Students write a short scene where a simile helps Sam find courage.
Race story: one simile to find courage
Using a single simile to show bravery
Language ArtsCoding
In this 45-minute Grade 2 lesson, students study a mentor-text simile, plan one original courage simile, then build a two-page scene where dragging a gold ribbon to the finish line reveals their ending.
Pacing
1 day · 45 min
Grade
Grade 2
Coding
Beginner
Students codeDragSequence
Opens a private practice project in the Studio — no account needed.
How can a writer change what a reader feels from the beginning of a scene to the end?
Students will be able to
Write one original simile that shows courage.
Compose a short ending that shows what happens after the simile.
Code a drag interaction that reveals the simile.
The student journey
This is a build — not a worksheet packet
Every lesson runs like the story students are about to make: read it, write it, build it, polish it, publish it. The printables scaffold each stage — the published Elementari project is the destination.
1
📖
Read
Students read a short, high-interest passage — a real-world hook, not a dry textbook definition — to spark ideas for what they'll make.
📖The Paper Boat
This is an original mentor text created for this lesson.…
In the studio, students bring the project to life — adding art and following the exact writing and coding steps shown below. The Studio Compass walks them through it, one step at a time.
🧭Studio CompassStep 1 / 2
TITLE PAGE
TITLE PAGE: the project title is already present. No student coding is required.
Key words — tap to learnOn Drag
Each step checks off & advances on its own
All 2 studio steps · dynamic to the project
1TITLE PAGE~10 min
2Build the ending~35 min
4
🔁
Polish
ongoing
Teacher and peer feedback pin right onto the project — students revise until it's ready to share.
Feedback on the project2 pins
🍎
Add one more sentence here so readers get the full picture.
👍 2Teacher
A
The interaction is clear — it helps the reader follow the project!
A couple of things to gather, a few quick steps to prep — then you're ready to hand it to students.
What you need
A device per student or pair
Internet connection
Prep · about 10 min
1Print the student kits
2Assign this lesson to your students
3Skim the build steps
Teacher background
What you need to know
Writers change a reader's experience by choosing words, images, and comparisons (like a simile) that shift feeling or meaning. In this lesson, students pick one simile that helps the reader feel brave at the landing.
Watch for these misconceptions
✕
Missing or unclear simile →Point to the mentor sentence that uses a simile and ask the student: 'What two things are you comparing? Say the simile aloud with both parts.'
✕
Ending that stops too soon (no next event after the simile) →Ask the student to add one short sentence that shows what happens right after the simile (one action or feeling).
✕
Drag does not animate or does not reveal the text →Have the student play the page and show you the drag; if it doesn't work, check the drag trigger and the reveal placement, then test again.
Standards alignment
Aligned to the standards you teach
Every task maps to a specific standard, so planning and reporting are covered.
Tracking 7 frameworks: Common Core ELA, Common Core Math, NGSS +4
Common Core State Standards — English Language Arts
6 standards
RL.2.3
Describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges.
SL.2.6
Produce complete sentences when appropriate to task and situation in order to provide requested detail or clarification.
SL.2.5
Create audio recordings of stories or poems; add drawings or other visual displays to stories or recounts of experiences when appropriate to clarify ideas, thoughts, and feelings.
Also addressedL.2.1 · W.2.3 · RL.2.4
Full task-by-task mapping — including Depth of Knowledge — is in the answer key.
Differentiation & accessibility
Built to reach every learner
One lesson, three built-in paths — with accessibility baked into the materials, not bolted on afterward.
Extra support
Emerging readers & writers
Read-aloud and multilingual support in the Elementari build
Studio Compass highlights one task at a time — including the coding
Sentence frames and a word bank so it is never a blank page
On grade
The core lesson
The passage and storyboard exactly as written
Model answers and “look-fors” in the answer key
Self-check chips at every milestone
Ready for more
Extension & challenge
Challenge vocabulary and a real-world extension question
Deepen one existing page or interaction — without changing the required mechanics
A longer, evidence-based reflection prompt
Accessibility, built inPredictable step-by-step structureOne task at a time · Studio CompassHighlighted response areasLow-stimulation printMovement-friendly pacingDesigned so every student can design, write, and code — with ADHD, autism, and dyslexia in mind.
Questions
Teacher FAQ
Do I — or my students — need to know how to code?
No. Coding concepts are introduced in plain language exactly when students need them, and Studio Compass confirms each milestone so students keep moving without you troubleshooting. The teacher guide walks you through the whole build, answers included.
How long does this lesson take?
About 1 day, paced into 45-minute class periods. You can spread it out or compress it — students pick up where they left off, so it doesn't have to finish in one sitting.
What devices does this lesson work on?
Students can read, write, code, and publish on Chromebooks, iPads, tablets, laptops, or desktops. All they need is a modern browser — nothing to download or install.
What is Studio Compass?
Studio Compass is the step-by-step guide inside the Studio. It shows students what to do next, identifies the exact coding blocks they need, and confirms completed milestones so they can keep moving independently.
How does this lesson support different learners?
This lesson includes read-to-me with synchronized highlighting, a built-in glossary, and picture-based storyboarding, with writing and coding scaffolds you can dial up or down. Students can work with guided support or more independently — and still finish the same project.
Ready when you are
Bring this lesson to your class
Import your class, assign in one click, and watch them build — the whole kit comes with it.
