Title: Thanksgiving Traditions

Grade Level: Grade 2

Subject: Writing Workshop

Curriculum: Manitoba Curriculum

Unit Overview: In this mini writing unit, students will explore the theme of Thanksgiving and learn about different traditions associated with this holiday. They will engage in various writing activities to develop their writing skills, including descriptive writing, narrative writing, and letter writing. Through this unit, students will enhance their understanding of Thanksgiving and develop their ability to express their thoughts and ideas through writing.

Unit Duration: Approximately 2 weeks

Learning Objectives: 1. Identify and describe different Thanksgiving traditions. 2. Develop descriptive writing skills by using sensory details to describe Thanksgiving experiences. 3. Write a narrative piece about a memorable Thanksgiving celebration. 4. Understand the structure and purpose of a friendly letter and write a letter expressing gratitude. 5. Revise and edit their writing to improve clarity, organization, and grammar.

Lesson 1: Introduction to Thanksgiving Traditions - Introduce the concept of Thanksgiving and discuss its significance. - Read a book or watch a video about Thanksgiving traditions. - Brainstorm and create a class list of Thanksgiving traditions. - Students write a descriptive paragraph about their favorite Thanksgiving tradition.

Lesson 2: Descriptive Writing - Thanksgiving Feast - Discuss the sensory details associated with a Thanksgiving feast (sight, smell, taste, touch, sound). - Model descriptive writing by creating a sensory word web about a Thanksgiving feast. - Students write a descriptive paragraph about their experience at a Thanksgiving feast, incorporating sensory details.

Lesson 3: Narrative Writing - Memorable Thanksgiving - Read a sample narrative about a memorable Thanksgiving celebration. - Discuss the elements of a narrative (characters, setting, problem, solution). - Students plan and write a narrative about their most memorable Thanksgiving celebration.

Lesson 4: Friendly Letter Writing - Expressing Gratitude - Introduce the structure and purpose of a friendly letter. - Discuss the importance of expressing gratitude during Thanksgiving. - Students write a friendly letter to someone they are thankful for, expressing their gratitude.

Lesson 5: Revising and Editing - Teach students how to revise and edit their writing for clarity, organization, and grammar. - Model the revision and editing process using a sample piece of writing. - Students revise and edit their own writing pieces from previous lessons.

Lesson 6: Publishing and Sharing - Students publish their final writing pieces. - Create a Thanksgiving writing display in the classroom. - Students share their writing with their peers, either through reading aloud or displaying their work.

Assessment: - Informal assessment through class discussions, brainstorming, and participation. - Formative assessment through teacher observation during writing activities. - Summative assessment through the evaluation of final writing pieces based on the Manitoba Writing Rubric.

Note: Adapt the lessons and activities as per the specific needs and abilities of your students, and align them with the Manitoba curriculum standards and expectations.