Ideas for Using Math Everyday

In second grade, kids start to learn that math is all around them. And you can help! Here are some common household opportunities that will enhance your second grader's math sense.

Telling Time:

Telling time is a major life skill. And it kicks into high gear in second grade. Of course you know that you should use every opportunity to get your child actively involved in telling the time. However, as a parent you also know that some learning opportunities need to be, a-hem, nudged in the right direction. Here are some ideas for sneaking in some on-the-fly practice:

• “I don’t think our clocks are all showing the same time. Would you check the one on the stove and the one on the microwave and see if they are the same? How much difference is there between the two clocks?”
• “Grandma just called and said she’d be here in a couple of hours. What time can we expect her?”
   
• “Please check the time on the computer and let me know if it automatically changed when we went on daylight savings time. 

• “How many more minutes (looking at the stove timer) before the cookies will be done?”
   
• “We have to leave in ten minutes. Will you check the timer on the dryer and see if it will shut off before we go?” 

Money:

Your child will better understand money if he has experience using it. Here are a few prompts to get him handling it!:

• “You need milk money today. Go into my coin purse and take 50 cents.”
• “The paper boy is here to collect. Give him this five-dollar bill, but make sure he gives you $1.75 in change.”
   
• “This parking space costs a penny a minute. It will probably take us a half an hour to buy your new shoes. How much money do you think we should put in the meter?" 

Measurement: