2-3

Math in second and third grade starts the progression to abstraction. It is very important to follow the model of manipulative, pictorial, and then abstraction. Moving students to abstraction too fast takes away their time to build conceptual understanding. Below are the main concepts 2-3 graders will learn.

Second Grade

• Adding and subtracting within 100.

• Understanding even and odd numbers.

• Understanding place value up to 1,000.

• Using and comparing standard units of measure, such as inches and centimeters.

• Creating picture graphs, bar graphs, and number line plots.

• Solving word problems involving money and understanding what the symbols for dollars ($) and cents (¢) mean.

• Identifying shapes and describing them based on specific traits.

Third Grade

• Add and subtract two- and three-digit numbers, both with and without regrouping

• Read and write whole numbers

• Tell in which place each of the digits is located

• Count combinations of coins

• Tell time on the clock and calendar

• Measure in many ways

• Read a thermometer

• Recognize and create basic shapes

Students working at the standard level at the end of third grade should be able to:

• Comfortably add and subtract large numbers

• Know the basic multiplication and division facts

• Understand how place value works in our number system

• Round numbers in order to make a reasonable estimate

• Use tools such as rulers and thermometers to measure the area and perimeter of squares and rectangles

• Differentiate solids from shapes

• Find fractions of a whole and fractions of a set

• Understand basic probability and statistics

• Understand how bar graphs, line graphs, and tables communicate information in math

You can help your third graders with our multiplication games and math resources.

Third grade is so important that will continue to discuss it in the next section.