Second Grade Reads and Writes "How and Why Stories"

The Keeping Secrets, How the Tiger Got Its Stripes and The Story of Thunder and Lightning are three examples of "How and Why Stories." In the time before modern science people created legends and stories to explain the questions and mysteries they encountered, usually in the area of animals and nature. These stories are linked to geographic areas and countries around the world.

Second graders are immersed in this study of these stories told orally for hundreds of years. They listen carefully to stories read aloud, discuss the main ideas of the story and record their thinking. A list of key words from the story is posted for the students to include in their writing. This helps them to keep their line of thinking connected to the plot and also to help them enhance their vocabulary. They then illustrate the main character (an animal or form of nature) before the change and then after the change. The country of origin is also recorded on this form. Performing various stories in the reader's theater format allows the students to read with expression and bring these stories alive.

Writing their own "how and why stories" has recently begun. Students met in small groups to brainstorm ideas that would fit this format. Their ideas were then shared and recorded on a class chart. The next step will be to pick the idea that they are truly excited to write about. Each student will then write a draft, revise by adding more detail and finally edit and publish their story.