Mathematics In Grade II
The goal of our mathematics program in the second grade, and across grade levels in the Lower School, is to help children construct their own mathematical knowledge. Through meaningful learning experiences in which they solve problems, reason about their mathematical thinking, and communicate their ideas in written and oral form, children make connections between mathematical ideas and real-life experiences. We encourage children’s interest in mathematics while building their confidence and strengthening their skills.
The ThinkMath! curriculum guides our work with students. The curriculum focuses on specific experiences that are planned to help children understand the underlying structure of our number system. Children are introduced to new concepts through experiences with concrete materials (manipulatives) such as Unifix cubes, pattern blocks, and Cuisenaire rods — that help children make connections between concrete and abstract mathematical thinking. The content areas of mathematics covered during the year include algebra (e.g. patterns and relationships), geometry, number and operations (e.g. calendar work, money, time, estimation, computation), measurement, and data analysis (e.g. graphing). We also focus on skills related to classification and comparison. Many experiences and lessons often integrate several of these areas and there is an emphasis on children using multiple strategies when approaching problem-solving.
The Think Math! program is standards-driven, yet it is flexible enough to respond to both differences in learning styles and the variations in the readiness of our students. Below are listed some of the goals we have for second-grade students over the course of the year. These are by no means all of the topics we cover, but rather an overview of some of the skills we expect children to master by the spring.
- Automatic with addition facts (to 10) and able to use these facts to solve problems
- Orders and writes numerals up to 100
- Identifies place value of digits up to 100
- Understands the concept of subtraction
- Solves problems involving the addition of two-digit numbers
- Tells time at quarter-hour intervals on analog and digital clocks
- Makes and uses estimates of measurement, including time, weight, volume, and area.
- Uses objects, diagrams, and drawings to solve word problems
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