2nd Grade Addition Games

Addition Games: Adding and Subtracting the same numbers

This is probably the most important strategy your child can learn because so many other strategies build from this skill. I will say it again, it it so important.SO SO SO SO SO important! Ok I've stressed it enough.

How can you be sure your child gets it?
1. Help your child get to know the ten frame by playing addition games.
Now is the time to use two ten frames side by side so your child can work with larger numbers. As children realize that the 10 frame consists of 2 columns with 5 in each row, they will start to understand how addition and subtraction works.

2. Put 10 frames up in visible places for your child to see. Tape one inside your car so your child can see it while your driving. Tape another one in the homework area, on the refrigerator, etc. Now give your child silly problems to solve. For example, there were 6 action figures ( have your child fill in six squares, on whole column and one square from the next column). You bought 6 more action figures ( your child should fill in the rest of the column and two squares on the next ten frame). You want your child to fill in the ten frame from left to right, in an organized way. Make these addition games more educational by having your child write the matching equation

3. Use a deck of cards. Set the deck face down, take turns flipping over the cards and doubling the number. Whoever gets the answer first keeps the cards. The person with the most cards wins(I have a small deck of cards in my purse so if we are waiting at the doctor, dentist, etc. we can play addition games).

4. Take advantage of daily opportunities by spotting numbers and then asking your child to double it. You will shocked how many numbers you can double. Double your age, your child's age, their friend's age,etc.

5. Make associations. This really works with some kids. Visualize a pair of shoes (2) and how many shoes are in two pair of shoes? So 2+2=4. When choosing things that come in groups of particular numbers the actual "items" have to be memorable to your child.

Note: kids love making the associations but, they will need practicing visualizing what a group of two of these looks like: two cats have eighteen lives or two cat with nine lives take away one cat with nine lives, leaves nine lives . You can really cement this concepts by : verbally talking about it, drawing a picture, and quizzing your child often.

2's: shoes, eyes, ears, nostrils, arms, legs

4's: car wheels, seasons, members of the Beatles

6's: half dozen eggs, 6 pack of soda

8's: octopus legs, octagon, spider legs

3's: traffic lights, triangle edges, tricycles, 3 wise men, peanut butter sandwich

5's: fingers, toes, minute hand on the clock

7's: days of the week, points in a football game, the Harry Potter series (7 books in all), 7 continents

9's: tic tac toe game, lives of a cat, fingers (if you lose one in an accident-kids love this one)

2nd grade students should be able to answer doubles math facts using a strategy that works for them.
3rd Grade students are expected to master these facts. Mastery means they can answer in 3 seconds or less and be accurate.

Note to Parent about 2nd grade addition facts(click)

I suggest you make worksheets so that they only have the specific strategy your child is working on. Give your child an opportunity to practice the strategy.

If the the worksheets are no problem at all, your child is ready to do more worksheets that include the strategies they already know. If you are following this websites recommendations then they would be: Add/Subtract 0, Count on or back by 1,2,3, and Doubles.

If the worksheets are too hard, encourage your child to use the ten frame while they are playing addition games and doing worksheets. If it is still tough, they may need more practice with the ten frame alone.

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