The mechanics of writing must be included in any strong program for teaching writing to second graders. These include spelling and vocabulary as well as punctuation, capitalization and syntax. Before getting to these skills however, the basics of understanding the sounds that are connected to the letter symbols are necessary for the student. Students must acquire fine motor skills and also need visual discrimination.
The writing process must be taught to primary students as well. This process includes having comprehension skills, planning the text, constructing the text, editing and developing handwriting skills. Another model for writing programs is the five step writing process of prewriting, drafting, revising, editing and sharing. Students in the second grade will learn these steps in a simplified form but the building blocks will be there to develop further in later grades.
A key element in writing programs for younger students is motivation. Without motivation students lose focus and interest in writing. Many writing programs neglect student choice and self-direction, thwarting a child's natural abilities and enjoyment of the process. A successful writing program will allow a student to make choices and feel in charge of the process so that the finished piece will feel like his own product.
Students need to understand the various purposes of writing and engage in activities that reach a range of objectives. For instance, student writers should learn to write for different audiences, in different formats and with different purposes. To that end, writing programs should allow for writing letters to friends, to businesses, writing creative pieces for publication, writing directions or writing to explain a project, for example. Practice at the process is required as writing is a truly multitasking experience.