each other. Kwanzaa is a very

special time for our family.

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Second Grade 42

We Celebrate Kwanzaa 2.11 Use Complete Sentences

Monday

What is the purpose of the African

American holiday of Kwanzaa?

On what continent did Kwanzaa begin?

Tuesday

List below what the colors black, red, and green

each stand for in Kwanza celebrations?

What is the purpose of the seven candles?

Wednesday

What is paragraph two mostly about?

What word in paragraph three means about

the same as celebration?

Thursday:

What sentence in paragraph three helps the

reader know that everyone is hungry by dinner

time?

What is it about Kwanza that is special for

older family members?

Second Grade 43

When Grandpa and I Garden 2.12

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

When I visit Grandpa he lets me help him in his garden.

Grandpa says I have a green thumb. I don’t know why he says

that because my hands always get dark brown from the dirt.

We made a space in his garden just for me to grow things.

We pulled up the weeds and made the dirt smooth and flat.

Grandpa showed me how to use a hoe. He let me pick seeds to

plant. I like to eat radishes and carrots so I wanted to plant those.

I have one row of each. Grandpa likes strawberries so he grows

those. He said I could eat some anytime I want.

Together we planted four rows of corn and two rows of

beans. Grandpa also planted potatoes and squash. The plants are

starting to come up now. At first they were so tiny I could hardly

see them. When the days warmed up, the plants shot up like

weeds. Now the strawberries are turning red.

It’s a lot of work having a garden. We have to keep it

watered and pull the weeds. We have to watch out for bugs and

slugs. All the work is worth it when the strawberries are ready to

pick. We have strawberry short cake for dessert with fresh ripe

strawberries from the garden!

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Second Grade 44

When Grandpa and I Garden 2.12 Use Complete Sentences

Monday

Why is the main character confused by his

grandpa saying that he/she has a “green

thumb”?

What did they do to prepare the small space

for the main character to grow things?

Tuesday

Why did the main character plant radishes and

carrots?

What word in paragraph three means the

opposite of big?

Wednesday

List all the crops planted in paragraph

three?

What sentence in paragraph three tells the

reader how the plants grew?

Thursday:

Why is it a lot of work to have garden?

What is the end reward of growing

strawberries?

Second Grade 45

Going to the Swimming Pool 2.13

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

On a hot summer day there’s nothing I like better than going

to the pool. Besides cooling off in the water, there are lots of

things to do. I can swim laps or have races with my friends. I can

do a cannonball when I jump in. I like to jump in with a big

splash when my friends are not looking so I get them all wet.

Sometimes I pretend I’m a giant whale, and sometimes we play

games like water tag.

There are water slides at the pool, too. One slide is very tall

and crooked. It tosses you out in the water when you get to the

bottom. The other slide is wide and you can go down it with

your friends.

I like the wave pool the best. My friends and I watch for the

big waves to come our way. We body surf on top of the wave

and let it move us across the pool. Sometimes my friend and I

get on a raft and wait for the wave to push us. Sometimes we just

float along when the waves come.

You can have a great time if you just remember the rules: no

running and no pushing anyone into the water. Mom has her own

rule. She says we should always remember to wear our

sunscreen to protect our skin.

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Second Grade 46

Going to the Swimming Pool 2.13 Use Complete Sentences

Monday

Why does the main character like to jump in

when friends are not looking?

What is the setting of this story?

Tuesday

Why is it possible to go down only one slide

with your friends?

What word or words in paragraph one help the

reader know what pretend means?

Wednesday

Why do the main character and friends

enjoy the wave pool?

What should you do if you want to have a

great time?

Thursday:

What is paragraph four mostly about?

What word in paragraph four means about the

same as guard?

Second Grade 47

I’m Adopted 2.14

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

My mother and father wanted me so much they adopted me.

They said there were already too many children without homes.

They wanted to make a family with a child who needed a home

so they started looking for a baby girl to adopt.

They said they didn’t care what she looked like or what

country she came from. All they cared about was that she was

healthy and that she needed a family to love her. They searched

for just the right little girl who needed a home. Finally, they

found her.

It just so happened that I was that little girl. My mother and

father found me when I was three months old. They said when

they saw me it was love at first sight. They could tell I loved

them, too, so they took me home and made me their little girl. I

don’t remember it ever being any different.

Last year we decided it would be nice to add a little brother

to our family. We looked and looked for a little boy who needed

a family. It took a long time for everything to be arranged, but

now I have a little brother. He isn’t big enough to play with yet,

but he likes to be held and walked. I think he likes me already.

We are a pretty special family.

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Second Grade 48

I’m Adopted 2.14 Use Complete Sentences

Monday

List two reasons why the girl’s mother and

father wanted to adopt a child?

What word or words in paragraph one help

the reader know what the word adopt

means?

Tuesday

In paragraph two what helps the reader know

that the parents did not care about anything

except having a healthy child?

What in paragraph three tells the reader how

the parents felt the first time they saw the little

girl?

Wednesday

Has the main character always felt like her

adopted parent’s daughter?

By the end of the story, is the main

character an only child?

Thursday:

What is paragraph four mostly about?

Why did the author probably write this story?

Second Grade 49

Going to a Play 2.15

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

I went to the play “The Princess and the Pea” with my

friends. The play was performed at the King Theater. Our seats

were in the front row. When the play was about to begin, the

lights were turned down low. When the curtain opened and the

stage lights came on, we could see a castle in the clouds on the

stage. Then people walked out on the stage.

Sitting in the front row was fun. We could see everything

that was happening on the stage. All the actors were so close to

us we could see the makeup on their faces. Even the men and

boys wore makeup. We could watch some of the people behind

the curtain as they moved the lights or prepared to go on stage.

At the end of the first act, about halfway through the play,

the actors took a break. The lights came on and we got up from

our seats. We walked out to the lobby to have punch and

cookies. When the lights were turned down again we hurried

back to our seats. When the curtain opened for the second act,

we saw the woods and gardens around the castle.

Everyone clapped when the play was over. The actors came

out on stage and bowed. I took my program up to the stage so the

actors could sign it. They asked if we liked the play. We said we

liked it very much.

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Second Grade 50

Going to a Play 2.15 Use Complete Sentences

Monday

What happened right after the curtain

opened?

Why is it fun it sit in the front row?

Tuesday

What are the people behind the curtain doing?

What word in paragraph three means about the

same as rushed?

Wednesday

What did the main character do while the

actors were taking a break?

Write a summary for paragraph 3.

Thursday:

What in paragraph four helps the reader know

that the audience enjoyed the play?

How does the main character feel at the end of

the story? How can you tell?

Second Grade 51

Going to the Movies at Home 2.16

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

I love going to the movies. My favorite place to go to a

movie is not at the theater, though. My family doesn’t like to go

to the theater. Mom says we have to plan ahead so we don’t miss

the first part of the movie. Dad says we have to hunt for a

parking place. My big brother says if we are late we have to take

the worst seats. My sister says it’s too noisy.

The favorite place for my family to see movies is at home.

We don’t have to find a parking place. We have the best seats in

the house, our big soft couch. We can even lie on the floor on

pillows if we want to. We don’t even have to wear shoes.

We can watch a movie anytime we want. Even our dog,

Boots, can watch the movies with us. Sometimes I can invite my

friend or my cousin over. The popcorn is free at home and we

can have all the seconds we want.

Sometimes Mom and Dad let me pick out the movie with

their help. We go to the video store and rent it for the night or the

weekend. On special nights Mom and Dad let me rent two

movies. Dad makes the popcorn and we all get comfortable in

the family room. I love going to the movies.

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Second Grade 52

Going to the Movies at Home 2.16 Use Complete Sentences

Monday

List the reasons the family does not like

going to the movies?

Why is it better to see a movie at home?

Tuesday

What in paragraph two lets the reader know

that they must wear shoes at the movie theater?

What are the best seats in the house?

Wednesday

In paragraph three how much does popcorn

cost?

Write a summary for paragraph 3.

Thursday:

What happens on special nights?

How does the main character feel about going

to the movies at home? How can you tell?

Second Grade 53

I Want to Be a Police Officer 2.17

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

I decided I wanted to be a police officer the day two officers

came to our school. They brought a police dog that is a member

of their team. They told us all about their jobs and how the police

dog works with them. They said the police spend more time

helping people than anything else. They go wherever there is a

problem and they try to help.

The police dog is an important part of the team. A trained

dog can find missing people after smelling their clothes. He can

help find people who are lost in the woods and he can lead

them out. The officer said that police dogs work hard but they

like to play when they can.

We were allowed to play with the police dog when he was at

our school. We played hide the ball. We tried to find the best

place in the playground to hide the ball. The police dog tried to

find the ball using only his nose. He gave us a big wag of his tail

when he found it.

When a police dog is working, he is very serious and doesn’t

play around. He listens carefully to the commands he is given

and he starts work right away. He doesn’t care about playing

because he knows he has a job to do. I want to be a police officer

when I grow up so I can help people, too. Maybe I’ll be able to

work with a police dog someday.

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Second Grade 54

I Want to be a Police Officer 2.17 Use Complete Sentences

Monday

When did the main character first want to be

a police officer?

What in paragraph one helps the reader

know that the police spend most of their

time doing one thing?

Tuesday

Some police officers have an unusual partner,

what is he?

What in paragraph two helps the reader know

that a trained dog doesn’t have to see people to

find them?

Wednesday

What are some of the things a police dog

can do that a regular police officer could

not?

How did the police dog find the ball?

Thursday:

What word in paragraph three means the

opposite of worst?

Write a summary for paragraph four.

Second Grade 55

If I Had a Cat 2.18

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

If I had a cat, I’d name her Princess. I’d treat her just like a

princess. She would wear a gold ribbon with a big bow around

her neck. She’d sleep on a red velvet pillow. She’d eat out of a

fancy dish just like that white cat on TV.

My cat Princess would have green eyes. Her eyes would be

narrow slits most of the time. Her eyes would be as wide as

marbles whenever she looked at me. She would like me the very

best of all the people in the world.

I can’t have a cat because I have allergies. When I touch a cat

my nose starts itching. If I touch my face after touching a cat, my

eyes swell up. Sometimes I have trouble breathing. My mom has

to give me medicine when that happens. If I’m at school when I

have trouble breathing I have to go to the office and see the

nurse.

Our neighbor has a cat named Gray Kitty. Gray Kitty likes

me. He always comes up and rubs my legs. Even if I don’t touch

him I might start itching. I feel bad that I have to run away from

Gray Kitty, because he likes me.

One day our neighbor surprised me. She gave me a cat of my

own! Not a real live cat, but a stuffed one. She has silky fur and

big green eyes and a gold ribbon with a big bow around her

neck. I named her Princess and I can hold her all I want.

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Second Grade 56

If I Had a Cat 2.18 Use Complete Sentences

Monday

What in paragraph one helps the reader

know how the main character thinks a

princess should be treated?

Why does the main character think the cats

eyes “would be as wide as marbles” when it

looks at him/her?

Tuesday

What in paragraph three helps the reader know

why the main character can’t have a cat?

What does the main character do if he/she has

trouble breathing at school?

Wednesday

Write a summary of paragraph three?

In paragraph four what helps the reader

know how the main character feels about

not being able to play with Gray Kitty?

Thursday:

How was the main character finally able to play

with a cat?

Why is If I Had a Cat a good title for this

story?

Second Grade 57

Riding the Elevator 2.19

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

Today I got to go as high as a tall, tall mountain, but I wasn’t

outside and I didn’t climb a trail to get there. I was inside all the

time because I was riding in an elevator that went up almost a

mile high. I went with my mother to visit her friend. Her friend

works in a building that is 44 stories tall.

We took a taxi downtown to the building. We went inside

and looked for the elevator. When we got on, there were four

other people already on it. Everyone pushed a button for the

floor they wanted. My mother pressed the button for the 44th

floor.

The elevator started going up. The other people all got off by

the tenth floor and we were the only ones left. The elevator

moved so fast I had to hold on to the bar. My mom held my hand

and smiled at me.

“Isn’t this exciting?” she asked. I nodded but my tummy felt

funny. It felt like I needed to eat lunch. My ears felt funny also.

My mom said it was because we had gone up so high that the air

pressure was different. Finally the elevator slowed and stopped.

“We’re here,” said mom. While we were up so high we

visited the observation deck. There was quite a view. It felt like

we could see all the way to the next state. My mom’s friend says

when there is a storm it is really exciting to watch.

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Second Grade 58

Riding the Elevator 2.19 Use Complete Sentences

Monday

In paragraph one what helps the reader

know that an elevator ride can be like

mountain climbing?

The main character grabs the rail on the

elevator because…?

Tuesday

When everybody else gets off, the elevator

speeds up. Why?

How did the main character and his/her mother

get downtown?

Wednesday

Why does the mother smile at the main

character in paragraph three?

What word in paragraph four means the

opposite of exciting?

Thursday:

What words in paragraph five let the reader

know what an “observation deck” is?

What is paragraph four mainly about?

Second Grade 59

My Friend from Korea 2.20

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

It all started last year. Our class decided to find a pen pal

from another country. I chose a girl my age from Korea. I wrote

to her and she wrote back! We found out we like a lot of the

same things. We both like our family. I told her all about my

little brother and how he makes me laugh. She told me about her

big sister who takes her on the bus to the movies.

We sent each other our picture and described where we live.

As we wrote more and more letters I learned about her and she

learned about me. We both like to eat, and dessert is our favorite

part. The food we eat is very different, though. Even the desserts

are different. Her favorite is Korean pear. My favorite is

strawberry ice cream.

My parents took me to the Asian Festival so I could sample

different Korean foods. I liked most of them. I liked the soups

with noodles in them the best. My friend said she tried some

American foods. She liked pizza but didn’t like hot dogs.

We like to spend time learning about each other. My friend is

teaching me to count and to write my name. I am teaching her

the days of the week. I was surprised that her favorite song was

the same as my favorite song. I hope we are able to meet in

person someday.

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Second Grade 60

My Friend Is From Korea 2.20 Use Complete Sentences

Monday

Why does the main character begin to write

to the Korean girl?

Where do the two pen pals live?

Tuesday

What word or words in paragraph one let the

reader know what a “pen pal” is?

What do the two pen pals have in common?

Wednesday

What do the main character’s parents do to

help him/her become more familiar with

Korean things?

How can the reader tell that the two pen

pals know what each other looks like?

Thursday:

How do you think the two pen pals feel about

each other?

What was the main character surprised to find

out? Why do you think he/she was surprised?

Second Grade 61

A Present for Me 2.21

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

I wanted to take my stepmother out to dinner for her birthday

and pay for our dinner with my own money. I wanted it to be a

surprise and I wanted it to be just from me. The problem was, I

didn’t have any money!

I went out to try to find ways to earn money. The lady who

lives in the apartment upstairs said she wanted to get rid of all

her empty soda cans and bottles. She said I could keep the

money for the deposit if I took all of the cans and bottles back to

the store. It took me five trips, but I got them all taken back to

the store.

The man in the apartment downstairs said I could walk his

dog after supper every night for two weeks. Our neighbor lady

said she could use some help putting out the trash and getting rid

of old newspapers. One lady in our building said she would like

some help with her groceries, but she couldn’t afford to pay me.

I helped her anyway. She said she would give me some flowers

to give to my stepmother.

The day before her birthday I asked Mom if she would go on

a date with me for dinner. She was surprised when I paid for the

dinner with the money I had earned. She made me tell her where

I had gotten the money. Then she gave me a big hug and said it

was the best birthday present ever. I think she liked the flowers

the best of all.

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Second Grade 62

A Present for Me 2.21 Use Complete Sentences

Monday:

Why does he want to earn money?

What is the first thing he does to earn

money?

Tuesday:

How did the stepmother probably feel at the

end of the story?

How can you tell?

Wednesday:

What word from paragraph 2 means the

opposite of give?

What is paragraph three mostly about?

Thursday:

What are three things the boy did to raise

money for his stepmother’s birthday dinner?

What happened right after the neighbor said she

could not afford to pay him to help her with her

groceries?

Second Grade 63

The Olympic Games 2.22

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

Our whole family watched the Olympics last summer. We

didn’t have to travel anywhere to see the games. We watched

them on TV in our family room.

The Olympics are held every four years. There is both a

summer Olympics and a winter Olympics. My favorite sports in

the summer are swimming and track and field. In the winter, my

favorites are sledding and ice skating. The skaters are so skilled

that they make skating look easy, even though it isn’t. I like to

watch their jumps and spins.

The athletes who come in first, second, and third place

receive medals. First place is gold and second place is silver. The

third place medal is bronze. When they get their medals, the

athletes stand beneath their country’s flag. His or her country’s

song is played for everyone to hear.

The Olympic Games have been around for two hundred years.

They began with only one race. The games soon grew to last

five days and more sports were added. The Olympics had

strange rules at first. One rule was that only men could be in

the games or even watch.

Today, both women and men take part in over twenty

different sports. The athletes come from all around the world.

The games always open with a parade and the lighting of the

Olympic flame from a burning torch. Teams of runners carry the

torch from the site of the first games all the way to the country

hosting the games.

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Second Grade 64

The Olympic Games 2.22 Use Complete Sentences

Monday:

How long have there been Olympic Games?

Make a list of the food at the party?

Tuesday:

Below are two sentences from the story. Circle

the sentence that is an opinion.

There is both a summer and a winter Olympic.

I like to watch their jumps and spins.

What word or words in the sentence you chose

make it an opinion?

Wednesday:

How are the Olympics different today than

they were in the beginning?

What happens before the Olympic Torch

can be lighted at the opening of the Olympic

Games?

Thursday:

Why did the author probably write this story?

Which word or words from paragraph two help

the reader know what skilled means?

Second Grade 65

Mother’s Day 2.23

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

My stepfather and I surprised Mom on Mother’s Day. We

got up very early in the morning and fixed her breakfast. We

planned the surprise the day before. We went to the grocery store

and bought food and real flowers to make the breakfast special.

We decided to bake waffles and serve them with fresh

strawberries and whipped cream. We know Mom likes

strawberry waffles because she had them once when we went out

for breakfast.

We told Mom to sleep in as long as she wanted. We said,

“When you wake up, just knock on the kitchen door but don’t

come into the kitchen.”

I washed the strawberries and removed the tops. Then I put

silverware and a plate on a tray and Dad put the flowers in a little

vase. Dad made the special coffee Mom loves. Then I helped

Dad make the waffles. We used a waffle mix so it would be

easier. We had to heat up the waffle iron first. The first waffle

didn’t turn out too well so Dad said I could eat it. It tasted

excellent even if it looked funny!

The next waffle was perfect. Just when we had the waffles all

figured out, Mom knocked on the kitchen door. We put a waffle

on the plate and spooned the berries on it. Then I squirted

whipped cream over the top.

We walked up to the bedroom and tapped on the door. Mom

said, “Come in!”

She said it was the best breakfast she had ever tasted.

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Second Grade 66

Mother’s Day 2.23 Use Complete Sentences

Monday:

Why do they want to surprise mom?

What did they do the day before they went

to the grocery store?

Tuesday:

Why did dad allow the child to eat the first

waffle?

Why do they want mom to knock on the door

but not come in?

Wednesday:

What in the passage tells you that mom will

enjoy the breakfast they chose to make?

What sentence from the passage tells you

that they wanted mom to get as much rest as

she liked?

Thursday:

Read this sentence: Then I helped dad make the

waffles. Rewrite this sentence using a synonym

for helped.

How does mom most likely feel at the end of

the story?

Second Grade 67

Surprise Party 2.24

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

My dad had his fortieth birthday last month, so my mom

planned a big surprise party for him. She said I could assist with

the party, but that I had to keep the party a secret. She said I

couldn’t tell my dad because that would spoil the surprise.

I helped Mom organize the guest list and write the

invitations. I was responsible for making sure everyone was

included. I also addressed all the envelopes and put stamps and

return addresses on them. We wrote the invitations before Dad

came home from work. We had to sneak them to the post office

so Dad wouldn’t see them. We planned to have the party at

Dad’s friend’s house. All of the guests were supposed to come

early so Dad wouldn’t be suspicious. Dad thought he was just

having dinner with his friend.

Every time I looked at Dad before the party I thought about

the secret. It was very hard not to say something. I thought I had

to tell someone or I would burst. I decided to whisper my secret

to my pet cat because I knew she could be discreet.

Finally the day of the party came. Everybody waited at our

friend’s house with the lights turned off and everyone hidden.

Then Dad rang the doorbell and Dad’s friend opened the door.

We all yelled, “Surprise!” Dad was so shocked he was

speechless. Dad’s brothers and parents were there. All his friends

from work came, and even some old friends from high school

were there.

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Second Grade 68

Surprise Party 2.24 Use Complete Sentences

Monday:

Why did mom tell the author that they could

not tell dad about the party?

List the three steps in paragraph three that

the author used to organize the invitations?

Tuesday:

Why did the author feel she had to tell someone

the secret?

Why did the author feel it was okay to tell the

cat about the party?

Wednesday:

Why did the guest have to come early?

Which word from paragraph 4 means the

opposite of closed?

Thursday:

Which two words from paragraph four let the

reader know how dad felt?

Which two words from paragraph four let the

reader know how dad felt?

Second Grade 69

The Sun 2.25

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

Did you know sunshine actually comes from a star? That’s

because the sun is a star just like the millions of stars in the sky.

The sun is so big that more than a million Earths can fit inside it.

The sun is not the biggest star, though. Many stars are actually

bigger and brighter. The sun looks bigger and brighter because

the Earth is closer to the sun than any other star.

The sun is a huge ball of glowing gases. It’s so hot you could

never touch it. The temperature of the surface is one hundred

times hotter than the hottest summer day. Sometimes the sun’s

surface gets so hot it creates solar flares. Sometimes solar flares

cause difficulty on Earth. Solar flares can cause static on radio

stations. When solar flares are large, they can even cause electric

power failures.

The sun’s energy reaches us in the form of heat, light, and

radio waves. The sun is millions of miles away from us. It

takes the sunlight about eight minutes to travel to the Earth.

The sun gives us light and heat. Without it, no plants,

animals, or humans could grow or survive. The sun gives off so

much light it can be converted into solar energy. Solar cells

convert sunlight into electricity. Solar cells can be used to

provide power for cars and lights. Some solar cells are as small

as a stick of gum and some are as big as a football field.

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Second Grade 70

The Sun 2.25 Use Complete Sentences

Monday:

How long does it take sunlight to travel to

the Earth?

What are two ways that solar flares can

cause difficulties on the Earth?

Tuesday:

What are the three forms in which the sun’s

energy reaches us?

Why does the sun look larger and brighter than

other stars?

Wednesday:

Which word in paragraph 4 means the same

as live?

Which sentence in paragraph four lets the

reader know how important the sun is on the

Earth?

Thursday:

What causes solar flares?

Why does the author most likely write this

passage?

Second Grade 71

My Dad Goes to School 2.26

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

My dad goes to school just like me. My sister is in second

grade and I am in fourth grade. My dad isn’t in a grade. He goes

to school at the community college where he is studying

computer science. Every morning he walks with my sister and

me to the bus stop. We all ride the same bus to my school and

then he says goodbye to us.

We all ride the bus home in the afternoon, but at different

times. My sister and I get home first. As soon as Dad arrives, the

three of us sit down at the kitchen table and do our homework

together. I think Dad has the most homework. After he gets his

homework done, my dad goes to his job and works until

midnight. When he gets home it’s very late and the rest of the

family is sound asleep.

Dad says he is studying hard because he wants a better job.

He says he’s looking forward to being home in the evenings and

relaxing with all of us. In another year he will finish his degree

and he can find a better job.

I admire my dad. Sometimes when I’m not in the mood to do

my homework he pats me on the shoulder and says, “You’re

doing very well. You keep it up and you won’t have to go to

school when you’re an old guy like me.”

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Second Grade 72

My Dad Goes to School 2.26 Use Complete Sentences

Monday:

Who rides the bus with the author every

morning?

What does dad do every evening after

completing his homework?

Tuesday:

Why does dad say he is studying so hard?

Which sentence shows that the author is proud

of his dad?

Wednesday:

What words in paragraph 3 lets the reader

know the meaning of degree?

The reader can tell that dad wants his

children to do well in school because…?

Thursday:

What does dad do when the author is not in the

mood to do homework?

What does dad do when the author is not in the

mood to do homework?

Second Grade 73

Satellites 2.27

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

I like to look up at the sky at night. I like to look at the stars

and find different constellations. I can find the Big Dipper and

the Little Dipper. The Big Dipper always points to the North

Star. The North Star is an important star because it helps people

who are lost to find their way.

My favorite object to watch for in the night sky moves

quickly across the sky and you have to be alert to see it. It’s a

satellite. Satellites look like tiny dots of light and travel from

side to side without blinking or stopping. Satellites are different

from planes because they do not make any noise.

Satellites circle the Earth hundreds of miles above the

ground. Some satellites have cameras to take photos of land and

sea. Some look out into space and send back information about

stars and planets. Others watch weather patterns and send

weather reports back to Earth.

The first satellite was launched from Russia. It was named

Sputnik and had a radio that sent signals back to Earth. Sputnik

went around and around the Earth for thirteen weeks. Modern

satellites can stay in the sky for years. One satellite, Skylab, even

has people living in it. It is fun to think of people living up there.

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Second Grade 74

Satellites 2.27 Use Complete Sentences

Monday:

Where was the first satellite launched from

and what was its name?

What is the author’s favorite object in the

sky?

Tuesday:

What word or words in paragraph one let the

reader know what the word constellations

means?

How are satellites different from planes?

Wednesday:

What are three things that satellites do for

us?

From this article the reader can tell that

satellites are improving because…?

Thursday:

How does the author probably feel about

astrology?

Is this passage written to entertain or inform?

Second Grade 75

Elephants 2.28

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

Elephants are some of the largest and smartest animals on

Earth. There are two types of elephants: Asian and African.

Asian elephants are found in the forests of India and Southeast

Asia. They are often caught and trained to help people do heavy

work. People use them to clear forests and tow heavy logs. The

elephants’ handlers often become good friends with the

elephants.

Most African elephants live in preserves where they are

protected from hunters. Preserves also help keep them from

damaging crops and fields. African elephants have very large

ears that they flap to scare off other animals or to keep cool.

They have long ivory tusks.

Both kinds of elephants have very long trunks. They use their

trunks to reach down to the ground and high into trees to find

food. Plants and leaves and small branches from trees are their

favorite foods. The trunk is also used for drinking, smelling, and

greeting other elephants. Sometimes they even use their trunk

like a snorkel in deep water. Elephants like to raise their trunks

full of water and give themselves a shower.

Most people only see elephants in zoos or circuses.

Sometimes they have learned to do tricks like standing on their

hind legs or hooking their trunks around another elephant’s tail.

Someday I’d like to see some elephants in the wild.

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Second Grade 76

Elephants 2.28 Use Complete Sentences

Monday:

What are four things elephants use their

trunks for?

What sentence in paragraph one lets the

reader know that handlers care about

elephants?

Tuesday:

What do African elephants use their large ears

for?

What word or words in paragraph three help the

readers know that elephants like to eat leaves

and small branches?

Wednesday:

What does the passage lead the reader to

think that the author might do in his/her

future?

In paragraph one the word types means…

Thursday:

Which word in paragraph four means the same

as back?

Why are elephants sent to live on preserves?

Second Grade 77

The Sea Park 2.29

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

I like to go to the sea park. There are all kinds of sea life in

different areas of the park. Some areas are for animals like sea

lions that swim and dive. In the sea lion area there are windows

that are partly below the water so visitors can watch what

happens under the water. The last time I was at the sea park, I

watched the sea lions have lunch. A trainer tossed fish into their

pool. The sea lions quickly swam and grabbed the fish.

Another area of the sea park shows how sea plants live in

deep water. You could see their tops, middles, and bottoms. You

could even see the crabs and clams that live at their base.

In another part people can walk inside a glass tube while the

fish swim all around. Once when I was in the tube a shark came

right up to my face. It feels as if the fish are swimming freely

and it’s the people who are in the tank. There is also an area for

the shorebirds that live along the ocean cliffs. I liked the sea

birds with the large gold bills. They spend a lot of time grooming

their feathers.

My favorite sea creatures at the sea park are the jellyfish.

They float around inside huge tanks. They look like lacy hats

with long ribbons flowing below. They fill up with water and

squeeze it out to move. As the jellyfish move it reminds me of a

dance. I could watch them for hours.

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Second Grade 78

The Sea Park 2.29 Use Complete Sentences

Monday:

What does the author compare jellyfish to?

What do you think brings about this

comparison?

Tuesday:

How is it possible for visitors to watch what

happens underwater in the Sea Lion area?

How do jellyfish move?

Wednesday:

What is a synonym for the word grooming

in paragraph three?

What is an antonym for the word base in

paragraph two?

Thursday:

How do you think the author feels about

jellyfish?

How do you know this?

Second Grade 79

I Belong to a Big Family 2.30

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________

I belong to a big family. My three brothers, two sisters, and

grandma all live in our house. That makes nine people in our

family! You can bet it gets pretty busy sometimes. We have rules

because we have such a big family and my parents want to make

sure no one gets left out.

Our rules are not the same kind of rules we have at school,

like sitting in your seat before the bell rings. We have rules about

homework, TV, housework, and keeping our rooms clean. My

parents say we need to be organized and everybody has to do

their part.

This is how our rules work. If all of us finish our homework

by suppertime, we can watch TV together. Children who have

not finished their homework have to stay in their rooms without

the radio on. If all of us do our share helping with the laundry

and housework, we get to watch a video together. If we all eat

our dinner, we can have dessert. Grandma usually bakes a pie or

cookies.

My dad says being in a big family is like having a job. We all

have to be responsible and do our part. When all the work is

finished, we get to relax and have fun together. My favorite time

is when the chores are done and we play games. We have lots of

games to choose from. The game I like best of all is spoons

because it’s fun to play with nine people.

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Second Grade 80

I Belong to a Big Family 2.30 Use Complete Sentences

Monday:

What must the family do in order to watch

TV?

How is being part of a big family like

having a job?

Tuesday:

What is paragraph three mainly about?

What happens to children who don’t finish their

homework?

Wednesday:

How do you think the author feels about his

family?

What makes you think that?

Thursday:

Which sentence in paragraph one lets the reader

know that the family wants everybody to feel

equal?

What are some of the rules that keep the family

organized?