2. 2
K-2 Grade: Alphabetizing with Original Stories
Overview:
“This lesson challenges students to write original stories using alphabetical order. For
students who are still developing a basic understanding of alphabetization, the entire class can
write one story, beginning each page with a new letter. Challenge more advanced students to
write their own stories or to compose the words in each sentence in alphabetical order. Students
can illustrate their texts in class or at home with their families. Although this lesson was
primarily written for a first- or second-grade class, modifications can be made to allow
kindergarten students to have success with alphabetizing as well” (Sheehan, 2014 ).
10 Target Vocabulary Words from the Lesson:
1. Alphabetizing
2. Word Lists
3. Action, Describing Words
4. Brainstorming
5. Use any words to begin your sentences
6. Alphabet Story on Strips
7. Alphabet Story in Order
8. Draw Pictures of words
9. Reflection on favorite words
10. Peer groups to see different styles
3. 3
Review Academic Vocabulary:
1. Go over the alphabet at the beginning of the lesson that way they are familiar with the
order of it and know which letters to choose.
2. Look up in a dictionary the definition of brainstorming and allow students to give their
insight on the meaning of brainstorming.
3. Show students how to pick each letter to make it into a alphabet sentence. Allow them to
pick the first word with the correct letter and then help make their sentence more
effective depending on their level of experience.
Formative Assessment: 5 point scoring system
1 3 5
Assignment
completed
properly
Students
complete
less than
half the
assignment.
Student
completes
most of
assignment.
Student
completes
assignment
correctly.
Sentences in
alphabetical
order
Sentences
not in
alphabetical
order.
Some
sentences
are in
alphabetical
order.
Sentences
are in
alphabetical
order.
Storyline Follow a
storyline but
not in order.
A weak
story is
present.
Sentences
tell a story.
Illustrations Barely relate
to storyline.
Some relate
to storyline.
Illustrations
relate to
story.
Sentence
Structure
and correct
spellings
Little
punctuation
and spellings
correct.
Sentence
Structure
used but no
correct
spelling.
Sentence
structure and
spellings are
correct.
4. 4
Summative Assessment:
Have students write a brief reflection on what they liked and disliked about the lesson process. If
they felt that the task was hard, ask them to explain which step was most difficult and why.
5. 5
References
Sheehan, Kelly. (2014). Alphabetizing with Original Stories. Retrieved from:
http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/alphabetizing-with-original-
stories-851.html?tab=4#tabs
