Grade 2 math in the BC curriculum takes children from small numbers to numbers up to 100. They learn place value, then use it to add and subtract. Grade 2 reading asks for fluent reading, and children learn book words such as heading and table of contents. This guide explains what your child works on, in plain words.
What Grade 2 math covers in BC
The Grade 2 content list in the BC curriculum has these main parts.[1]
| Area | What your child works on |
|---|---|
| Number | Skip-counting by 2s, 5s and 10s from different starting points; comparing and ordering numbers to 100; tens and ones; even and odd numbers[1] |
| Facts to 20 | Adding and subtracting within 20, using strategies such as making 10, doubles and adding on[1] |
| Adding and subtracting to 100 | Breaking numbers apart, estimating, using friendly numbers and multiples of 10, and using number lines and hundred charts[1] |
| Patterns | Repeating patterns (find the core that repeats) and increasing patterns with numbers from 0 to 100[1] |
| Measurement | Measuring length, height and width in centimetres and metres[1] |
| Shapes | Sorting shapes by two attributes; describing triangles, squares, rectangles and circles; finding 2D shapes inside 3D objects[1] |
| Data and chance | Collecting data and making graphs; using words such as certain, more likely, less likely and equally likely[1] |
| Money | Counting mixed coins to 100 cents; wants and needs; spending and saving[1] |
What Grade 2 reading and writing cover
The reading strategies in the Grade 2 English Language Arts content list are the same as in Grade 1. Children also learn to read fluently at grade level.[2] The curriculum includes:
- Reading strategies. Predicting, rereading, retelling, finding the main idea, using phonics, knowing sight words, and fixing mistakes.[2]
- Story parts. Character, plot, setting and dialogue.[2]
- Text features and book words. How text and pictures are laid out, such as bold and underlined words, and words such as heading, table of contents and diagram.[2]
- Word patterns. Word families and patterns in spelling.[2]
- Writing. Neat printing, compound sentences, punctuation and capital letters, and thinking about who will read it.[2]
- Speaking. Asking questions, sharing opinions and taking turns.[2]
Grade 2 math practice questions
These example questions were written for this guide. They are not taken from the curriculum.
- What is the value of the 4 in 47? Answer: 40 (4 tens).
- What is 38 + 25? Answer: 63.
- What is 62 − 27? Answer: 35.
- Count by 5s: 35, __, __, 50. Answer: 40 and 45.
- Is 36 even or odd? What about 57? Answer: 36 is even, 57 is odd.
- You have 3 dimes and 2 nickels. How many cents? Answer: 40 cents.
- What number do you add to 25 to make 100? Answer: 75.
- 3, 6, 9, 12, __. What is the rule and what comes next? Answer: add 3; 15.
Reading practice ideas
- Read a short chapter together, taking turns by page. Ask your child to retell it in three sentences.
- Pick a non-fiction book and ask your child to find one fact using the headings.
- Write a short note or list together. Check for a capital letter and an end mark.
How to help at home
- Use a hundred chart. Ask your child to find numbers and count by 2s, 5s and 10s.
- Use real coins to play shop. Ask for exact change.
- Make addition easier by using 10. For 28 + 6, move 2 to make 30, then add 4.
- Read for 10 to 15 minutes a day, aloud if possible.
- Ask "how do you know?" after answers, right or wrong.
If your child is behind or ahead
Start with the teacher. Ask which skill is hardest and what the class is working on now. Then work on one skill at a time. Place value (tens and ones) is a good one to check, because later adding and subtracting depends on it.[1]
If your child finds Grade 2 easy, try numbers past 100, word problems they make up, and chapter books. Multiplication starts in Grade 3 in BC, so you can preview it with skip-counting and equal groups.[3] You can also read our Grade 3 guide.
Unica Learning mails personalized math and reading workbooks that follow the BC curriculum at your child’s level, for 15 to 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week.
A free placement assessment on paper shows your child’s level in math and reading.