Teachers work diligently with 2nd graders so that they'll be able to read fluently for comprehension by the end of the year. Your child's progress during this pivotal time will greatly influence how he views himself as a reader. For that reason, if your child is having trouble, you may want to consider consulting a tutor or reading specialist for the extra help he may need.

By the end of 2nd grade, your child should be able to:

Reading and Writing
Read basic readers
Expand sight word vocabulary
Recall the sequence of events in oral and written stories
Differentiate between fiction and nonfiction stories
Discuss story elements such as plot, character, events, and setting
Identify the main idea and details in a story
Print legibly
Recognize single and plural forms of nouns
Write in complete sentences
Understand basic punctuation
Use descriptive language

Math
Understand greater than, less than, lighter than, heavier than, the same as, etc.
Recognize and write numbers up to 100
Count backwards from any given point from 100
Mentally add numbers to 10
Add and subtract with pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters
Tell time to the hour and half hour
Recognize symmetry in drawings and shapes
Combine shapes to make other shapes
Identify, describe, and reproduce patterns with number, shapes, colors, or words
Use simple graphs to record information
Recognize simple mathematic symbols (e.g. "+", "= ",">","<")
Begin to understand simple fractions

Social Studies
Locate the United States, the seven continents, and the four oceans on a large map or globe
Construct and interpret simple maps with cardinal directions and map key
Demonstrate awareness of current news
Participate in group decision making
Understand traditions that reflect American ideals and influences from diverse cultures within the nation
Create charts and timelines demonstrating an understanding of past and present
Recognize shared values and goals as students in the same community, despite differences in backgrounds

Science
Use tools such as a magnifying glass, ruler, and balancing scale
Learn basic needs of living things by caring for animals in class
Experiment with balls and ramps to investigate forces such as gravity, momentum, and friction
Explore formation of the earth's surface using water, sand, silt, and pebbles
Develop an awareness of the water cycle
Conduct simple experiments; observe and record results