In Grade 2, students read and write independently. Students have many opportunities to use spoken language. Second grade students understand that there are different purposes for speaking and listening. Students know how to attract and hold the attention of their classmates when they make announcements or share a story. Second grade students recognize a large number of words automatically and use a variety of word identification strategies to figure out words they do not immediately recognize. Students read regularly for understanding and fluency in a variety of genres, including selections from classic and contemporary works. Students read texts from which they acquire new information. Students summarize what they read and represent ideas gained from reading with story maps, charts, and drawings. Students use references, including dictionaries and glossaries, to build word meanings and confirm pronunciation. Second grade students revise and edit their own writing to make ideas more clear and precise. Students use appropriate capitalization and punctuation. Students use singular and plural nouns and adjust verbs for agreement. In Grade 2, students' penmanship is characterized by letters that are properly formed, words that are properly spaced, and overall compositions that are legible. Students begin to take simple notes and compile notes into outlines.