Grade 2: Mathematics

Here is the Mathematics curriculum for Grade 2 in British Columbia, presented with the content first.

Grade 2 Mathematics Content (BC Curriculum)

The learning standards for Grade 2 Math are organized into the following content areas.

1. Number: Computational Fluency

• Addition and Subtraction Facts: Develop fluency with addition and subtraction facts to 20.

• Mental Math Strategies: Use mental math strategies for addition and subtraction with answers to 100.

• Place Value: Understand the meaning of ones, tens, and hundreds in numbers to 1000.

• Flexible Calculation: Use different strategies for adding and subtracting 2-digit numbers, including:

  • Counting on and counting back.

  • Using “friendly” numbers (like 10 or 25).

  • Using place value to break numbers apart (e.g., 23 + 35 is 20+30 + 3+5).

2. Number: Financial Literacy

• Financial Calculations: Count and make change using coins and bills up to $100.

• Financial Goal Estimation: Estimate and calculate the cost of simple transactions and the change required.

3. Patterns and Relations

• Patterns: Describe, extend, and compare repeating patterns and increasing patterns.

• Equality: Demonstrate and explain the meaning of equality and inequality using manipulatives and diagrams (e.g., 5 + 3 = 4 + 4).

4. Geometry and Measurement

• Time: Read and write time to the quarter-hour using analog and digital clocks.

• Measurement: Estimate, measure, and compare using non-standard units (e.g., cubes, paper clips) and standard units (cm, m) for length.

• 2D Shapes and 3D Objects: Describe, compare, and construct 2D shapes and 3D objects.

• Data: Construct and interpret concrete graphs and pictographs.

5. Statistics and Probability

• Data Analysis: Construct and interpret concrete graphs and pictographs.

• Probability: Conduct probability experiments and describe the likelihood of possible outcomes using words such as:

  • Impossible, Possible, Certain

Curricular Competencies (The “Doing” of Mathematics)

These are the processes students use to engage with the mathematical content.

• Reasoning and Analyzing:

  • Use reasoning to explore and make connections.

  • Estimate reasonably.

  • Develop mental math strategies and abilities to make sense of quantities.

• Understanding and Solving:

  • Visualize to explore mathematical concepts.

  • Develop, construct, and apply mathematical understanding through play, inquiry, and problem solving.

  • Engage in problem-solving experiences that are connected to place, story, and cultural practices.

• Communicating and Representing:

  • Explain and justify mathematical ideas and decisions.

  • Communicate mathematical thinking in multiple ways.

  • Use mathematical vocabulary and language to contribute to mathematical discussions.

• Connecting and Reflecting:

  • Reflect on mathematical thinking.

  • Connect mathematical concepts to each other and to real-life situations.

  • Incorporate First Peoples worldviews and perspectives to make connections to math.

Big Ideas (The Core Concepts)

These are the key understandings students should retain from Grade 2 Math.

• Number: Development of computational fluency and multiplicative thinking requires analysis of patterns and relations.

• Geometry and Measurement: Standard units are used to describe, measure, and compare attributes of objects’ length.

• Data and Probability: Involving concrete materials in probability experiments enhances understanding.

Key Changes & Focus for Grade 2

• A major focus on achieving fluency with addition and subtraction facts to 20.

• Working with numbers to 1000, with a deep focus on place value (hundreds, tens, ones).

• Developing flexible mental math strategies for 2-digit numbers.

• Introduction to financial literacy with money up to $100.

• Moving from telling time to the hour/half-hour to telling time to the quarter-hour.

• Transitioning from non-standard to standard units of measurement.

• Developing a concrete understanding of equality (the meaning of the equal sign).