2nd Grade Operations & Algebraic Thinking: 11 Math Games

These 11 games cover every CCSS-aligned second-grade operations and algebraic thinking topic for only $1 each! The games reinforce the standards 2.OA.A.1, 2.OA.B.2, 2.OA.C.3, and 2.OA.C.4, including skills such as:

• Using addition and/or subtraction to solve 2 step word problems (equations) within 100
• Choosing the operation (deciding whether to add or subtract) in a word problem
• Finding the missing addend
• Finding an unknown number in an equation and in a word problem
• Using mental math strategies to add and subtract fluently within 20
• Counting by 2s
• Recognizing whether a group of objects will pair evenly to 20
• Determining whether a group of objects is even or odd
• Identifying arrays with up to 5 rows and up to 5 columns
• Expressing arrays as repeated addition problems
• Writing and solving repeated addition equations to find the number of objects in a rectangular array

Although the games are perfect for two-player math stations, math centers, math tubs, etc., you can engage your students in meaningful problem-solving discussions by having them all play the same game at the same time for about 10 minutes per day. This is a math partner game routine I've created and explained thoroughly in the preview.

DOWNLOAD PREVIEW HERE

These are the three main benefits to having all kids play the same game at the same time: 1) You can conduct mini-lessons and strategy discussions around shared experiences before and after gameplay, 2) You can focus on facilitating critical thinking and observing students' problem-solving attempts during gameplay, and 3) Students play the same game for a week, so you have lots of targeted opportunities for reinforcing higher-level thinking skills, identifying and addressing misconceptions, and scaffolding student learning.

There are so many games included in this product that you can play some during math partner game routines, use some as small group lessons or whole class lesson activities, place some in your math centers, and even send some home for students to play with their families! The game cards and resources can double as student manipulatives during math lessons. Each and every one of these versatile games features:

- Integration of higher-level thinking and critical thinking skills (not just rote practice)
- Hands-on activities through which kids actively construct knowledge: no worksheets!
- Options for open-ended gameplay so that students are not "finished" until time is up
- "Challenge" activities to extend gameplay and/or differentiate it
- "Math Talk" questions/prompts to encourage students to analyze strategies and reflect orally or in writing about what they're learning

These two-player math games were created for (not retro-fitted to) the increased rigor of the CCSS, so they will be challenging for most students. The games are designed to help you model and reinforce the math practices and core content skills that students will need when solving complex, multi-step word problems. Here's what you'll get in the product download:

* 20 pages of info and forms that contain everything you need to get started with math partner games. There are blank partner game lists, tips (with photos!) for how to create/ store/ organize/ distribute/ collect the games, and lots of ideas for how the games can be used for skill-based mini lessons and math journal reflections.

* 11 pages of game instructions: there's one page for each game, featuring the materials needed, directions for gameplay, a Challenge activity, Math Talk
questions/prompts, the CCSS alignment, and student-friendly "I Can" statements.

* 28 pages of old-fashioned-sweets-themed game boards, cards, and other colorful and fun materials for gameplay. Most of the materials are open-ended and can be used in lots of different ways so you have fewer items to print and create. The only additional items you need to provide are dice.

UPDATED: PRINT AND GO! You now get a zip folder with your purchase that includes individual PDFs for each game! If you only want to print and use one game at a time, you can easily print just the PDF with that game’s instructions and materials.

PLEASE NOTE: I have adapted each game concept to meet the level of rigor required at the corresponding grade level, and no two games are exactly alike. However, because there is some overlap in the CCSS between grade levels, some of the games and materials in the 1st-5th grade operations and algebraic thinking products are similar. Please keep this in mind when considering whether to purchase games for multiple grade levels.

IMPORTANT: These games are designed to be introduced and modeled by the teacher before releasing students to play on their own. Because the games are rigorous and not basic matching/sorting activities, the directions may be too difficult for some 2nd graders to read and follow independently if you have not previously shown them how to play. I encourage you to view a sample of the game instructions by downloading the preview before buying.

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See what other teachers are saying!

This was a perfect set to help me differentiate for my 2nd graders. I needed something a little more strenuous for some kids and this worked great! - Tiesah J.

Really bought this for next year, but tried a few of the games out on my students. They don't want to stop playing them! - Anonymous Buyer

Kids were excited to play "Race to 20." Anxious to try others. Thanks! - Stephanie V.

Awesome! Very user friendly. A parent volunteer is preparing the materials for me. The rest of the class will play some of these games during intervention time while I instruct small groups. Thanks! - Amanda B.

These games have been great in my third grade math groups. I love that they are aligned with the standards. - Jami P.

This is an awesome resource for my students and me, since my school's math curriculum has very little algebra in it and I struggle to meet the standards in that area. Thank you! - Amy B.

This will be great with my math centers! Thank you! - Second Grade Looks Good on You

I love partner games. I think they really let the students apply what they have learned. - Julia M.

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You might also like:
2nd Grade Number & Operations in Base Ten: 14 CCSS place value partner games
2nd Grade Geometry Math Partner Games: 8 games for 2D/3D shapes & equal shares
Discussion Starters for Math Problem Solving: Questions for modeling and reinforcing CCSS
Addition KITs: Fun math fact practice games for centers or homework

Be sure to check out my website where there are hundreds of pages of classroom management resources that make teaching more effective, efficient, and enjoyable! You'll find photos, activities, printable forms/posters, and more.

Enjoy!

Angela

TruthforTeachers.com