Unit Plan 22 (Grade 2 ELA): Poetry Pictures – Words & Illustrations Together
Second graders learn how images and words work together to shape mood and meaning in poetry. Students identify emotion-filled phrases, connect visuals to word choice, and create labeled illustrations that deepen poetic understanding.
Focus: Using images and words to understand mood/meaning
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
Poems paint pictures—some with words, some with images, and the best with both. This week, students learn how illustrations and poem lines work together to build mood and meaning. They’ll practice hearing sound and sense in key words/phrases (RL.2.4), use pictures/illustrations to deepen understanding (RL.2.7), and create a simple visual that clarifies their interpretation (SL.2.5).
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…
- Describe how illustrations and words in a poem work together to show mood/meaning (RL.2.7).
- Explain how specific words/phrases (rhyme, repetition, sound/imagery words) contribute to the poem’s feeling or picture (RL.2.4).
- Produce a small visual (drawing/slide) with labels/caption that helps an audience understand the poem (SL.2.5).
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 2
- RL.2.7, RL.2.4, SL.2.5
Success Criteria — student language
- I can tell what the picture shows and how it helps me understand the poem.
- I can point to a word/phrase and explain the feeling or image it creates.
- I can make a visual with labels/caption that clarifies my idea.