2nd Grade Milestones

Math

While first-graders are just learning what numbers are, second-graders are investigating how to use numbers and how math makes sense in the real world. Hands-on math is still important, but during second grade, kids' understanding of symbols and more complicated mathematical concepts begins to develop. They leap into concepts such as regrouping, simple multiplication, and basic fractions. Here are some other things you'll find that second-graders are learning to do and some great instructional products they can try:

Computation  

• Memorize basic addition and subtraction facts for numbers 1-10
• Find the sum or difference of two whole numbers up to three digits long
• Use repeated addition to do multiplication

Counting, Ordering, and Place Value  

• Count, read, and write numbers up to 1,000
• Order and compare whole numbers up to 1,000
• Understand place value concepts up to three digits
• Count up to 100 by 2, 5, and 10
• Understand the regrouping process (e.g. forming ones into tens, tens into hundreds)

Time, Money, and Measurement  

• Measure objects using U.S. standard or metric units
• Identify, count, and write coin combinations to $1.99
• Tell time to 5-minute intervals

Geometry, Patterns, and Graphing  

• Identify and extend patterns and explain the rules for those patterns
• Identify and describe the elements that compose plane and solid geometric shapes (e.g. circle, triangle, sphere, and cube)
• Identify whole, one-half, and one-fourth of a simple shape
• Collect, record, organize, display, and interpret numerical data on a bar chart or graph

Problem Solving  

• Apply computation skills, geometric concepts, and use appropriate manipulatives in a problem-solving situation
• Explain problem-solving strategies using correct mathematical vocabulary

Reading & Writing

Those serious second-graders are still developing basic reading skills - focusing now on comprehension, phonics, and vocabulary. They are also trying their hand at more formal writing. Some second-grade teachers have students write simple reports so they can practice basic rules of spelling, grammar, and punctuation. When it comes to reading and writing, look for second-graders to demonstrate some of the following skills, which you can encourage using these great instructional products:

Reading  

• Listen to and enjoy a variety of literature
• Read, comprehend, interpret and evaluate age-appropriate books and stories
• Describe setting, characters, and events in a story
• Identify the possible solutions to a problem
• Recognize a story's topic and main idea
• Know the difference between real and fantasy stories
• Locate information to answer questions within a story
• Follow directions with more than one step
• Relate previous experience to what is being read
• Accurately read aloud grade-appropriate material
• Observe all punctuation while reading aloud (e.g. commas, periods, exclamation points)

Writing  

• Begin to generate and organize ideas for writing
• Use writing to communicate for a variety of purposes
• Use correct capitalization, punctuation, and spelling most of the time

Vocabulary and Phonics  

• Learn new words using a variety of strategies such as grammar cues, meaning cues (e.g. pictures), and phonics (i.e. what sounds right)
• Use phonics to sound out complex, unfamiliar words

Social Studies

Although social studies programs vary across the country, the second-grade year is a time when kids are ready to take an adventuresome look beyond their neighborhoods and begin learning how their part of the world is connected to other places on Earth. Topics covered this year include transportation, communication, food, and travel. The skills second-graders are learning include the ability to do the following things, which you can encourage using these great instructional products:

Geography  

• Demonstrate an understanding of how he or she is part of a community, state, region, nation, and world
• Demonstrate an understanding of local geography
• Read and understand simple maps and globes
• Show an awareness of other nations and people in the world and other ways of life

History and Political Science  

• Show knowledge of good citizenship
• Develop an understanding of family history
• Compare daily life in the past with that of today
• Demonstrate an understanding of local economy and people who supply our needs (e.g. farmers and factory workers)

Science

A second-grader's interest in discovering how things work shows the beginnings of the fundamental skills that lead to scientific inquiry. This year, children explore the world by observing and manipulating familiar objects around them. Topics vary from school to school, yet popular topics include life cycles, the environment, and temperature changes. Second-graders are learning the following skills, which you can encourage using these great instructional products:

Science  

• Observe and report characteristics of things and events
• Classify things according to similar or different traits
• Record by drawing or writing results of observations
• Draw conclusions based on observations
• Develop an understanding of the needs of living things
• Name and use simple tools for observing, measuring, and weighing objects (e.g. magnifying glass, ruler, thermometer, and scale)
• Predict outcomes or results based on observations