Author: Sara Lee

2nd Grade Math is Everywhere

Before launching our first math unit – Operations and Algebraic Thinking, students worked together to try out various strategies to solve tricky math stories. We emphasized student engagement. It is not enough to get the right answer. Students need to understand and explain why an answer is correct. Our program emphasizes a deep understanding of mathematics by exploring different strategies and moving from the concrete objects, to the pictorial stage to the abstract algorithm.

After reading My Little Sister Ate One Hare by Bill Grossman, students had to figure out how many total critters she ate.  As we chatted with students, we noticed that some were using objects, several drew pictures, others went straight to the algorithm while others used tally marks. Students worked in small groups where they could share and discuss strategies. We then met as a whole group and shared solutions and the process for how students got there.

Teachers then modeled using the strategy of organizing data into a table or t-chart to achieve a solution. The following 2 days, students solved an age and birthday candle problem that could be solved using the t-chart/table.

 

You and your child could solve this problem together:

Foxes, snails (1 foot), kangaroos and spiders were playing. Looking under the fence, you spotted 23 legs. How many of each critter could there have been?

You are invited to post your solution here. Please let us know how you and your child solved it. We will share postings with the class.

Math is Everywhere!