The tools that build adjectives, contractions, apostrophes, subject-verb agreement, and compound sentences for seven- and eight-year-olds.
STSpellingJoy Team
•Last Updated: July 13, 2026
The best grammar apps for 2nd grade are SpellingJoy ELA for grammar rehearsed inside real sentences and IXL for adaptive, targeted skill drills, backed by video-first BrainPOP and game-first SplashLearn. Second grade is when sentences grow up. A child starts adding describing words, shrinking do not into a contraction with an apostrophe, and joining two thoughts into one compound sentence.
At seven or eight, most children already write in complete sentences, so grammar shifts from getting a sentence to exist toward making it read smoothly and correctly. That means choosing adjectives that add detail, dropping the apostrophe in exactly the right spot, and keeping the subject and verb in step so "she run" becomes "she runs." These are small mechanical habits, and repetition with quick feedback is what locks them in.
Second grade grammar checklist
Adjectives: using describing words to make a sentence more vivid
Contractions: shortening word pairs such as is not into isn't
Apostrophes: placing the mark correctly in contractions and possessives
Subject-verb agreement: matching the verb to a singular or plural subject
Compound sentences: joining two ideas with and, but, or so
How the picks were selected
We looked at published prices, feature lists, and official store pages, then kept the apps whose grammar content genuinely lands at a second grade level. Tools built only for pre-readers were set aside, and so were platforms whose grammar work does not start until the upper grades. Because a seven-year-old can usually read the prompts, we valued clear feedback and worthwhile practice over heavy narration this time.
These titles sit inside the broader world of reading and phonics apps, and that connection helps: the more correct sentences a child reads, the more natural adjectives, contractions, and agreement begin to feel. Listed last as a companion, the free SpellingJoy spelling app is not a grammar tool, but its spelling reps make the endings and apostrophes of second grade far more automatic.
† Pricing note: Prices are checked against each vendor's official website or help center at the time of writing, but vendors change plans and prices at any time. Always confirm current pricing on the vendor's own site before purchasing. How we review and verify →
Our pick
1
SpellingJoy ELA
Best guided ELA that teaches grammar
SpellingJoy ELA is a voiced, interactive English Language Arts curriculum for ages 5-10. The child plays a ~20-minute daily lesson alone - the AI tutor reads aloud, the child builds words with tappable tiles, reads back (speech recognition), and writes with AI feedback. Phonics-first, standards-aware, a full 36-week year per grade. Parents review the week's work. It is an AI tutor, not a state-accredited program, and is not COPPA/FERPA certified - parental consent and supervision are the parent's responsibility.
Best for:Grammar rehearsed inside sentences a 7-8 year old writes and editsPrice:$19/month†Grades:K-5Platforms:Web
Pros
7-day free trial - try the full course before you pay
A full 36-week guided ELA year per grade (K-5)
Phonics-first and mapped to Common Core standards
Cons
Card required up front; $19/mo after the 7-day free trial
Web-only (no native mobile app yet)
AI tutor, not a state-accredited program
2
IXL
Best dedicated skill builder
IXL is a comprehensive adaptive learning platform covering all subjects from Pre-K through 12th grade.
Best for:Adaptive second grade grammar drills with instant checksPrice:$79-159/yr†Grades:Pre-K-12Platforms:Web, iOS, Android
Pros
Comprehensive K-12 coverage
Adaptive learning
Detailed analytics
Cons
Expensive
Spelling is small part of ELA
3
Khan Academy Kids
Best free foundation
Khan Academy Kids offers free, comprehensive early learning content covering reading, math, and more for children ages 2-8.
Best for:Free language activities that stretch through age 8Price:Free†Grades:Ages 2-8Platforms:iOS, Android, Amazon
Pros
Completely free
Comprehensive curriculum
No ads
Cons
Only goes to age 8
Not specialized for spelling
No web version
4
Reading Eggs
Best reading-linked practice
Reading Eggs provides a comprehensive reading program for children ages 2-13 with lessons, games, and books.
Best for:Grammar reinforced by leveled reading and spellingPrice:$70-100/yr†Grades:Ages 2-13Platforms:All platforms
Pros
Wide age range
Comprehensive program
Includes spelling component
Cons
Expensive
Can be overwhelming
5
BrainPOP
Best for parts of speech
BrainPOP uses animated videos to teach concepts across all subjects for K-8 students.
Best for:Short animated lessons that explain adjectives and contractionsPrice:$119-159/yr†Grades:K-8Platforms:Web
Pros
Engaging animated videos
Covers all subjects
Quiz assessments
Cons
Expensive
Not spelling-specific
6
SplashLearn
Best game-based practice
SplashLearn offers game-based math and ELA practice for Pre-K through 5th grade. Known for engaging gameplay that keeps kids motivated.
Best for:Motivating ELA games that reward steady repetitionPrice:$80/yr†Grades:Pre-K-5Platforms:Web, iOS, Android
Pros
Strong math AND reading content
Game-based learning kids love
Personalized learning paths
Cons
Reading is newer than math content
Can be addictive for some kids
7
Education.com
Best worksheets and printables
Education.com offers thousands of worksheets, printables, and learning activities for Pre-K through 8th grade.
Best for:Printable adjective, contraction, and sentence sheetsPrice:$120/yr†Grades:Pre-K-8Platforms:Web
Pros
Huge worksheet library
Printable resources
Good for homeschool
Cons
Web only
Expensive
8
Turtle Diary
Best free games
Turtle Diary offers free educational games and worksheets across reading, math, and other subjects. Ad-supported but completely free to use.
Best for:Free apostrophe and describing-word games with adsPrice:Free†Grades:Pre-K-5Platforms:Web
Pros
Completely free
Large library of games
Printable worksheets included
Cons
Contains ads
Quality varies by game
Dated interface
Our pick
9
SpellingJoy
Free spelling companion
SpellingJoy is a 100% free spelling practice platform for K-6 students. Unlimited spelling games, unlimited tests, 134+ word lists, custom list creation, and progress tracking - all completely free with no subscriptions and no hidden costs.
Best for:Free spelling reps that make contractions and endings automaticPrice:100% Free†Grades:K-6Platforms:Web
Pros
100% free - unlimited games, tests, and lists
No subscription or hidden costs ever
K-6 curriculum with 134+ word lists
Cons
Web-only (no native mobile apps yet)
Classroom features coming soon
Frequently asked questions
What grammar does a 2nd grader learn?
Second grade grammar adds description and precision. Children use adjectives to expand a plain sentence, form contractions such as do not into do not shortened with an apostrophe, place that apostrophe correctly, keep the subject and verb agreeing, and join two short sentences into a compound sentence with words like and, but, or so. It is the year sentences start to sound less choppy.
Are there free grammar apps for 2nd grade?
Yes, several. Khan Academy Kids remains free through age eight, Turtle Diary runs free adjective and apostrophe games supported by ads, and the SpellingJoy spelling app is free for the spelling reps that make contractions automatic. A no-cost combination like that covers a solid slice of second grade grammar before you consider a paid plan.
Should a 2nd grader use an app for grammar or stick to worksheets?
Both have a place. Worksheets, especially the printable sets from Education.com, are great for focused apostrophe or adjective practice a parent can check by hand. Apps add audio, instant feedback, and gentle repetition that many seven-year-olds find more motivating. Rotating between a worksheet day and an app day keeps the practice from feeling stale.
How often should a 2nd grader practice grammar?
Three short sessions of about fifteen to twenty minutes across the week is a comfortable rhythm. Because second grade grammar is about polishing sentences, the fastest gains come from applying a skill right away, so ask your child to write one describing sentence or one compound sentence after a lesson and read it back to you.
Can SpellingJoy ELA replace a 2nd grade grammar curriculum?
It can serve as the spine of daily practice, but set expectations honestly. SpellingJoy ELA is an AI-driven guide, not a certified school program, and it teaches grammar within a voiced ELA lesson rather than as a graded curriculum. For families who want targeted second grade grammar exercises with reporting, IXL is the strongest stand-alone builder to pair with it.
Which grammar app is best for a struggling 2nd grader?
A child who finds grammar hard often benefits from seeing the concept explained visually first. BrainPOP breaks adjectives, contractions, and sentence types into short animated lessons, and SplashLearn turns the follow-up practice into low-stakes games. Pair either with the voiced lessons in SpellingJoy ELA so a slower reader is never stuck decoding the instructions alone.
Our Verdict
For 2nd grade, SpellingJoy ELA takes the top spot by teaching grammar inside voiced lessons where a child writes, reads back, and edits real sentences, though it is fair to note it is an AI-driven guide, not a certified school program. When you want targeted drills with reporting, IXL is the strongest stand-alone grammar builder at this level.
To explain a concept before practicing it, BrainPOP has the clearest short videos on adjectives and contractions, and SplashLearn turns the follow-up into games kids willingly repeat.
On the free end, Khan Academy Kids still delivers through age eight, and Turtle Diary offers free apostrophe and describing-word games. Reading Eggs keeps grammar tied to leveled reading, while Education.com remains the best source of printable practice sheets.
Round it out with the free SpellingJoy spelling app. It does not teach grammar, but strong spelling makes a second grader's contractions and plural endings feel automatic, so more attention is left for the sentence itself.
ST
About the Author
SpellingJoy Team
The SpellingJoy team is dedicated to creating free, high-quality spelling resources for K-6 students and their families. We test every app we review and provide honest assessments to help parents make informed decisions.
