Abbreviations are everywhere! It is important for young readers and writers to know how to read abbreviations and use them in their own writing. Keep reading for common types of abbreviations that all 2nd grade students should know, and abbreviations activities to use in the classroom.

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Enhance Literacy with Embedded Grammar Lessons

Research on the Science of Reading (SOR) dating back to the 1970s shows that teaching grammar as isolated rules doesn’t effectively transfer to writing and speaking. What works better is embedding grammar within the context of writing. This is why our writing program Lucky to Learn Writing (LTLW) includes grammar skills integrated into writing lessons. This approach ensures that the same skills and standards are met, but in a meaningful context that connects with the rest of the literacy curriculum.

We also recognize the value of targeted practice and intervention to reinforce these skills. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of our favorite grammar activities that provide additional practice and intervention opportunities. These activities are designed to complement our integrated approach, ensuring students have a well-rounded understanding of grammar concepts. Let’s dive into these engaging and effective activities!

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What is an abbreviation?

An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word. Commonly abbreviated words:

Titles of people

If your students can write your name, they are already on their way to being experts at abbreviations! Recognizing abbreviations for titles of people are some of the first types of abbreviations that students encounter.

Mrs. – Missus

Mr. – Mister

Dr. – Doctor

Jr. – Junior

Days of the Week

Drop the ending from each day of the week, and you’re left with the common abbreviation for days of the week: Sun, Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat.

Months of the Year

In a rush? Who has time to write out the whole month of the year? Using the first 3 letters of each month will make the common abbreviation, except for the case of May, June, and July. These months are not abbreviated.

States, Countries, and Places

If you’ve taught a unit on friendly letter writing, your students may already be familiar with abbreviating state and country names. Knowing the different abbreviations for states and countries is an important skill that students will use for the rest of their lives (and be honest, many adults still have to think about common state abbreviations!). Abbreviations are also used for place names, like apartment (APT), and street names (St. for Street, Ave for Avenue, Blvd for Boulevard, Pl for place)

Common Objects

Take a look around your classroom – there are probably many objects that you refer to with an abbreviation. CD player, PC (personal computer), TV, intercom (intercommunication system), and more!

Text Abbreviations

Chances are your students already know some common text message abbreviations. BFF (Best friends forever) LOL (laugh out loud), BTW (by the way), TTYL (talk to you later) are just a few that students may be familiar with.

Scientific words and measurement

Do you have budding scientists in your class? They may be interested to know that elements (H for Hydrogen, O for oxygen), and compounds (H2O for water) are all forms of abbreviations. Units of measurement are also abbreviated (F for feet, in. for inches, cm for centimeters, etc.), as well as units of time (hr for hour, sec for second).

Practice abbreviations by playing this fun four-in-a-row game! This activity is a great literacy center or partner game.

For a whole class game to review abbreviations, check out the classroom favorite game Toothy for abbreviations!

Here’s a quick post of an anchor chart that I am planning on using tomorrow to help teach my students about abbreviations.  I hope you can use this too!  

Other Abbreviations Resources

Mastering abbreviations will take a bit of practice. These abbreviations activities are a fun and easy way to add some extra practice for this skill. Whether you are looking for a whole class review, small group centers, or independent review, Lucky Little Learners has the abbreviations activities you need. Take a look at the links below and tell us what you think! TTYL!

Abbreviations Centers

Digital Abbreviations Activities

Abbreviations Activity Sheets

Have focused independent work skill centers with these abbreviation activity sheets.

Tips for Teaching Kids Other Grammar Skills

Click the button below for tips on teaching specific grammar skills.