Addition and Subtraction Fluency

Fluently add and subtract within 20 using mental strategies. By end of Grade 2, know from memory all sums of two one-digit numbers.

Share This Post

Standard: 2.OA.B2 – Fluently add and subtract within 20 using mental strategies. By end of Grade 2, know from memory all sums of two one-digit numbers.

Grade level: Grade 2

Subject: Mathematics

Domain: Operations & Algebraic Thinking

Teacher Overview

This standard focuses on helping students become fluent in adding and subtracting within 20 using mental strategies. It is crucial for building a strong foundation in arithmetic, which will support future mathematical learning. By the end of Grade 2, students should know all sums of two one-digit numbers from memory. Students should have a solid grasp of basic addition and subtraction facts within 10 and an understanding of number sense and counting before tackling this standard.

Mastering this standard will prepare students for more complex addition and subtraction problems, including those involving regrouping. It will also lay the groundwork for understanding multiplication and division concepts.

Misconception Icon

Common Misconception 1

A common misconception is that students need to rely on their fingers to add and subtract within 20. This is incorrect because it can limit their ability to perform mental math quickly and efficiently.

Intervention Icon

Intervention 1

To address this misconception, teachers can introduce mental math strategies such as making ten, doubles facts, and counting on. Using visual aids and regular practice can help students build confidence in their mental math abilities.

Misconception Icon

Common Misconception 2

Another misconception is that students believe they need to memorize all sums without understanding the underlying concepts. This can hinder their ability to apply these facts to more complex problems.

Intervention Icon

Intervention 2

To combat this, teachers should focus on helping students understand the relationships between numbers. Strategies like number bonds and fact families can support a deeper conceptual understanding, making memorization easier and more meaningful.

Prerequisite Knowledge

Students should be comfortable with basic addition and subtraction facts within 10 and have an understanding of number sense and counting.

Subsequent Knowledge

After mastering this standard, students will be able to tackle more complex addition and subtraction problems, including those involving regrouping, and will be prepared for multiplication and division concepts.

Instructional Activities

  • Practice mental math strategies using flashcards
  • Use number lines to visualize addition and subtraction
  • Play math games that encourage quick recall of facts
  • Solve word problems that involve sums within 20
  • Engage in partner activities to practice and discuss strategies

Be proactive. Get updates

Join our mailing list to be the first to receive updates, examples, and event alerts!

More To Explore

Proactive Instruction

Textual Evidence Analysis

Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.

Want to bring the Proactive Instruction Model to your school or district?

Contact us today for customized professional development!

Learn how we helped 100 top brands gain success.

Let's have a chat