Unit Plan 35 (Grade 2 ELA): Author Study – Voices & Point of View
Second graders explore point of view and author’s choices by identifying who tells the story, using character voices for dialogue, and comparing two versions of the same tale. They analyze how narration changes tone, meaning, and reader understanding.
Focus: Who is telling the story; compare author’s choices
Grade Level: 2
Subject Area: English Language Arts (Reading Literature • Speaking/Listening)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Stories sound different depending on who’s telling them and how the author chooses to tell them. This week, students learn to notice the narrator’s voice (first/third person), distinguish narrator vs. characters, and compare two versions of the same story by different authors/cultures. They’ll practice reading dialogue with different voices and speaking in complete sentences to share what they notice.
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…
- Identify who is telling the story (narrator/character) and show differences in point of view by changing voice when reading dialogue (RL.2.6).
- Compare and contrast two versions of the same story (events, characters, lessons, or culture-specific details) and tell how the authors’ choices are alike/different (RL.2.9).
- Speak in complete sentences to provide details/clarification during discussions and shares (SL.2.6).
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 2
- RL.2.6, RL.2.9, SL.2.6
Success Criteria — student language
- I can tell who is telling this part (narrator or a character).
- I can read dialogue with a different voice for each character.
- I can explain how two versions are alike and different.
- I can share my ideas in complete sentences that answer the question.