Teach 2nd Graders Multiplication and Division
The California 3rd grade math standard suggests that scholars should be “developing understanding of multiplication and division and strategies for multiplication and division within 100.” The California 2nd grade math standard says nothing about multiplication or division. Times tables have long been a major obstacle of unsuspecting scholars going into the third grade…but they do not have to be.
Third grade is important for schools because that is the first year students are undergo tested state-wide testing. So much effort goes into students getting acclimated to testing that knowing the content seems to be an important focus as well. We recommend teachers introduce multiplication and division to their students in 2nd grade in preparation for 3rd grade and academic success.
Reinforce Addition and Subtraction
Developing good math skills happens when you practice overtime. It also happens when higher rigor meets higher fluency. Once scholars enter 3rd grade they are expected to have mastered addition and subtraction well enough. Teaching multiplication and division can reinforce the addition and subtraction they learn. This gives 2nd graders a head start on what they are expected to understand by the end of 3rd grade as well.
Don’t Assume Future Teachers Will Teach Your Scholars Effectively
Teachers do not usually have quality control over multiple classrooms. Ensuring scholars are well prepared for their next grade can be a matter of introducing a topic in your grade level. With much at stake in the 3rd grade there is little reason to leave your scholars up to someone else to introduce certain ways of thinking through multiplication and division without you having a positive influence on them. Not every 3rd grade teacher is effective, but every scholar deserves an opportunity to progress well in their education. As long as the scholar is in your class you can give them helpful insight they can use.
Division Too
Times tables dominates early 3rd grade conversations, but division is still treated like a distant operation to discuss. Discussing division as the partner of multiplication can help introduce them both, even at the same time. Teaching so that there is no negative stigma can improve scholar buy-in, especially when you have won their favor and they are not afraid to make mistakes in the class.
