Wonders 2020 for Grade 2 includes high-quality anchor texts that encompass a broad array of text types and genres placed at the appropriate level of complexity for the grade. Texts are accompanied by a partial text complexity analysis.
The texts partially support students’ evolving literacy skills as texts do not consistently grow in complexity over the course of the year. Materials provide both depth and a volume of reading practice.
Text-dependent/specific questions and tasks build within each unit to an integrated, culminating tasks that allows students to demonstrate the knowledge and skills gained through instruction through writing and/or speaking activities. Students are supported in evidence-based discussion of texts through the implementation of protocols to scaffold conversations as students’ oral language skills grow in sophistication. Use of grade-level vocabulary/syntax and appropriate questioning are encouraged during student discussions.
Students engage in a mix of evidence-based writing tasks, including both on-demand and process writing, that incorporate some of the writing types called for in the standards. Students write on-demand for opinion, but do not have opportunities to engage in process writing for opinion pieces. Explicit grammar and conventions instruction is provided with opportunities for students to practice and apply these skills within their writing tasks.
Grade 2 materials provide explicit instruction in phonics, print concepts, text structure, and text features.
Throughout the course of the year, students have frequent opportunities to read on-level text with fluency and purpose. Students have multiple opportunities to apply word analysis and word recognition skills to connected tasks through the use of decodable readers and the Literature Anthology. Frequent opportunities are provided throughout the entire program to assess students’ mastery of foundational skills and to progress monitor student growth. Support for differentiation of foundational skills is found throughout the program.