2nd Grade

What Your 2nd Grader Should Know

Skills and milestones for ages 7-8

Overview

Second grade is when reading really takes off! Children transition from "learning to read" to "reading to learn." Math skills expand to include multi-digit addition and subtraction, and writing becomes more fluent.

Reading & Language Arts

  • Reads fluently with expression
  • Reads grade-level text independently
  • Identifies main idea and details
  • Makes predictions and inferences
  • Compares and contrasts characters/events
  • Reads and understands nonfiction text
  • Uses context clues for unknown words
  • Identifies prefixes and suffixes

Writing

  • Writes in complete sentences with capitals and punctuation
  • Writes stories with beginning, middle, end
  • Writes opinion pieces with reasons
  • Writes informational text
  • Uses correct spelling for common words
  • Uses basic grammar correctly

Math

  • Adds and subtracts within 100 fluently
  • Adds and subtracts within 1000 (with regrouping)
  • Understands place value to 1000s
  • Solves word problems with + and -
  • Works with arrays (foundation for multiplication)
  • Counts by 5s, 10s, and 100s
  • Tells time to nearest 5 minutes
  • Counts money and makes change
  • Measures with rulers

Tips for Parents

Encourage independent reading with books they choose. Practice math facts daily for fluency. Let them write for real purposes - letters, journals, stories. Praise effort over perfection!

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