2nd grade skills checklist: math

Success in second grade requires a child to be a much more independent learner than she was in first grade. Is your child ready?

Learning Stages

Second grade readiness checklists

Math

Numbers, operations & problem solving

• Counts by 1s, 2s, 5s and 10s
• Identifies, orders and writes numerals from 0 to 100
• Knows addition and subtraction facts to 50
• Adds and subtracts two-digit numbers to 99 without regrouping
• Shows beginning understanding of place value
• Makes reasonable estimates of quantities
• Identifies whole, half, thirds and fourths
• Names and uses ordinal numbers, such as first, second, third, etc.
• Plots and identifies positive whole numbers on a number line

Geometry & measurement

• Identifies and draws basic shapes
• Explores and solves simple spatial and measuring problems using manipulatives (hands-on objects that can be counted or sorted) and drawings
• Recognizes and uses standard measuring tools, such as rulers, scales and thermometers
• Understands basic concepts of spatial relationships, symmetry and reflections

Math in action: Telling time, counting money, real-world math

• Recognizes and adds money to $1.00
• Tells time to the hour and half-hour
• Uses drawings and words to describe mathematical thinking
• Collects and records data using tallies, lists, charts and graphs
• Reads a graph or chart and derives conclusions
• Classifies, sorts and compares physical objects by a variety of classification schemes and patterns (likeness, difference, sound, color, texture, size, weight, temperature, length of time, etc.)
• Makes, copies and extends patterns with actions, objects and words

Tips for parents to help children feel confident in dealing with numbers and number tasks:

• Create a coin jar where you toss spare change and give your child the regular chore of sorting and counting these coins (with your help) on a regular basis.
• Keep a master family calendar and have your child mark off days, count the days until up coming events, and keep track of birthdays.
• Encourage your child to help sort the cans and boxes in your pantry by size or weight.
• Include your child in simple cooking activities and model using measuring cups or spoons; describe what you are doing as you use these measuring tools.
• Play counting games when you are in the car or out for walk; pick a "magic number" and challenge your child to spot that many dogs, then the magic number of big trees, or red cars, etc.