How to Study Math Facts for 2nd Grade

Activities such as baking a cake with your child will help them practice math skills.

In the second grade, children begin to learn mathematical skills such as skip counting, double-digit addition and subtraction, and measuring. They may also begin to learn the beginnings of the times table. However, because children in this age group are concrete thinkers (meaning they have a hard time understand abstract ideas), they learn best by role-play and games. There are several techniques to help a second-grader study math facts.

Things You'll Need

• Flashcards
• Money
• Clock
• Watch
• Measuring cup

Instructions

1. Use props to help the child visualize the scenario. For example, if you are reviewing how to count money, set up a pretend store and mark the price of the items with sticky notes. Give the child pretend (or real) money and allow him to sell and purchase items. Other math props can be clocks, dice, blocks and other countable objects.

2. Create flashcards by writing addition or subtraction problems on one side of the card and the answer on the other. Play games using the flashcards, such as speed games by having the child give the answer for each card as quick as possible.

3. Create challenges. For example, give your child a ruler and have him find three items longer than 4 inches. You could also give your child several coins and have her give you 30 cents three different ways.

4. Allow your child to help you cook. Many second-graders are beginning to learn about measurements, such as cups, teaspoons and so on. Give her the duty of measuring using graduated (marked) measuring cups and scoops.

5. Give your child a watch and the duty of "timekeeper." For example, tell your child you will take him to the park at 12:15 p.m., but he'll have to tell you when it's time.

References

• Education: Mastering Second Grade Math
• PBS: Grade-by-Grade Learning -- 2nd Grade