Year 2 Maths

Chapters to explore

In a two-digit number, the left digit counts tens and the right digit counts ones. Compare tens first. If tens are equal, compare ones. Zero can hold a place when there are no ones.

Try it: Build and order four two-digit numbers with counters or drawings.

Break a number into tens and ones to make calculations easier. Addition and subtraction are inverse operations, so one can check the other. A calculation can cross a multiple of ten.

Try it: Show one addition crossing a ten in two ways, using counters and a number line.

Multiplication counts equal groups. An array arranges objects in equal rows. Division can share a total into equal groups or find how many groups fit. Use the 2, 5 and 10 times tables to see patterns.

Try it: Make two arrays for the same total and write their multiplication facts.

Fractions describe equal parts of a whole. A half is one of two equal parts, a third one of three, and a quarter one of four. The pieces must be equal in amount. Two quarters equal one half.

Try it: Fold equal strips into halves and quarters and compare the shaded amounts.

Standard units let people compare measurements fairly. Centimetres measure length; grams measure mass; litres measure capacity. There are 60 minutes in an hour. Work with the coins used where you live and compare their values.

Try it: Measure an object, show a half-hour time and solve a pretend shop problem.

A line of symmetry divides a shape into matching mirror halves. A cube has 6 square faces. A chart organises information so categories can be compared. Always check what each mark represents.

Try it: Survey a simple preference and make a chart with one mark for each vote.

An even whole number can be arranged in pairs with none left over. An odd whole number leaves one unpaired object. Adding two even numbers gives an even result. Test ideas with counters before explaining a pattern.

Try it: Sort small whole numbers into odd and even using counters.

Addition and subtraction undo one another. A story can ask for a total, a difference or a missing part. Draw the relationship and use the inverse operation to check. An answer should include what is being counted.

Try it: Solve a missing-part story and show its inverse check.

A table organises data in rows and columns. Read labels before using values. You can compare categories, find a total or ask a question the table cannot answer. Do not invent information that was not recorded.

Try it: Make a labelled count table and two answerable questions.

Learning together

Each chapter brings together teaching, an example, practice and a practical discovery. Use the material with discussion and suitable offline activities. Choose a comfortable starting point and revisit explanations as needed.