Develop a writing literacy center. Create displays covered with samples of different forms of writing. Build a word wall, using second-grade Dolch words. Include a desk or tray for writing. Add a book shelf or basket with writing materials like a thesaurus and a dictionary. Have students practice different types of writing. They should write a story, a letter, a card, a list, a survey, a fact book or a description of an item. Include story starters or pictures to inspire the students to write.
A drama work center involves students reading or acting out a play. Second-grade students create their own plays and then read them. Students' stories can be the retelling of a story they have read or an original piece. Students can read the play by performing it in a reader's theater-style, with the help of puppets, or as a play with props. Parameters of behavior must be set to keep this area from becoming too noisy. You can use already published plays.
Because second-graders are "seasoned" readers, a buddy reading work center can be started at the beginning of the year. Students work with one partner and work on a reading project. Both students need to have a book to read to each other. It can be a reading book or a textbook. Level-appropriate reading materials are placed in baskets to make them easy to handle. Color-code the books so the students can easily find books they can read. Students sit on the floor so this center can be set up anywhere in the classroom.
Provide a center with ruled paper, pencils, letter formation cards, letter templates, a dry-erase flip book and blank paper. Model the correct writing style for the entire class. Have students practice writing with dry erase pens, pencils, and pens. At the beginning of the school year, have students practice and reinforce their printing skills. At the end of the year, replace the manuscript cards, templates and book with cursive materials. Have students work in pairs, encouraging one another to find their best letters.