Unit Plan 32 (Grade 2 ELA): Writing Information Booklets with Text Features

Focus: Multi-page booklet; headings, diagrams, captions

Grade Level: 2

Subject Area: English Language Arts (Writing • Informational Text • Vocabulary)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Building on our research skills, writers will create a multi-page information booklet that teaches readers about a kid-friendly topic (animals, weather, community helpers, habitats, tools, etc.). Students will plan subtopics, organize pages using headings, strengthen meaning with diagrams and labels, and clarify ideas using captions. They’ll also collect and use topic vocabulary and include a tiny glossary so readers learn content words.

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…

1. Write an informative booklet that introduces a topic, groups related information by subheadings, includes facts/definitions/examples, and provides a brief closing (W.2.2).
2. Use and explain text features (headings, table of contents, diagrams with labels, captions) to organize information and help readers find key facts (RI.2.5).
3. Use topic-appropriate words and phrases (domain vocabulary) in pages and captions; create a mini glossary (L.2.6).

Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 2

• W.2.2, RI.2.5, L.2.6

Success Criteria — student language

• I can organize my booklet with a table of contents and headings.
• I can teach with facts and examples on each page.
• I can add a diagram with labels and a caption that explains something new.
• I can use topic words and make a glossary so readers learn them.
• I can write a short closing that fits my topic.