Parent Resources
Mathematics
Roll two dice, have your students add and/or subtract the two numbers
Get a deck of cards and play "war" with your student. Have your student add/subtract the value of the cards.
Math Board, single player game covering addition and subtraction. Click here.
Single player game covering addition and subtraction. Click here.
This game appears expensive but will also covers multiplication and division. Click here.
https://www.youcubed.org/ This website is not necessarily built for students, but rather is a great website for families looking to become more familiar with the new Common Core mathematics. It is run by Jo Boaler, a Stanford researcher and professor.
Reading
2nd graders should practice reading quietly to themselves, but it never hurts them to hear a fluent reader. Read to your student regularly.
Ask your student thoughtful questions about what they reading: what about that book do you like? what/who does the character remind you of? Why? etc.
Allow your student to pick their own books. Take trips to the local library.
Writing and Handwriting
Encourage your student to keep a journal and write about their day.
Hand write letters to family members and friend.
Practice neat handwriting have your student hand write the grocery list for you.
Practice neat handwriting by having them survey friends and family, let them choose the topic.
Practice neat handwriting by having your student make bulletin point lists.
Encourage your student to use a dictionary to look up the definition and correct spelling of a word. It may seemed old-fashioned but it's important and remains in the 2nd grade standards.
Practice holding a pencil correctly to encourage neat handwriting. Practice by tracing a picture and then coloring it using crayon stubs. Popping bubble wrap and stringing beads will also encourage the same fine motor skill.
Make practicing handwriting fun. Allow your student to to use a pencil rainbow pen or golf pencil, or another fun pen of their choice. Allow your student to practice their handwriting in left over sauce, foggy mirrors and windows, a mud puddle using an unsharpened pencil, a stick or their finger.
Note: Handwriting consists of space between words, letter formation, sizing, and line-alignment. This often starts with how your student holds a pencil and their posture. Encourage neat posture when writing. Neat posture for writing is sitting my straight holding the top of their paper with their non-dominate hand.
Citations:
Scholastic. “5 Ways to Improve Your Child's Handwriting.” Scholastic.com, Scholastic.com.
Scholastic.com, www.scholastic.com/parents/kids-activities-and-printables/activities-for-kids/reading-and-writing-ideas/5-ways-to-improve-your-childs-handwriting.html. n.d., November 24, 2018
Scholastic. “Tips for Poor Pencil Grips.” Scholastic.com, Scholastic.com.
Scholastic.com, https://www.scholastic.com/parents/family-life/parent-child/tips-poor-pencil-grips.html. n.d., November 24, 2018
Tech Skills to Practice at Home
Practice proper typing technique on a computer keyboard
Clicking URLs
Opening another tab or window
Escaping full screen
Toggling between two tabs and/or windows
Other
Practice tying shoes independently.
Have your student tell you the time from an analogue clock.
Practice counting change with your student.
Writing a letter and addressing an envelope.
Answering a phone.
Calling emergency numbers and reciting their address.