Academic vocabulary words for second graders are broadly used in many subjects and even in everyday conversation. Knowing these words is critical to reading and listening comprehension. They help kids understand new concepts more easily. And when kids know them well enough to use them, these words will add precision to your child’s writing and speaking.
Print this list, courtesy of Hyde Park Central School District, and post it on your fridge or bulletin board where you and your child will see it regularly. Try to use these words in everyday conversation with your child. Hearing new words in context is one of the best ways for kids to learn and remember new words.
Vocabulary words for 2nd graders
| amaze | energy | non-living |
| amusing | enormous | noticed |
| analyze | escape | observed |
| annoy | estimate | opinion |
| arranged | exercise | peeking |
| avoid | expect | plan |
| cause | famous | poke |
| classify | flock | predict |
| community | friendly | prefer |
| conclusion | frighten | process |
| connection | frown | publish |
| continue | gasp | records |
| cooperation | gather | revise |
| curious | gust | separate |
| cycle | helpful | steaming |
| data | include | shivered |
| describe | insist | similar |
| detail | investigate | sum |
| diagram | label | suppose |
| difference | leaned | sway |
| different | living | stormy |
| discover | march | swoop |
| drowsy | matter | treasure |
| edit | moist | vanish |
| effect | necessary | volunteer |
See the academic vocabulary lists for 3rd grade and 4th grade, too.
Check out our weekly lists of 2nd grade spelling words.
