2nd Grade Common Core Math: Get Comfortable with Math Vocabulary

Are you ready for 2nd grade common core math? If your child starts bringing home math homework, and you are tasked with the job of helping them, then it’s time for a little refresher course on second grade math vocabulary. Here are some common terms and where they fall in the math spectrum.

Geometry Terms

In 2nd grade common core math, students begin exploring geometry beyond simple shape recognition, although shapes are still a major part of the curriculum. Here are some terms your child will need to know:

• New shapes: In addition to the triangle, square, circle and rectangle, second-graders need to learn about quadrilaterals, polygons, pentagons, trapezoids, hexagons and octagons. They will also explore the parts of shapes, such as angles, lines, sides, intersections. The introduction of prisms, including spheres, cubes and cones, is also part of this year.
• New terms: This is the year when your child will need to learn the terms parallel, line of symmetry, plane, two-dimensional and three-dimensional
• New descriptions: Your child will need to learn terms like right, left, rectangular, distance, circular, below, beside, above and perimeter to be used to describe the location and shape of different items.

Measurement and Data

Measuring is a major foundation to 2nd grade common core math. They will be measuring time, money, length, weight, volume, statistics and calendar. Here are some math vocabulary terms to watch for:

• Fractions: Students will need to know what equivalent, equal parts, integer, extend and whole mean in relation to fractions.
• Calendar: Calendar terms will include day, date, week, month, year, event and season.
• Money: Kids will need to know the definitions of the American coins as well as the terms cent and currency.
• Data: Tables, bar graphs, pie charts, tallies, picture graphs, estimates, surveys, predictions, outcomes, symbols and tables all come into play in 2nd grade math.