At what reading speed should a 2nd grader be operating?

A 2nd grader is typically expected to read at a speed of approximately 70-100 words per minute. This range reflects the developmental stage of students at this grade level, where they are building reading fluency and comprehension skills. At this age, children generally transition from learning to read in their early grades to reading to learn, which involves not only decoding words but also understanding and processing content.

Reading within the 70-100 words per minute range helps facilitate this transition, allowing students sufficient time to comprehend text while still developing their speed and fluency. This benchmark supports the educational standards for early readers, guiding teachers and educators in assessing students' reading progress effectively.