Speaking Objectives (Grade 2)

By the end of grade 2, most students speak with a clear voice, appropriate volume, and expression. They deliver brief recitations and oral presentations about familiar experiences or interests, organized around a coherent focus. Most grade 2 students make short announcements and introductions. They speak at an appropriate pace for the type of communication (e.g., informal discussion, report to class). They adapt oral language to the purpose and audience. Students answer questions in complete statements.

Most students demonstrate a willingness to speak independently. They recount experiences in a logical sequence, retell stories (including characters, setting, and plot), and report on a topic with facts and details, drawing from several sources of information. Students relate several ideas about a topic. They use descriptive words when speaking about people, places, things, and events. They respect the ideas, language, and communication styles of others.

By the end of grade 2, most students will:

Foundational Objective: Speak to express thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a variety of forms for a variety of purposes and audiences.

contribute to shared language experiences (e.g., choral reading, drama, reader's theatre, puppetry)
share ideas and information through group talk to extend understanding of topics
ask questions to focus topics and identify information needs
retell stories and experiences using logical sequence, and appropriate facts and details
read aloud informally and for an audience
recite poems, rhymes, verses, and finger plays
give directions
share and explain information about topics of interest to familiar audiences, and answer questions
talk about how new ideas and information have added to understanding
experiment with word play and language patterns

Foundational Objective: Learn about and practise the skills and strategies of effective speakers.

Before Speaking:

generate ideas on particular topics
ask questions to understand a topic and identify information needs
use a variety of forms to organize and give meaning to familiar experiences, ideas, and information
recognize that information and ideas can be expressed in a variety of forms (e.g., poetry, stories, songs, films)
order ideas to create beginning, middle, and ending in own oral texts

During Speaking:

present information and ideas in complete statements
speak in a clear voice with appropriate volume and expression, and at an understandable pace
adjust own language use for different situations
take turns and stay on task when working in a variety of partnership and group structures
clarify information by responding to questions

After Speaking:

respond to others with encouragement and tact
consider others' ideas and suggestions
acknowledge speaking achievements of others

Foundational Objective: Assess personal strengths and set goals for future growth.

reflect on speaking behaviours and strategies by asking questions such as "What did I do that helped me be a better speaker?"

Assessment Techniques for Speaking (Grade 2)

Sample assessment techniques include:

developmental checklists and observation notes (p. 124-125)
anecdotal records
repeat my sentence (p. 127)
oral language assessment (p. 128)
sharing time assessment (p. 129)
storytelling checklist (p. 134).

Instructional Suggestions for Speaking (Grade 2)

Sample instructional activities include:

engage students in conversations on a variety of topics and for differing purposes (e.g., establishment of rules and routines; the planning of activities, field trips, and assignments)
model and discuss speaking behaviours and strategies
model ways to present information and ideas orally
encourage students to talk about their listening, viewing, reading, and other activities and interests
provide opportunities for students to speak for a variety of purposes and audiences
provide frequent opportunities to talk about language and to use it in new and interesting ways
provide frequent opportunities for students to work in pairs and small groups
provide opportunities for students to deliver recitations and short oral talks
provide opportunities for students to participate in contextual drama
provide opportunities for students to give and restate directions
encourage students to express and provide reasons for their opinions
provide opportunities for students to reflect upon their speaking behaviours, skills, and strategies
support students in setting realistic goals to develop personal speaking skills and strategies
use activities such as:
- mini-lessons
- daily news
- sharing circles
- talking circles
- book talks
- think-pair-share
- oral and choral speaking/reading
- drama and role plays
- reader's theatre
- puppet plays
- class meetings
- short oral reports and presentations.