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Google’s service, offered free of charge, instantly translates words, phrases, and web pages between English and over 100 other languages.

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Teaching ESL Students

If you work with English as a Second Language (ESL) students, you know the importance of activities that allow them to speak and listen. After all, your main objective is to teach them to communicate fluently in English so they can successfully interact with English speakers. Direct instruction of vocabulary is a staple in ESL instruction, along with fostering communication skills through asking and answering 'Wh-' questions, such as who, what, where, and when.

How can teachers embed these questions into their curriculum in a way that is engaging and effective? Playing games and doing learning exercises naturally appeal to students. Fun activities give students a safe place to try out new skills and interact socially with peers. You know they're learning, but to them it's just plain fun.

Games and Exercises for 'Wh-' Questions

Whether you use them every day or keep them for special occasions, these games and exercises are sure to help your students improve their language skills. Along with an explanation of the activity, we'll go over the different levels, timeframes, and necessary supplies:

Skip It

Level: Elementary - High School

Timeframe: 15 - 30 minutes

Supplies: 'Wh-' questions written on index cards

Start by dividing students into groups of two and giving each pair a set of 'Wh-' question cards. Model how the game is played first to make sure all students understand.

Students decide who will ask the questions and who will answer; roles will be reversed later on. The question-asker reads a 'Wh-' question from an index card, but the answer person does not answer. After about five seconds, the question-asker reads a second question. At this point, the answer person gives the answer for the first question. The question-asker asks the third question, at which point the answer for the second question is given, and so on.

This game is fun (and funny!) because of the silly answers it appears to give. For example, the first question may be 'What animal has a long neck?' and the second question 'What is your favorite food?' Students answering 'giraffe' to 'What is your favorite food?' is just plain silliness that students love, all the while working on important skills.

List Quest

Level: Middle and High School

Timeframe: 30 - 45 minutes

Supplies: Answer word list, pencils

This fun game requires students to elicit answers from their partner by asking 'Wh-' questions. Start by dividing students into partners. The asking partners are given a list of words (use vocabulary appropriate and aligned to your students' needs). The object is for them to ask questions to prompt their partners to guess the most words on the list.

Give partner 1, the question writer, 5 - 10 minutes to brainstorm 'Wh-' questions to ask. For example, if the word is 'elevator' the question could be 'What takes you up and down in a tall building?' Once all questions are written, have each pair take a turn at asking and answering questions. Set the timer for an amount of time that is challenging for the number of vocabulary words. Allow students to ask and answer as many questions as possible, checking off correct answers. Allow students to skip up to 3 questions to keep the game moving, and make sure they stick to the questions they wrote without giving additional clues. The pair with the most correct words wins.

Who Are You?

Level: Elementary - High School

Timeframe: 15 - 30 Minutes

Supplies: Paper and pencils

This is a great getting-to-know-you activity. Divide students into groups of five or six and have them form their desks into circles, or give them clipboards to use and allow them to sit in circles on the floor. Give each student a piece of paper and pencil and instruct the students to write their name at the top.

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esl 'wh-' questions: games & exercises - video & lesson transcript | study.com

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ESL 'Wh-' Questions: Games & Exercises - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com

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If you work with English as a Second Language (ESL) students, you know the importance of activities that allow them to speak and listen. After all, your main objective is to teach them to communicate fluently in English so they can successfully interact with English speakers.

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Visuals translating using spanish.

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Different types of visual representations

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This bundle pack is a great, visually stimulating way to teach your kiddos 6 important question words- who?, what?, when?, where?, why? and how?

Bundle includes:
-6 colorful flash cards each measuring 8.5"x5.5" and come 2 to a page, ready to print on standard 8.5"x11" paper and cut along the white line to create individual flash cards.
-1 16"x20" poster, ready to hang in your classroom or home as a constant visual aid.
-1 student worksheet

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5 W's and an H (Question Words) Bundle Pack- Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?

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This bundle pack is a great, visually stimulating way to teach your kiddos 6 important question words- who?, what?, when?, where?, why? and how? Bundle includes: -6 colorful flash cards each measuring 8.5"x5.5" and come 2 to a page, ready to print on standard 8.5"x11" paper and cut along the whit...

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Second Grade. Language Arts: Story Elements. Asks who, what, when, where, why questions and the beginning and the ending parts of a story.

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These easy-to-follow reading workshop lessons will help your students practice asking and answering questions that start with who, what, where, when, why, and how.

This product includes 5 days of reading workshop lessons to teach your students to ask and answer questions about a text. It includes:

5 easy-to-follow minilesson plans

A slideshow to walk you through each lesson

Sample anchor charts

During reading response sheets

Suggestions for strategy groups, conferences, and a share

An end of week assessment with answer key

If you haven't tried reading workshop yet, check out my Rock the Reading Workshop 5-Day Email Course. You'll learn everything you need to know about getting started with reading workshop.

Check out my other reading workshop lesson plans.

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Reading Workshop Ask and Answer Questions Lessons for 2nd Grade

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These easy-to-follow reading workshop lessons will help your students practice asking and answering questions that start with who, what, where, when, why, and how. This product includes 5 days of reading workshop lessons to teach your students to ask and answer questions about a text. It includes:5 ...

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6 Questions | Fun Reading & Writing Comprehension Strategy For Kids | Jack Hartmann

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"1. Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text."

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English Language Arts Standards " Reading: Literature " Grade 2 | Common Core State Standards Initiative

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CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.2.1 Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.

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Non-Fiction Text Reponse Graphic Organizer

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This 5-3-1 organizer helps students to pick apart and close read non-fiction texts! It covers the second grade common core standard RI.2.1 (asking and answering who, what, when, where, why, and how questions). It can be used with any non-fiction text!

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At Starfall, children have fun while they learn. Educational games, movies, books, songs, and more for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade learners.

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ABCya! * Second Grade Learning Games, Ages 7 - 8

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Kids LOVE our free online games! Launch rockets, rescue cute critters, and explore while practicing subtraction, spelling, and more 2nd grade skills. Play now!

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Writing - it's an important form of communication and a key part of education. But in today's technology-driven world, kids aren't given many opportunities to practise and improve their ability to write. This leaves many parents wondering how to improve their child's writing skills.

It takes time to develop strong writing skills, and it can be a tough task to accomplish. Thankfully, there are many things that parents can do at home to help improve children's writing skills.

From fun activities to daily reading and writing sessions, these tips on how to improve kids' writing skills will help your child build his or her skills in no time.

Improve your child's communication skills with these simple and fun kids' writing activities.

14 Activities To Improve Kids' Writing Skills

1. Read Up

Regular reading is a stepping stone to better writing and helps kids' strengthen their writing skills. It helps expand children's vocabulary and shows them different ways of using words. This also makes it easier for them to use these words in their own writing.

With younger children, make sure you're reading together every day and encouraging their love of reading as they grow. Start reading early-many children who devour books grow up to become strong writers themselves. Tweet This

2. Make it Fun!

Play games and activities that encourage writing. Crossword puzzles and word games are great for everyone. Little ones will especially like the "write the word" game: where they search for items and write down the word when they find each item.

3. Create Writing Worksheets

For young children just learning to write, try creating a worksheet where they can trace letters and words. Write out letters and words, place another piece of paper on top, and have your child trace onto the blank piece of paper. You can also create a connect-the-dots game by having your child trace along dotted lines and then tell you which letter or word she or he finds.

4. Try Different Materials

Switch it up by writing with something other than a pen or pencil. Sidewalk chalk on the driveway, finger painting, or a salt writing tray are all fun writing activities that will also help build kids' writing skills.

5. Write Letters

Today, writing letters is a bit of a lost art. Encourage your child to write letters to friends or family members. Distant family members will especially love receiving handwritten letters and it's a great way to work on improving writing skills for kids.

Pen-pals are also a fun idea, or you can even write letters to each other and leave them around the house to find!

6. Encourage Journalling

Keeping a journal is a great way to express thoughts and ideas while also working on improving children's writing skills. Plan an outing to pick a fun journal with your child and encourage them to write in it as much as possible. Make it a part of his or her daily routine.

7. Create a Writing Space

Set aside a little corner in your house that is completely devoted to writing. Having an area dedicated solely to writing will help free your child from distractions so he or she can focus on practicing writing skills.

8. Invest Time

Make sure your child knows you're available to help with spelling or proofreading whenever he or she needs it. When you make writing time a priority for you, it will make it easier for your child to improve his or her writing skills.

9. Connect Their Interests

Think about your son or daughter's favourite book series. Or maybe he or she is obsessed with dinosaurs. Whatever his or her interests, connect them to writing. Have your child write a new short story about his or her favourite characters, or let him or her create a story all about dinosaurs.

10. Create Story Prompts

A fun way to improve kids' creative writing skills is to have them write short stories.

Cut out pictures from a magazine with different characters or locations, or write down different words. Place these in a container or glue them to cards to use as writing prompts for creating a unique story. This also makes a fun activity for the whole family to join in.

11. Model It

There's no better way to learn something than to see someone else doing it. Let your children see you writing, often. When writing is a normal part of your daily life, it will come more naturally to them. Anything goes: a simple grocery list or letter to the teacher, holiday or thank you cards, or even a sweet note to your child.

12. Use Technology to Your Advantage

There's no getting around the fact that technology plays a huge part in our lives. Use it to your advantage by having your child create a blog. This can help your child work on improving his or her writing skills by encouraging frequent writing habits.

13. Make it Part of Your Daily Routine

Make sure there's time each day to do some writing in one way or another. Whether it's writing a grocery list, writing in a journal or composing a letter, practicing writing every day will go a long way to improving kids' writing skills.

14. Praise Their Work

Show lots of interest in your child's writing and stories. Ask questions, celebrate when he or she brings home a good piece from school, and encourage his or her writing as much as possible.

Improving Writing Skills Can Be Fun

Writing is an important practical life skill. While developing great writing skills requires lots of time and patience, you can help your child with these simple writing exercises for kids.

Lots of reading, frequent writing time in a special writing area, and incorporating fun writing activities and games will all go a long way to giving writing skills a boost.

Need Extra Help?

If your child needs extra help improving his or her writing skills, Oxford Learning can help. Our English tutoring program helps develop kids' writing and comprehension skills, from word recognition to paragraph writing. Contact us today!

Related Resources

5 Reasons Writing By Hand Is Good For The Brain
Understanding Literacy & Your Child
5 Ways To Help Kids Learn At Home

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How To Improve Writing Skills For Kids: 14 Easy Tips

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Writing - it's an important form of communication and a key part of education. But in today's technology-driven world, kids aren't given many opportunities to practise and improve their ability to write. This leaves many parents wondering how to improve their child's writing skills.

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Letter Writes: Persuasive Opinion Writing | Lesson Plan | Education.com | Lesson plan | Education.com

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Students begin this letter-writing journey with a dog whose opinion is persuasively portrayed.

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Utilize Education.com's second grade writing lesson plans to help build your classroom's basic writing skills! Our lesson plans cover topics from punctuation, spelling, and more. In addition, our educator-approved lesson plans help foster a positive learning atmosphere where teachers will find their students continually building confidence in their writing abilities.

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Utilize Education.com's second grade writing lesson plans to help build your classroom's basic writing skills! Our lesson plans cover topics from punctuation, spelling, and more. In addition, our educator-approved lesson plans help foster a positive learning atmosphere where teachers will find their students continually building confidence in their writing abilities.

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Narrative Writing Prompts for 2nd Grade Kids- By the time students reach second grade, they've likely had some practice writing small narratives and learning about the elements of storytelling.

Many second graders are capable of recounting a story from beginning to end, including an introduction, basic plot, simple description of the setting and characters, a climax, and an ending or conclusion. As students continue to practice their narrative writing, they can further develop their story-telling abilities and learn more about the proper way to structure a narrative account.

In these 30 new narrative writing prompts for second-grade students, your class will be challenged to recall their own specific experiences and to develop unique stories about the people and things they hold dearest. From stories about their most special memories to simple narratives about their daily lives at home, students will have the opportunity to explore their experiences through the lens of narrative writing.

While some young students may feel like everything about their lives is worth telling, others may feel challenged to relate the mundane in a descriptive way. These writing prompts promote both reflection and self-confidence. Help your students understand that their stories are worth telling with these all-new narrative writing prompts.

Narrative Writing Prompts for Second Grade Students

1. Write a story about the most exciting summer you ever had. What did you do?

2. Write about your best birthday ever. Why was it so special?

3. Write about a time when you helped someone out. How did you help him or her?

4. Write about your most prized possession. Why do you value the object?

5. Write about a time when you were the center of attention. How did you feel?

6. Write about a time when it stormed really hard. How did you feel?

7. Write a story about a memory that you'll never forget. Why does this experience mean so much to you?

8. Write a story about your parents. How do they show you they love you?

9. Write about the first time you remember getting in trouble for something big. What did you do?

10. Write about a time when you got hurt playing outside. What happened?

11. Write a story about a scary dream you had. How did you feel when you woke up?

12. Write about the best vacation you ever took. What did you do?

13. Write a story about a time when you stood up for yourself. How did you feel

14. Write about school. What is your favorite thing to do during the day?

15. Write a story about a time when your parents taught you something important. What did you learn?

16. Write about a time when you did an extra chore. What did you do?

17. Write about the first time you ever read your favorite book. Why did you like it?

18. Write about a time when someone made you feel special. What did he or she say to you?

19. Write about a time when your parents surprised you with a special reward for doing something good. How did you feel?

20. Write a story about the job you hope to have someday. Why do you think you would be good at this job?

21. Write a story about your teacher. What is his or her best quality?

22. Write about your favorite holiday memory. What do you remember most clearly?

23. Write about a time when you taught someone else how to do something. How did you feel after helping him or her?

24. Write about the first time you got to do something that was only for "big kids." What did you get to do?

25. Write about a time when you helped your parents make dinner. What did you cook?

26. Write about a time when you had to apologize to someone. How did you let the other person know you were sorry?

27. Write about one of your siblings or cousins. What is he or she like?

28. Write a story about a time when you went to the grocery store. What happened?

29. Write about a time when you felt like the luckiest kid in the world. What made you feel this way?

30. Write a story about a time when you received an amazing gift. How did you feel when you opened the present?

Until next time, write on...
If you enjoyed these Narrative Writing Prompts for Second Grade,
please share them on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Pinterest.
I appreciate it!

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Narrative Writing Prompts for Second Grade

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Narrative Writing Prompts for 2nd Grade Kids- By the time students reach second grade, they've likely had some practice writing small narratives and learning about the elements of storytelling. Many second graders are capable of recounting a story from beginning to end, including an introduction, basic plot, simple description of the setting and characters, a climax, and an ending or conclusion.

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Fun Daily Writing Prompts for Second Graders- For young students who have to focus on everything from school to sports to after-school activities, it can be tough to slow down and reflect on the aspects of their lives that form their identities. Fortunately, journaling gives second-graders the chance to express their thoughts and emotions on paper and to see where their feelings come from.

Writing is a powerful way for kids to grow more aware of themselves. In these new writing prompts for second grade students, your class will make great use of their imaginations and creative spirits.

After practicing daily writing prompts for just a couple weeks, you'll notice an improvement in their writing and in their abilities to present clear, cohesive reasoning for their beliefs. Journaling is one of the best ways to teach kids critical thinking skills from a young age.

Use these writing prompts for second-grade students as a fun way to get your class interested in writing and to help them develop their language skills.

36 Fun Daily Writing Prompts for 2nd Grade

1. If you could be president of any club, what would you choose?

2. How did your parents choose your name?

3. What is the best thing about living in the 21st century?

4. How can our class be good role models for the kindergarten and 1st-grade students?

5. Describe yourself in four words. Why did you pick these words?

6. Write a story about a puppy with a very special superpower.

7. Who is your hero? Why?

8. What are your top three hobbies? Why do you like them?

9. What did you do last weekend?

10. Write about a time you were embarrassed? How did you feel?

11. If you could create a new holiday, what would it be?

12. What do you do when you have a fight with a friend?

13. What is your favorite thing about yourself?

14. What's your favorite subject? Why?

15. If you were a teacher, what would you teach? Why?

16. Would you rather have x-ray vision or super-hearing? Why?

17. What is your favorite kind of dinosaur? Why?

18. Write a story about a young girl who joins a traveling circus.

19. What is something you always carry with you? What does it mean to you?

20. What's the best thing to do when it's hot outside?

21. Who tells the best stories in your family? What makes them so good?

22. If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would you choose?

23. Do your birthday wishes come true?

24. Write about something that annoys you. Why didn't you like it?

25. If you could be a movie star, what movie would you be in?

26. What is your favorite kind of music? Why?

27. If you could have any home in the world, what would you choose? Why?

28. Would you rather live on a farm or in a city? Why?

29. Do you get scared in the dark? Why or why not?

30. Would you rather listen or talk? Which is easier for you?

31. Would you rather ride rollercoasters or waterslides? Why?

32. What is one thing your parents always tell you? Why do you think they say that?

33. Write a story about an invisible boy. What does he do? Where does he go?

34. What's your favorite thing to read? What do you like about it?

35. Write about one of your talents that you'd like to share with the class. What is it that makes your talent unique?

36. If you could stay any one age forever, which would you choose? Why?

Until next time, write on...
If you enjoyed these Writing Prompts for Second Grade,
please share them on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Pinterest.
I appreciate it!

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Fun Daily Writing Prompts for Second Graders

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Fun Daily Writing Prompts for Second Graders- For young students who have to focus on everything from school to sports to after-school activities, it can be tough to slow down and reflect on the aspects of their lives that form their identities.

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Narrative or creative writing is not a skill you can teach overnight. Practice and exposure, as well as a bit of inspiration, are necessary for young writers to get excited about learning this creative craft. Our worksheets are aligned with educational standards in the U.S. Not only do our writing resources help students get inspired, but these worksheets also put them a step closer to achieving their writing goals.

Whether you want your students to practice specific skills or stimulate their creative writing ideas, our worksheets are here to help.
Ready to make your students published authors? Get started today!

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Free 2nd Grade Writing Activities | Studentreasures Publishing

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Narrative or creative writing is not a skill you can teach overnight. Practice and exposure, as well as a bit of inspiration, are necessary for young writers to get excited about learning this creative craft. Our worksheets are aligned with educational standards in the U.S.

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watch the story and have pair share or class discussion afterwards.

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The SAG-AFTRA Foundation's Daytime Emmy-nominated, Storyline Online, features celebrated actors reading children's books to inspire a love of reading in millions of children worldwide.

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Do you teach 2nd grade using Reading Wonders? Do you need to quickly check if your students are nearing mastery of CCSS 2.RL.1 : Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text?

This Comprehension Quick Check Freebie will allow you to quickly assess mastery of CCSS 2.RL.1 using the story "Starry Night" from the Reading Writing Workshop Reading Wonders student book.
Like this? Need more? Try these: 2nd Grade RL CCSS Comprehension Quick Checks 2.RI.2 Comprehension Quick Check FREEBIE 2nd Grade RI CCSS Comprehension Quick Checks Get the full 2nd grade set for a reduced price with the RL and RI BUNDLE Want to try 3rd Grade, too? 3rd Grade RL Standards Comprehension Quick Checks pack 3rd Grade RI Standards Comprehension Quick Checks pack 3rd Grade RL and RI BUNDLE

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2.RL.1 Comprehension Quick Check~ Aligned to Reading Wonders~Freebie

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Do you teach 2nd grade using Reading Wonders? Do you need to quickly check if your students are nearing mastery of CCSS 2.RL.1 :Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text? This Comprehension Quick Check Freebie will allo...