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Your Second-Grader and Math
Second-graders learn about place value in addition and subtraction, first by using physical objects, then using paper and pencil.
By GreatSchools.net Staff
In Your Child's Classroom

What math concepts will my second-grader learn?
"Second grade is the year for

What to look for when you visit
  • Graphs on display, pictures of geometric shapes, number lines used to practice addition and subtraction
  • Tiles, rods, blocks or other objects used for counting and sorting
  • Measuring devices such as rulers, scales, thermometers
  • Time set aside for paper-and-pencil practice with numbers
  • Lessons in problem solving integrated throughout the day ("If 15 of you are buying milk for lunch, and 10 are buying juice, how many more students are getting milk?")
expansion and mastery of the math concepts introduced in the previous school year," explains Linda Eisinger, our teacher consultant and Missouri's Teacher of the Year in 2005.

Your child becomes a master of addition and subtraction skills that she began learning in first grade. You can expect your second-grader to focus on understanding number relationships in addition and subtraction — first, using physical objects like rods or blocks, and later, with paper and pencil. She also starts making the move to mental math, if she hasn't already, and can do simple problems in her head.

Eisinger notes: "Your child should be able to recall her basic addition and subtraction facts from memory by the end of second grade."

Money, telling time and number value
Second-graders continue their work with money, time and number values from previous grades. Your child adds and subtracts money using the decimal point, solving equations such as $1.25 + $.20 = $1.45.

Your child works on telling time to the quarter-hour using both an analog and a digital clock.

He'll learn about place value in a three-digit number. For example, he'll figure out that 879 is eight 100s, seven 10s and nine ones.

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He'll compare whole numbers using the words greater than, less than or equal to and the symbols >, <, or =.

Controversy over calculators
How much should elementary school students use calculators? The question has been debated by math teachers, university professors and parents. There is general agreement though that they should not be used as a substitute for learning basic arithmetic skills. Talk to your child's teacher about how calculators are used in your classroom. The pros and cons of calculator use are discussed in this Education World article:

Educators Battle Over Calculator Use: Both Sides Claim Casualties

What should my second-grader be able to do by the end of the year?

  • Count, read and write whole numbers up to 1,000
  • Know from memory the addition and subtraction facts for sums up to 18
  • Add and subtract two- and three-digit numbers that require regrouping
  • Tell time and the relationships of time, such as days in a month and hours in a day

Updated August 2007

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Comments From GreatSchools.net Users
05/30/2008:
"My second grader was attending a low preforming school. I need advice to get him/she on target. I need suggests and website's to assist"
10/1/2007:
"I think these emails are great ways to teach my children how to excel in school. Keep up the good work. I have been helping my children excel in school, because of the knowledge these emails provide."
09/18/2007:
"As a parent of a second grader, I cannot believe what a challenge school has become. Now I can understand why so many children face problems especially with the exams that are given and the responsiblilties they give at such a young age. What is happening here ???? . What are we trying to prove? It is sad how they are working children of today. We need to speak up and put an end to it!!!! "
09/17/2007:
"Thank you for this feature. As a grandparent I appreciate knowing what my granddaughter is doing in school. It helps when purchasing educational gifts. When we play games its also nice to know.I can keep the games fun and interesting but still challenging. Thank you Great Schools, Gramma Monica"
09/13/2007:
"Thanks again for sending information regarding my son being in the 2nd grade. I need information on how to make counting money easier. I am not actually sure how to approach that. "
04/12/2007:
"My son has not memorized his addition and subtraction facts. He does well when he can take his time but does terribly on speed drills. Nothing I do seems to help him memorize those facts! Overall he is an A student and as decided that he hates math because he should know his facts better. HELP!!"
03/28/2006:
"Our child has been forced to use the partial sums method for addition problems. He has struggled with the concept, as did my wife, and I saw no use for it. It has caused my child to lose his traditional carrying the one's skills, and get so confused he can't add two simple numbers together. Previously, he was doing great in math and enjoyed it. Now he dreads the partial sums methods, and the teacher sent a note to home for all parents to 'NOT' allow the children to solve addition problems with the traditional method. We have written messages back to the teacher telling her it has been beyond frustrating to try and use it, and that we had our child revert back to the traditional way. Our son can either add numbers, or he can't. Why is it any business of the school's to MAKE them use a particular method, especially if they are not good at it?"
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