How to Diagnose Grade 2 Math Problems

Reviewing incorrect worksheet answers helps pinpoint problems.

Second graders are expected to meet state mathematical standards. While these vary by state, generally standards include counting money, telling time, understanding place value to the thousands, adding and subtracting three-digit numbers, creating bar graphs, doing simple multiplication and division, identifying basic geometric shapes and identifying patterns. To diagnose math problems, start by examining the child's performance on math worksheets.

Things You'll Need

• Worksheets on place value, money, multiplication and division, simple fractions, addition and subtraction, bar graphs, word problems and telling time.

Instructions

1. Conduct a pretest using the worksheets listed above. Break up this activity over several days. Choose worksheets that are of medium difficulty. Worksheets are available from several websites listed in the resources. Observe the child as he works and encourage him to do his best. Watch where the child struggles and make a note of the strategies used, such as counting on fingers or guessing.

2. Look for patterns in the incorrect answers. Maybe the child added all the half fractions correctly but missed those with thirds. Perhaps the child can tell half hours but not quarter hours or may understand multiplication but not division. This can give you the opportunity to link together the two concepts to build on the mastered concept.

3. Review the answers with the child. Ask how he knew to solve the problems. For an incorrect answer, ask why he answered as he did. Often this will reveal a basic misunderstanding, such as an inability to "carry" numbers or a persistent problem with multiplication facts. Maybe the child does not know that although a dime is smaller, it is worth more than a nickel. Take notes on the erroneous thinking.

4. Retest the weak spots with easier worksheets to attempt to locate the places where intervention needs to begin. If a child appears to have mastered most of a subject, give him harder worksheets to see where he begins to need instruction. You now have a picture of the individual child's weaknesses and strengths.

5. Find fun ways for the child to address the particular math problem he is experiencing. On-line math games are one way to do this. Websites such as ABCya! and Apples for the Teacher offer games to address different math capabilities. Rotate students through a math center that includes computers. Provide each child the address of the URL that addresses his difficulty.

   Individualized math instruction takes more effort but will help ensure that basic skills are mastered.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask a class aide or volunteer to take aside a group of children who are facing the same math difficulty to work specifically on mastering that deficiency.

References

• ABCya!: Second Grade: Kids Computer Games
• IXL Math: Skills available for New York second-grade math standards
• Second Grade Standards for the State of California

Resources

• Child Development Institute: Helping Your Child With Arithmetic And Math
• Homeschoolmath.net: Free Math Worksheets for Grade 2
• TLS Books.com: Free Second Grade Math Worksheets