For the 2016-17 school year, Idlehurst Elementary teachers have been exploring ways to make our math instruction stronger. Our 2nd grade team has chosen to focus mainly on using the Georgia Math Curriculum.
The Georgia Math materials teach the standards through “performance tasks” which ask students to explore, build, create, and design ways to solve math problems. Instead of worksheets, students are asked to work individually, in partners, in small groups, and as a whole class to find different ways to solve problems in a very hands-on approach. Each task provides students with opportunities to be challenged and extend their thinking. The first unit begins with students learning about the base-10 system, which gives them a strong foundation for learning other more difficult math skills.
It also gives students time to explore patterns and discover the reasons why math problems can be solved in many different ways instead of just memorizing facts or being told a set of steps for finding the answer. You can help students at home by encouraging them to think positively about math (ex. “Keep working and you will get better at it!”), look for examples of math in their daily lives, play math games, and help students understand that mistakes are reasons to celebrate!- they are proof that you are trying.
Students will be exploring the following units: Unit 1- Extending Base-10 Understanding, Unit 2- Becoming Fluent with Addition and Subtraction, Unit 3- Understanding Measurement, Length, and Time, Unit 4- Applying Base-10 Understanding, Unit 5- Understanding Plane and Solid Figures, Unit 6- Developing Multiplication. Click on a unit above for a copy of the parent information letter.
After completing each unit, I will send home a copy of the final performance task with a cover sheet to show a summary of your child’s progress within that unit. These assessments will show you whether or not your child is making adequate progress toward meeting the end of the year second grade math standards. Areas where your child needs more practice will be highlighted. If your child is weak in certain areas, practicing these skills at home will help them reach the grade level expectation.
Activities for Supporting Students at Home
The Georgia Math materials teach the standards through “performance tasks” which ask students to explore, build, create, and design ways to solve math problems. Instead of worksheets, students are asked to work individually, in partners, in small groups, and as a whole class to find different ways to solve problems in a very hands-on approach. Each task provides students with opportunities to be challenged and extend their thinking. The first unit begins with students learning about the base-10 system, which gives them a strong foundation for learning other more difficult math skills.
It also gives students time to explore patterns and discover the reasons why math problems can be solved in many different ways instead of just memorizing facts or being told a set of steps for finding the answer. You can help students at home by encouraging them to think positively about math (ex. “Keep working and you will get better at it!”), look for examples of math in their daily lives, play math games, and help students understand that mistakes are reasons to celebrate!- they are proof that you are trying.
Students will be exploring the following units: Unit 1- Extending Base-10 Understanding, Unit 2- Becoming Fluent with Addition and Subtraction, Unit 3- Understanding Measurement, Length, and Time, Unit 4- Applying Base-10 Understanding, Unit 5- Understanding Plane and Solid Figures, Unit 6- Developing Multiplication. Click on a unit above for a copy of the parent information letter.
After completing each unit, I will send home a copy of the final performance task with a cover sheet to show a summary of your child’s progress within that unit. These assessments will show you whether or not your child is making adequate progress toward meeting the end of the year second grade math standards. Areas where your child needs more practice will be highlighted. If your child is weak in certain areas, practicing these skills at home will help them reach the grade level expectation.
Activities for Supporting Students at Home
- Give your child a group of coins and ask them to tell you the name of each coin or how much money there is altogether. (Tip: start with a group of pennies and nickels, then add dimes and lastly add quarters to the group)
- Have an analog clock (a clock with hands) or watch at home and ask your child to tell you what time it is.