Looking at Writing

Second Grade

Second graders are polishing a wide range of basic writing skills, including writing legibly, using capitalization and punctuation correctly (most of the time!), and moving from invented spelling to more accurate spelling. For most, handwriting becomes automatic, so they can concentrate more on the content of their writing rather than on the mechanics. Second graders can organize their writing to include a beginning, middle, and end. They can write a simple essay with a title and introductory sentence, provide examples and details that support their main concept, and write a concluding sentence.

"I hear and I forget; I see and I remember; I write and I understand. " — Chinese proverb

In this section, you'll find writing assessment resources, writing strategies, and additional tip sheets for teachers and parents on how to help second graders build strong writing skills. You'll also find video of children's authors, classroom instruction, and literacy experts.

Select the "Sample" links at left to view real examples of second grade writing at different skill levels.

Writing milestones

Video developed by Great Schools and used with permission. Great Schools

"Wear the old coat and buy the new book." — Austin Phelps