By second grade, kids are tackling more complex words as they learn to read and write. They are typically ready to move to using word parts, such as syllables, prefixes, suffixes, and roots, to help decipher words rather than sounding out words letter by letter. Practicing spelling words can give children a leg up in the process, especially when they’re writing.

This makes them more confident in their skills, and more likely to enjoy the time they spend on these language arts skills. Second graders work on a variety of advanced phonics skills, which are explained below. If you’re looking for tips on how to teach children to spell, check out our blog posts that provides helpful strategies to try.

Second Grade Vowel Teams Spelling Words

Many words use combinations of vowels, often called vowel teams. Usually, but not always, vowel teams stand for long vowel sounds. Vowel teams include digraphs, where two vowels combine to stand for one sound (“eat” or “boat”). Our list of second grade spelling words with vowel teams includes several digraphs.

Second Grade R-Controlled Vowel Spelling Words

Some vowels change their sounds when followed by the letter R, making neither their short or long sound. These are known as r-controlled vowels, and include the combinations -er (as in “fern”),  -ir (as in “fir”), -ar (as in “car”), -or (as in “cord”), and -ur (as in “hurt”). Get free printable vowel teams worksheets here.

Second Grade Prefix and Suffix Spelling Words

As words get more complex, they can be divided into meaningful chunks instead of letter by letter. Recognizing prefixes and suffixes helps young spellers work through longer words. Prefixes are word parts that are added to the beginning of words (such as “un-“) and suffixes are added to the ends of words (such as “-ful”).

For example, when children encounter the word “unfriendly,” spelling the three words parts, “un,” “friend,”and “ly” is easier than spelling each of the nine sounds in the word. Mastering common beginnings or endings can make spelling much easier. 

Second Grade Compound Spelling Words

In compound words, two individual words work together to make one new word, such as “snowball” or “sometime.” These longer words can intimidate young learners until they learn to break them into their smaller parts as part of their spelling practice.

Second Grade Sight Words

Sight words, also known as high-frequency words, are the most commonly used words in written English (such as “the” and “have.”) Some follow regular spelling patterns, but some do not. Understanding how some words “break the rules” and learning to recognize the words fluently can help kid learn to read and write more quickly, and with less frustration along the way.

Second Grade Spelling Words Activities

Spelling word practice doesn’t have to be a chore! Spice it up with fun games and physical activities that engage even reluctant learners.

1. Spell the Rainbow
   As kids practice words from the second grade spelling words list, have them write each letter using a different color of pencil, crayon, or marker. This gives them a chance to work on writing as well as spelling and also prompts them to attend to each individual letter as a they write.
   
   
2. Play Letter Mixup
   Use letter magnets or beads, or Scrabble tiles. Give your child a handful of letters that include the ones they need for a specific spelling word. Ask them to find the right letters and put them in the proper order, then read the word out loud.
   
   
3. Create Word Art
   Draw a picture to illustrate each word, turning the letters into part of the illustration. This especially helps visual learners, as they can think back to the picture when they need a hint as they practice second grade spelling words.
   
   
4. Spelling Games on ABCmouse
   ABCmouse.com offers a variety of spelling games for second graders, designed to enhance their vocabulary and spelling skills through interactive and fun activities. These games are tailored to challenge and engage young learners, helping them to build confidence and proficiency in spelling more complex words.

Lists of Second Grade Spelling Words

Every curriculum program uses its own lists of second grade spelling words, but they all focus on the important phonics concepts kids learn at this age. These spelling lists include examples of words that fit those spelling rules.