The Circle of Learning

Writing
Level 2

Learners will increase knowledge of the foundations of writing to improve critical thinking skills and writing fluency.

As appropriate or as needed, discuss and practise using the conventions of English. [See the Common Conventions of English chart in Appendix E.]
Ask for support to overcome personal challenges to writing (e.g., fine motor skills, learning and/or physical disability).
Develop cursive writing skills of all letters in upper and lower cases.
Attempt to spell unfamiliar words using syllabication.
Find definitions and confirm spelling with an intermediate dictionary and glossary.
Practise using a thesaurus to vary word choice and add interest to writing, for example to find words that are similar in meaning (synonyms) and words that are opposite in meaning (antonyms).
Identify and describe common formats for formal documents (e.g., margins, spacing, indentation, graphics, captions).

Examples of applying this learning outcome outside the learning environment:
Family	Community	Work
Play a synonym and antonym game with someone at home. First have the other person give you a word. Then both of you try to say as many words as you can that are the same, and then as many words as you can that are the opposite. Later, look up the word in a thesaurus to learn new synonyms and antonyms.	Ask for help to find a volunteer in your community who will write what you say if you cannot physically hold a pen or type on a keyboard.	Find examples of signs, memos, newsletters, or advertisements at work. Look for incorrect spelling or punctuation. Make mental notes about how you would correct the document.