Use Illustrations to Understand Story Elements
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2nd Grade ELA › Use Illustrations to Understand Story Elements
Read the story and look at the picture. In the morning, the class lined up for music. Mateo carried his recorder carefully. “I do not want to drop it,” he said. The teacher opened the music room door. What does the picture show about when this happened?
It was morning because the clock shows 9:00.
It was winter because snow covered the classroom floor.
It was night because the moon filled the window.
Explanation
Pictures show time of day. The clock shows 9:00 in the morning. This matches when music class happens.
Read the story and look at the picture. Noah wanted to build a birdhouse. He said, "I will be careful." His aunt handed him the wood pieces. Noah lined them up and started to hammer. He stopped and checked his work. What does the picture show that helps you know the birdhouse was not finished?
The picture shows wood pieces still on the table.
The picture shows paint drying on a finished birdhouse.
The picture shows birds already living inside the house.
Explanation
Pictures give us clues about time. The picture shows wood pieces still on the table. This means Noah hasn't built the birdhouse yet.
Read the story and look at the picture. Lila walked on a trail with her dad. She heard a tiny sound in the bushes. "What is that?" Lila asked. Dad said, "Stay still and look." Lila pointed and smiled softly. What does the picture show they found?
The picture shows a small brown rabbit by the bushes.
The picture shows a big bear walking on the trail.
The picture shows Lila riding her bike in the street.
Explanation
Pictures help us see what characters find. The picture shows a small rabbit by bushes. This matches the tiny sound Lila heard.
Read the story and look at the picture. Mia lost her red mitten at recess. She looked by the swings and under the slide. "I hope I find it," she said. Ben helped her search near the sandbox. Mia finally smiled and said, "We did it!" What does the picture show that helps you know where the mitten was?
The picture shows the mitten stuck in a tree branch.
The picture shows the mitten half-buried in the sandbox sand.
The picture shows Mia walking home with both mittens on.
Explanation
We use pictures to find details. The picture shows the mitten in the sand. This matches where Ben helped look - near the sandbox.
Read the story and look at the picture. Priya planted seeds in the school garden. She poured water gently on the soil. "Now we wait," she told her class. The next week, she checked every day. Priya gasped, "Something is growing!" What does the picture show that the words do not say?
The picture shows tiny green sprouts coming out of the soil.
The picture shows Priya eating the seeds for lunch.
The picture shows Priya planting seeds inside a snowman.
Explanation
Pictures add new information to stories. The picture shows tiny green sprouts growing. The story didn't say what the plants looked like.
Noah felt nervous about the tall slide. He said, “It looks so high.” His friend Ava waited beside him. Noah took a deep breath. Then he started climbing. Look at the picture. How can you tell Noah felt nervous?
In the picture, Noah frowns and grips the ladder tightly.
In the picture, Noah sleeps under a tree.
In the picture, Noah smiles and waves from the top.
Explanation
Pictures show how people feel. Noah frowns and holds the ladder tight. These clues tell us he's nervous. His face and hands show his feelings.
Read the story and look at the picture. Jayden went to the playground after class. He climbed up the tall slide slowly. “It looks higher than I thought,” he said quietly. His friend waited at the bottom. How can you tell Jayden felt nervous in the picture?
He held the ladder tightly with a worried face.
He ran across the grass holding a soccer ball.
He smiled and waved from the top of the slide.
Explanation
Pictures show how characters feel. Jayden holds the ladder tightly with worry. His face and hands tell us he's nervous.
Jay rode his scooter to the park. He heard kids laughing near the swings. “Can I play too?” he asked. The kids waved him over. They played until it was time to go. Look at the picture. Where does the story happen?
At a playground with swings and a slide.
In a grocery store aisle with carts.
In a classroom with desks and a whiteboard.
Explanation
Pictures show where stories happen. The picture shows swings and a slide. Jay played with kids at the park. The playground is the setting.
Read the story and look at the picture. Jayden made a card for his grandma. He wrote, "Happy Birthday!" on the front. He wanted it to look special. He used markers and glue. He whispered, "She will love it." What does the picture show that tells where Jayden worked?
The picture shows Jayden running outside to mail the card.
The picture shows grandma opening the card at her house.
The picture shows a kitchen table with scissors and glue.
Explanation
Pictures show where things happen. The picture shows scissors and glue on a table. This is where Jayden made his card.
Read the story and look at the picture. Ellie and Mateo cleaned the playroom. Ellie said, "Let’s put toys in bins." Mateo picked up blocks and cars. They worked together and did not argue. Soon the floor was clear. What does the picture show about how they worked together?
The picture shows Ellie and Mateo putting toys into bins together.
The picture shows Ellie and Mateo in a classroom taking a test.
The picture shows Ellie sleeping while Mateo makes a mess.
Explanation
Pictures show how people work together. The picture shows both kids putting toys in bins. They are helping each other clean.