Use a variety of worksheets to go over the basics of reading with your second grade child or student. Parents may consider purchasing a book like "Second Grade Reading Practice," by Scholastic for students to use after homework or during free time. A good worksheet for second graders will test vocabulary in context, reading comprehension and the ability to complete a sentence given a selection of words.
Test reading comprehension through oral narration. Assign a different short story to each student in your class, and then have him give a synopsis of the story. Instead of asking your second graders complex questions, focus on the literal recall and sequence of the story. Ask them to tell what happens first, then follow with questions such as, "What happened next?" or "What happens after that?" to keep them thinking in chronological order.
Combine reading with your students' developing art skills to test their reading comprehension. Have students fold a piece of paper into four or six sections and draw scenes from a story they recently read. Alternatively, assign a short story and have them draw scenes from this tale. Have them describe the pictures aloud, as opposed to writing them, since this may be too complex for second graders.
Reinforce your students' knowledge of the main idea of a sentence or story by playing a game with lists. Separate your class into small groups, or use this as a solo activity for challenging one student. Make short lists of three to five associated words, and pass out the same number of lists to each group. Instruct the groups to come up with a title for each list.