Support your second-grade students in close reading discussions of nonfiction and fiction texts with practice that supports Common Core methodology. Each unit contains two related reading selections that reflect second-grade science and social studies topics and are focused around a Big Question. For example, Does a magnet stick to all shiny things? (Big Question) connects " What Will a Magnet Attract?" (a nonfiction article) and " Magnificent Magnets" (a fictional story).The activities in each unit help students:• Learn and apply academic vocabulary in context• Participate in oral close reading discussions• Answer comprehension questions• Write to a prompt with the help of a graphic organizerThis resource includes:• Eight robust units that include a unit assessment with discussion of the topic, texts, and Big Question, as well as a writing prompt.• Downloadable home–school connection activities and projects that extend learning at home.• Common Core correlations for every unit for easy reference.Plus, the suggested learning path is easy to scaffold.