Unit Plan 13 (Grade 2 ELA): Informational Structures – Sequence & How-To
Second graders explore how ideas connect by sequencing steps in procedures and explaining how visuals clarify meaning. They create a shared how-to project using clear order words, cause–effect links, and helpful diagrams.

Focus: Idea connections; steps in procedures; visuals
Grade Level: 2
Subject Area: English Language Arts (Reading Informational • Writing)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Informational readers and writers notice how ideas connect and what comes first, next, and last. This week students learn to identify sequences and step-by-step procedures in short texts (RI.2.3), explain how images/diagrams clarify steps (RI.2.7), and work together to create a shared how-to piece (W.2.7). By Friday, children can name the main steps, tell how they’re connected, and use simple visuals so readers can follow.
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…
- Describe connections among ideas/events and tell the order of steps in a procedure (RI.2.3).
- Explain how pictures/diagrams/captions help readers understand steps or parts (RI.2.7).
- Participate in a shared research & writing project to produce a how-to with steps and helpful visuals (W.2.7).
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 2
- RI.2.3, RI.2.7, W.2.7
Success Criteria — student language
- I can name what happens first, next, then, last in a text.
- I can tell how one step leads to the next (“because… so…”).
- I can explain what a picture/diagram shows that helps me understand.
- I can help my group write a how-to with numbered steps and a simple visual.