Inside a Story � What makes a story great?
- voice
- perspective
- critical literacy
- visual literacy
- critical thinking
- oral communication
- word work
Use this text to launch the inquiry, activate prior knowledge of good stories, and promote curiosity and thinking about the concept. Prior to reading the story, work with students to create a 'What makes a story great?' concept map for students to assess stories they experience throughout the unit.
Read Aloud � My Rows and Piles of Coins
Fiction: Narrative � Picture Book
A realistic story set in Tanzania about a boy's desire to buy a bicycle of his own, and how he tries to save enough money to buy one. Features some Swahili and Maasai words.
Partner-Shared Reading Texts
These Partner-Shared Reading texts can develop and extend students' understanding of voice and perspective, and help them think critically.
A Monster Wrote Me a Letter Fiction: Narrative
- 1 Big Book
- 6 small book versions
A humorous story about a mix-up that results in a visit between a boy and a monster.
An Interview with Tololwa M. Mollel Non-fiction: Retell � interview
- 1 Big Book
- 6 small book versions
Audio CD
Audio CD with fluent readings of A Monster Wrote Me a Letter and An Interview with Tololwa M. Mollel.
Teaching Guide � print and online
Includes support for launching the inquiry, using the Read Aloud and Partner-Shared texts to activate and build knowledge, and extending the inquiry. Options are provided for independent reading, further whole-class inquiry, and student-led inquiries.
Inquiry tools include BLMs, organizers, RAN charts, and mini-lessons.
Assessment tools include rubrics and checklists, along with student self-assessment tools.
Grade 2 Inquiry Tools Guide
Supports teachers for all stages of the inquiry process with mini-lessons and assessment.