In 2nd Grade, we ask students to try many different ways to solve problems in order for them to find the way that works best for them. We use manipulatives to help build a concrete understanding about our math concepts, and then move into more abstract concepts like number lines and equations.

Addition Strategies: Counting All, Counting On, Make 10, and Making Doubles/Easier Problems, and Place Value are all

Click here to see the various math tools in action for addition.

We do NOT teach the standard algorithm to solve addition and subtraction as that will be covered in 3rd grade. Our job is to make sure the students have a strong foundation of place value and why strategies work before moving into the 'short cut' version.

The ability to subitize is an important part of developing a strong mathematical foundation and understanding of number (Baroody 1987, 115). Playing with dice, dominoes, and asking children to find a specific number of items will help them develop subitizing skills and a sense of quantity.

Watch it in action: https://vimeo.com/129139086

Perceptual Subitizing

When the number of items we are counting is small, we perceptually subitize to “see” the count suddenly.

Most can develop the skill to perceptually subitize quantities of 5 items or less.

Conceptual Subitizing

When the number of items we are counting is too large to “see”, we conceptually subitize to “know” the count suddenly.

When quantities are larger (say, 5 or more), our brains decompose the group into smaller “chunks” and then add them together.

Subitizing Cards

See it in Action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=123&v=HnhFgOCTrvg

Ten Frame Cards with Game Ideas:

https://gfletchy.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/5-10-20-frames.pdf

https://gfletchy.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/5-10-20-frames.pdf