Grade 2 · English language arts · 20 minutes

Explain a topic

Choose a familiar animal. Informational writing introduces a topic, supplies facts, and closes.

Mr. S Teaches · Starter mini-lesson · elem-2-explain-a-topic

Learning objective

Explain and practice explain a topic using the activity and evidence, then show the reasoning behind an answer.

Gather your materials

Paper and pencil or dictation support
The short text provided in this lesson
Optional drawing supplies

Use the items named in the teaching steps; paper models or adult-prepared photographs can replace physical equipment.

Common Core skill focus

W.2.2

Introduce a topic, develop it with facts and definitions, and conclude.

Read the official standard ↗

Code and grade verified 2026-11-03. This mini-lesson addresses a selected skill, not the entire standard.

Teach it step by step

Choose a familiar animal.
Introduce the topic with a clear sentence.
Add facts and simple definitions rather than preferences.
Write a closing sentence and reread for accuracy.

Watch, notice, discuss

Video choices for this lesson

2 choices

Preview a video, then choose what fits your learners. “Show to class” opens a larger view; use the player’s play and full-screen controls when you’re ready.

Teacher preview needed. Check the language, level and length before showing. YouTube may show ads or related videos.

OPTION 1 · YOUTUBE

✏️ What is Informative Writing? | Informational Writing for Kids | Nonfiction Writing

By Ms. Dorismond's Virtual Corner

Connect this video to the lesson on explain a topic. Pause to try an example together.

Open on YouTube: ✏️ What is Informative Writing? | Informational Writing for Kids | Nonfiction Writing (opens a new tab) ↗

OPTION 2 · YOUTUBE

Informational Writing Strategies for Second Grade Students

By SBCUSD

Teacher demonstration: notice how facts and details are developed, then adapt the modeling for your learner.

Open on YouTube: Informational Writing Strategies for Second Grade Students (opens a new tab) ↗

After watching

Choose a topic and explain it with facts, a useful detail, and a closing sentence.

An external player loads only after you choose Preview or Show to class. Playback connects to YouTube. Videos belong to their creators; availability and embedding can change.

Make the thinking visible

Example to work through together

A dog is a pet mammal. Mammals have hair and feed milk to their young. Dogs need water and care. These facts help us understand dogs.

Try the starter activity

Write three true facts about a familiar animal and add an ending.

Student practice

Write an informational paragraph about a familiar animal with three facts and an ending.

Quick check for understanding

Is “dogs are the best” a fact?

Sample answer and teacher guidance

Sample answer: No; it is an opinion.

Listen or look for: Check the facts with an adult or suitable source. Dogs are the best is an opinion and cannot substitute for a fact.

Invite the learner to explain, demonstrate, draw or dictate their reasoning. Revisit a teaching step when the explanation is unclear.