Second grade hands and fingers love to touch things. Incorporating the use of manipulatives can be a major key when it comes to 2nd grade math help. By having a few useful items on hand, second graders can begin to feel more confident in the subject. These three key tools can help any second grader begin to feel that math is easy as pi!
Number Lines
A number line (a line with the numbers marked at intervals in sequential order) can become a new best friend to anyone who needs second grade math help. It is one of the top tools used to help math students gain independence in classrooms, and can be a help with homework as well. Number lines are simple to create at home by the parent or student, or can be printed from the Internet. The number line can assist with a variety of math topics like ordering and comparing numbers, place value, skip counting, and of course, adding and subtracting.
Money Bags
I'm having a hard time thinking of many second graders who would turn down their very own bag of money. Because one of the major topics covered in second grade math is money, it just makes sense for the student to practice with the real thing. Giving a child his own sack of cash with a variety of coins (and even bills) that is specifically used for his second grade math help may even conjure up some excitement over the topic. Bags of money can be used for math homework assistance or fun, at-home, math practice activities. Students can count different piles of money, play store with the real money or practice making equal amounts using different coins.
Clocks, Tape Measures, and Rulers
A second grade math curriculum has students measuring spaces, distances and time. Play clocks, tape measures and rulers are some more essential tools when it comes to second grade math help. These items make measuring time and money more concrete for the student and add a little kinesthetics to math. The subject becomes more fun when students get to manipulate the clock hands themselves or stretch the tape measure across a table to find out the length.
Keeping these tools at your fingertips can be essential for anyone seeking 2nd grade math help!
