Using data collected from kindergarten and second grade children in a study of young children's concepts about writing as reflected in their school writing behaviors, this report focuses on information gathered from second grade children. The introductory chapter restates the research questions guiding the study and briefly reviews the major conclusions drawn from the kidnergarten data presented in volume 1. The second chapter includes both a review of research relevant to the study of beginning writing in school and a review of the project's data collection techniques. This chapter also presents the case of Bonita, the least academically successful of the three second grade writers studied. By describing, first, the nature of school writing events and next, Bonita's variable behaviors across events, the chapter demonstrates her sensitivity to the social features of these events. The third chapter introduces Ayrio, one of Bonita's peers. By comparing Ayrio's behaviors to Bonita's, the chapter illustrates both similar dynamics at work and differences in their behaviors that appeared related to differences in their social lives within and outside the classroom. Specifically, Ayrio's case highlights the potential role of peers in writing growth. The fourth chapter focuses on Duranne, whose case highlights home influences. Again, by comparing Duranne's own behaviors across events and by comparing her behaviors to Bonita's and Ayrio's, the chapter demonstrates a child's sensitivity to writing as a social activity. The final chapter is a summary of the major conclusions of the study, including an overview of the kindergarten and the second grade data analysis. (HOD)