Fun Second Grade Math Activities

Why Participate in Fun Math Activities at Home?

Second graders learn a lot of new concepts involving money, addition, subtraction and geometry. Although students can practice these skills with worksheets and practice problems, they also can - and should - engage in hands-on activities to understand math concepts at a deeper level.

In addition to being fun, many of the following activities can help your child make a connection between school and the real world. Applying concepts, like addition, subtraction and counting money, to real-life situations can help students understand why these concepts are so important.

Fun Math Activities by Concept

Addition and Subtraction

Second graders are still in the process of becoming proficient at addition, so they can use all the practice they can get. For example, when riding in a car with your child, you might ask him or her to add up all the red cars he or she sees on the road.

You also can use everyday events to have your child practice subtraction. For instance, if you have pizza for dinner, you might have your child subtract the number of slices eaten from the total number of slices in the pie.

Number Systems

Second graders learn to count by fives and tens. Help your child practice number systems by turning them into songs. For example, count upwards by fives (5, 10, 15, 20) using a rhythm. In addition to being amusing, the musical aspect may help your child remember how to count this way.

Money

Have your child create a store at home. For example, he or she could make cookies, lemonade or crafts and sell them to family members and neighbors. This activity can teach kids to handle both money and responsibility.

You also can help your child practice working with money while at the store. For instance, you could have your child add the prices of the items you put in your cart and then have him or her guess how much the total will be.

Geometry

Reinforce the characteristics of various shapes by describing a shape to your child and having him or her draw it. For example, you might tell your child that you're thinking of a shape that has three sides and three points. He or she should then draw a triangle. This activity can strengthen your child's understanding of shapes, as well as his or her listening skills.