Education is a world of stepping-stones. Each year builds on skills that were taught and introduced the year before. With each passing year, there are also many news skills your child will develop and master. Second grade is no exception. Your child is building and fine-tuning skills that they have been learning since kindergarten. He or she is also developing many new skills that will be built upon in the years to come.
One of the key elements of second grade is continuing to develop reading and language skills. This will help ensure your child’s success in the rest of her academic career. Right now your child is still learning how to read, adding new words to a list of already familiar ones. He or she is also creating more complex sentences by using correct punctuation, capitalization and adding multiple nouns and action verbs. They are also beginning to transition from print to cursive handwriting. Second grade is still a year for learning how to read. By the end of third grade your child will transition into reading to learn. This means they will focus more on reading for content and important information and less on learning the actual skill of reading.
By the end of second grade your child should be reading small chapter books. Not only should they be able to read the words on the page, but they should also be able to comprehend what they are reading. If your child gets to the end of a chapter and can’t tell you what it is about then they do not understand what they are reading. He may be able to read all of the words in the story, but this is merely name-calling if he does not comprehend what he has read.
Most books today have a reading level either on the first few pages or on the back cover. Start with that. If the reading level says 2.5 that means a child in the second grade, fifth month should be able to read and comprehend the story. You can then move up or down according to your child’s level. To find out if a book is too difficult for your child have them read a page out loud to you. If they make 5 or more errors it is too difficult.
In math your child is learning how to add and subtract two digit numbers. She is also identifying time to the half-hour and five minute intervals on both digital and analog clocks. She is increasing her use and understanding of place value to 3-digit whole numbers. Addition and subtraction facts to 10 should be automatic at this point. Your child should also be able to identify and understand the value of pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, half-dollars, and dollars.
Your child will also be adding onto his science and social studies concepts. Learning more about physical and earth sciences and expanding his knowledge of different cultures.
It is important at any grade to establish a set homework routine. This way your child knows what is expected of him when he gets home from school. He should have a spot away from the TV, phone, computer, and game stations. You should have plenty of paper and writing utensils available for use. It is also a good idea to be available for questions. You should never do your child’s homework. However, it is ok to guide them to the correct answer.
Of course, the best way to keep up with your child and their progress in school is to stay in contact with the teacher. They will give you the best advice on how to make sure your child is successful in their class.
