Second Grade Benchmarks
Language Arts
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Read aloud grade level texts with fluency, understanding, and comprehension
Describe order of events in a text; Identify main idea/details; Establish a purpose for reading
Use context to determine the relevant meaning of unfamiliar words
Identify and use common words that are antonyms or synonyms in meaning
Use a dictionary or glossary to find and define words
Distinguish features of a sentence; Write complete sentences with subject/verb agreement
Write brief stories that have a beginning, middle and end
Understand and apply parts of speech in the context of reading, writing and speaking:
Verbs, nouns, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, and time-order transition words
Use elements of the writing process (planning, drafting, revising, editing and publishing) to compose
text
Spell words with common orthographic patterns and rules
Use phonological knowledge to match sounds to letters to construct unknown words
Math
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Recall and apply basic addition and subtraction facts (to/from 18)
Model addition and subtraction of two-digit numbers
Use place value to read, write, compare, and describe the value of whole numbers to 999
Determine the value of a collection of coins
Describe attributes (vertices, faces, edges, sides) of 2- and 3-dimensional geometric figures
Identify and use concrete models that approximate standard units of length
Tell time to the nearest one-minute interval on a digital clock and the nearest five-minute interval on an
analog clock; Read a thermometer to gather data
Collect, organize, represent and interpret data using pictographs, bar graphs, and tables.
Solve problems with guidance that incorporate understanding the problem, making a plan, carrying out
the plan, and evaluating the solution for reasonableness
Science
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Physical Science: observe different states of matter, and how many of them can be either solid or liquid,
depending on temperature
Life Science: observe changes that are part of a simple life cycle of a plant: seed, seedling, plant, flower,
and fruit
Make observations of plants and animals and their life cycles to compare the diversity of life in different
habitats
Earth Science: observe, describe, compare, and sort rocks and soil by size, shape, color, and texture
Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that wind and water can change the shape of
land (i.e. canyons, sea caves, etc.)
Social Studies
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Understand the historical significance of landmarks and celebrations in the community, state, and nation
Use simple geographic tools such as maps, globes and photographs; identify city, state, and country on a
map
Understand the roles of producers and consumers in production of goods and services
Identify historic figures who exemplified good citizenship
Identify and discuss the roles of our government (local, state, and national)
Religion
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Understand Jesus teaches us about God’s Love and how to show that love through our actions
Understand the Church meets Jesus in the Sacrament of Reconciliation
Understand Jesus gives us the gift of Himself in the Eucharist
Recite the Sign of the Cross
Recite the Our Father
Recite the Hail Mary
Recite Glory Be
Recite the Act of Contrition
Attend Mass and model behavior for church buddies