Unit 2 introduces two-digit addition and subtraction using different strategies to build understanding. This is a priority skill for second grade. Students will use their new skills to solve word problems involving larger numbers. (See unit 1 for tips on word problems.) We will also briefly cover time and money concepts.
In second grade, students learn to add two- and three-digit numbers. (We won't work with sums that are larger than 100 until unit 3.) Students can use any strategy that they would like as long as they understand why it works. They may also need to understand other people's strategies. Here are some strategies they have learned:
In second grade, students learn to subtract two- and three-digit numbers. (We won't work with numbers larger than 100 until unit 3.) Students can use any strategy that they would like as long as they understand why it works. They may also need to understand other people's strategies. Here are some strategies they have learned:
Telling time is a great skill to practice at home. In second grade, students are supposed to be able to tell time to the nearest five minutes. (So the minute hand will always be pointing to one of the big numbers.) Things you can try at home:
Get analog clocks (the kind with hands) for your child to use. This could be a wall clock, a watch, or an alarm clock. Some have features to make it easier to learn to tell time although ultimately your child should be able to use a regular clock.
Start involving your child in planning activities. For example, tell them that swim lessons start at 5 PM and it takes 30 minutes to get there. Help them figure out what time you need to leave and what time you need to start getting ready.
Ask your child to tell you what time it is using a clock with hands. This could be an actual clock on the wall, but also a clock on your phone.
One more easy skill for home practice! In second grade, students will need to solve problems involving counting money. Practicing identifying and counting coins (pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters) at home can help. You might:
Get a stash of coins from getting change when shopping with cash or getting rolls of coins from the bank. Give your child a random set of 5-20 coins and ask them to count the money.
Give your child an allowance or pay them for chores. Give them all or part of their money in coins.
Have your child start saving towards a larger spending goal. Have them trade coins for dollar bills as their money adds up.
Take your child shopping with you. Have them help compare costs of items, stay within a budget, and pay with cash (although probably not coins.)
This is also a good opportunity to talk about bigger financial topics such as saving, needs vs. wants, different types of banking and investing, budgeting, etc.