Is My Child Academically Prepared for 2nd Grade?

As mentioned in my previous post: "Is My Child Prepared for 1st Grade?" Kindergarten is a vital stepping stone to 1st grade, as well as the rest of elementary school and beyond. Sometimes certain things get missed or passed over, especially when a child has a challenge or disability. So, here are a few of the main topics I think children should have a decent foundation in before walking through those 2nd grade doors.

Reading & Reading Comprehension

• "wh" questions: Children should be able to answer questions about a text read at their independent reading level asking: who, what, when, where, how.

• Retell: Children should be able to read a story and give a short summary about what they read (i.e: main idea, 2-3 details, conclusion, etc)

• Point of View: Children should be able to tell the difference between first and third person.

Writing Skills

• Independently write about a single topic: Children should be able to read a story at their independent reading level and write a short paragraph about the topic.

• Grammar: Children entering second grade should know how to correctly use punctuation in a sentence (i.e: capital letters, periods, exclamation and question marks etc)

Math Skills

• Addition/Subtraction within 20

• Independently count to 120

• Place Value: tens and ones place

• Telling Time: Children at this age should be able to tell time to the hour and half hour on an analog clock.

• Word Problems: Children should be able to read and solve a one step word problem involving addition or subtraction within 20.

• Money: Children should be able to identify the names of coins and their amounts. (i.e: dime-10 cents, nickel-5 cents, penny-1 cent, etc)

These are just the main topics that I think children entering 2nd grade should have a good grasp on if they want to be successful and not fall behind. However, as I continue to say, children learn at different paces and in different ways, and many have specific learning disabilities which can make learning more of a challenge. Always know that getting a little extra help is never a negative thing. Giving your child the support they need can only ever be positive and help them in the long run.

For a longer, more extensive list, check out this website!

https://www.mathgenie.com/blog/things-your-child-should-know-before-second-grade#:~:text=45%20Things%20Your%20Child%20Should%20Know%20Before%20Entering,is%20a%20mailman.%20Incorrect%3D%20James%20are%20a%20mailman.%29

https://games.splashlearn.com/sem/2nd-grade/educational-games?adGroup=1261140649374017&msclkid=7e74e253e2a51b54cda386d8b377e6e2&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=sb%3Aus%3Adesktop%3Agrade-2%3Anon-games&utm_term=2nd%20grade%20education&utm_content=sb%3Aus%3Adesktop%3Agrade-2%3Anon-games%7Ceducation%3Aphrase

As always, if you or someone you know has a child that needs a little extra support, especially before the start of the next school year, please do not hesitate to reach out! A small group for children entering 2nd grade is June 26-30, one hour each day for the week.

<3 Jess

jessalyn@inspiredtutors.org

(561) 479-6848