Everything you need to know about Second Grade Math with Confidence. Includes an overview of what your child will learn, a downloadable sample, answers to frequently asked questions, and buying information.
In this article, you’ll find all the information specific to Second Grade Math with Confidence:
- How the program and lessons are organized
- What your child will learn
- What you’ll need
- Placement advice
- Where to buy the books
For information about the series as a whole (or information on other grade levels), please see this article: Overview of Math with Confidence Homeschool Math Curriculum.
Wishing you all the best in your teaching! Happy Second Grade Math!
What’s the program’s format?
Second Grade Math with Confidence is a complete second-grade math program with two volumes: an Instructor Guide and a Student Workbook.
- The Instructor Guide is the core of the program, with conversational and hands-on activities and games that teach the key skills and concepts.
- The Student Workbook provides 2 short workbook pages each day. The front side provides practice with new skills. The back reviews previously-learned material.
Second Grade Math with Confidence has 32 weeks of lessons, with 4 required core lessons and 1 optional enrichment lesson per week. This gives you the flexibility to take one day off per week for field trips or errands without worrying that you’re falling behind. (See below for more on the optional enrichment lessons.) And, you can take the occasional Grandma’s-visiting/broken-dishwasher/everyone-has-pinkeye week off, and you’ll still be able to finish the program in a typical academic year.
If you used First Grade Math with Confidence, you’ll find the format for the Second Grade program very familiar. It has the same overall flow to the lessons, weeks, and units, and it uses many of the same manipulatives and representations to build your child’s confidence with the new skills and concepts.
What’s a typical lesson look like?
The lessons are short and simple. Most of the pilot families said they take about 20-30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes teaching the lesson, and then your child will take 10-15 minutes to complete the workbook pages.
Each lesson includes 3 parts:
- Warm-up: Counting, Memory Work, and Review. Each lesson begins with a short warm-up to practice counting, memory work, and key skills. Warming up like this also helps build your child’s confidence and starts the lesson on a positive note.
- Hands-on teaching. Next, you’ll teach your child a new concept or skill with hands-on, conversational activities. For example, you might play a math card game, play “Chocolate Shop” to practice adding two-digit numbers, or roll dice to create a bar graph.
- Workbook. Last, your child will complete 2 short workbook pages. On the front side, he’ll practice the new concept that you taught him in the hands-on activity. On the back, he’ll review previously-learned skills. Occasionally, you’ll use the front side of the workbook page during the hands-on teaching part of the lesson.
Can I download a sample?
You bet! You’ll find the full introduction, scope and sequence, and materials list, plus a variety of lessons from across the year so that you get a good sense of the program as a whole. Make sure to download both files so that you can see both the scripted Instructor Guide and full-color Student Workbook.
What will my child learn?
Second Grade Math with Confidence is a full-year, comprehensive curriculum that covers everything your child needs to learn in second grade. She’ll learn to:
- Read, write, and compare numbers to 1000
- Understand place-value to 1000
- Add and subtract 2- and 3-digit numbers
- Solve addition and subtraction word problems with numbers to 100
- Create and read bar graphs, line graphs, and pictographs
- Write money amounts with a decimal point
- Tell time to the minute
- Measure length with the appropriate unit
- Divide shapes into equal parts and name the parts with written fractions
- Identify 2-D and 3-D shapes
What materials will I need?
I’ve kept the materials list as simple and budget-friendly as possible, just like in the earlier levels of Math with Confidence: base-ten blocks, counters, coins, play money, playing cards, dice, a clock with hands, a ruler, a dry erase marker, and a few plastic page protectors. (The pilot testers also recommend a binder with plastic page protectors for storing blackline masters and game boards.)
If you don’t already own base-ten blocks, you can find them online for about $25 or at school supply stores. Besides these, you’ll also sometimes use household items like stuffed animals, small toys, or crayons.
How are picture books incorporated?
Each week includes an enrichment lesson with a picture book and real-life math application activity. These are completely optional, and you can include as many or as few as you want over the course of the year. Some families do these on the fifth day of the week, some incorporate them into their Morning Time or read-aloud time, and some families skip them entirely.
Related: Second Grade Math with Confidence Picture Book List
Keep in mind you don’t have to drive yourself crazy tracking down every book. Many of them are also available as read-alouds on Youtube. It’s perfectly fine to just grab a few math picture books from your library and read those instead if your library doesn’t have many of these titles.
Is my child ready to start Second Grade Math with Confidence?
Most children are ready to start Second Grade Math with Confidence when they are 7 years old. Your child is ready if she can:
- Count to 100 by 1s, 2s, 5s, and 10s.
- Read, write, and compare 2-digit numbers.
- Understand the meaning of the tens-place and ones-place in 2-digit numbers.
- Write simple addition and subtraction equations, and solve simple word problems with single-digit numbers.
- Know most of the addition facts up to 9 + 9.
- Know most of the subtraction facts that involve subtracting from numbers up to 10 (for example, 7 – 4 or 10 – 6).
- Know the names and values of coins and identify combinations of a few coins.
If you have more questions about placement, check out this article for more advice and answers to frequently asked questions:
Will there be other grades? Is Math with Confidence a full series?
Yes! See this article for the release dates and more information on other grades.
Where can I buy Second Grade Math with Confidence?
Print copies are available now at Amazon, Well-Trained Mind Press, and other major homeschool booksellers.
Digital copies (PDFs) are available only at Well-Trained Mind Press. For the Student Workbook, you’ll automatically receive both the standard version and the printer-friendly version.
My child is about to start school this year and I’ve looked everywhere for a comprehensive and friendly math program for after school since I remember struggling with math and I hope it becomes a fun and interesting subject for her. I found Singapore math and seemed really attractive, but honestly once I found your Preschool Math at Home and now your Math with Confidence programs I knew I’d hit the jackpot! These books are so easy to follow and come with so many ideas and games to supplement learning that not only my daughter will understand this subject, but also I’ll have confidence enough to teach her. Thank you for these wonderful resources!!
Hope you have a wonderful year with it, Caro! Happy Math!
We have used your Math Facts That Stick series and love them, so I’m excited to check this out. How do you think they would work for students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia? We are struggling to find something that works and have been playing with right brain methods with moderate success. I feel like we might give it a go anyway bc the pages look very doable and not overwhelming!
Hi Alicia,
Many families with kids with special needs have found it a good fit, because of the clean pages, incremental teaching, and spiral review. If your child has had success with the visual approach of Math Facts That Stick, that’s a good sign that MWC will be a good fit, too!
Happy Math!
Kate
I am adult with dyscalculia. It actually looks very good easy to follow. Even though I am all grown up. According to the tests I took. I am about at the skill level of the book. Very embarrassed to say that.
Hi, Angela! I am a homeschooling mom of a daughter recently diagnosed with dyscalculia. Learning about the challenges and ways to help my daughter is what brought me to this website. I can only say you have nothing to be embarrassed about! You are so brave to put your feelings out there, and I am so hopeful my daughter will be open to learning throughout her lifetime and not let her struggles bring her to a place of stopping or giving up. You are in my prayers! Thank you for sharing. I have been trying to steadily push her forward, and now I realize we need to “go back” to really absorb the basics in a way which is more hands on. Pray for us, too, please!
Do you recommend an abacus for your program?
It’s not necessary, but an abacus or rekenrek can be a nice add-on. (Especially for kids who dislike the ten-frame or who get distracted by moving counters!)
Happy Math!
Kate
Hello,
My daughter was using the 1st grade book and expressed wanting something quicker paced. She was feeling like it was too easy for her, despite enjoying the games quite a bit. My son, a few years older, uses Beast Academy. My oldest uses AoPS, as it’s the only online program I’ve found that doesn’t use all multiple choice questions. I switched her to BA level 1 and while she likes it, I am concerned there isn’t enough reinforcement of concepts for a 6 year old. It’s been great for my boys, but they started using it later. I thought about having her use the 2nd grade book, since maybe she just needed a little bump rather than a curriculum change. Are you able to weigh in at all with program comparisons? Or your thoughts on the best solution? Any info. is much appreciated.
Hi Lindsay,
The tricky thing about Math with Confidence is that I’ve designed it to build incrementally and gradually. It provides lots of reinforcement and practice, so kids feel confident in math have no trouble jumping from one skill to the next. As a result, kids sometimes feel it’s easy simply because they’re picking up math with so little resistance. My suggestion is that you look at what she’s actually able to do as you make the call, rather than relying on her sense of it’s difficulty level. If she actually knows most of the skills in the first grade book, bumping her up to the second grade book could be a great solution. But if she doesn’t, you might want to just condense lessons and continue through the first grade book at a quicker pace to make sure she really has mastered the material. Skip review activities that she already has mastered, do a couple lessons per day, etc.
Regarding, BA: Beast Academy can be a great stand-alone program, but I agree that you’d want to keep an eye on her to make sure she’s really learning the foundational skills (especially the math facts).
Happy Math!
Kate
Good morning,
I have reviewed several math programs (this will be my first year homeschooling). I really love your curriculum, and I will be starting the first grade level with both of my boys (I will actually take them down a grade to make sure they have a solid foundation before moving on). My question is, I will like to have more practice sheets for them as they really struggle with math. I know the games will provide practice, but I thing more written practice will help. What do you suggest for additional written practice?
Hi Lucy,
I like Kumon books for practice, since they’re well-designed, incremental, and inexpensive. The first grade Kumon math books generally match MWC, so you can pick and choose the skills you most want your sons to practice more.
Happy Math!
Kate
I have a 5.5 year old officially starting kindergarten in the fall and I’m unsure where to place him. He can do everything on the list for ready for 2nd grade, but he has never done an official curriculum- he just LOVES math. So I hesitate because I think he could start with 2nd, but I’m worried he doesn’t have a strong foundation since he hasn’t done anything formal before. Thoughts?
Some kids really do pick up math quickly! I’d recommend doing Addition Facts that Stick with him as an intro to formal math lessons (and as a way to make sure he really has the addition facts mastered). Then, go ahead and start Second Grade and see how it goes. If he hits a wall, you can always pause it, go back to First Grade, and then pick up Second Grade again down the road.
Happy Math!
Kate
I’m looking to switch to MWC. I did Saxon Math 1 with my first grader last year and I’m a little worried that he won’t understand the terminology or be lost with a different program. Do you think that transitioning from Saxon would be confusing? Should I start with MWC grade 1 instead?
Hi Katelyn,
When I wrote Second Grade, I figured there would be families new to the program, so unit 1 reviews core ideas from first grade and introduces new families to the MWC distinctives like the ten-frame and part-total mat. I don’t think you’ll have any trouble, and I’d definitely recommend going with Second Grade MWC as long as he knows his addition facts to 10 + 10 and subtraction facts up to 10 (like 9 – 6 or 8 – 2)pretty well.
Happy Math!
Kate
Hello! My son did Saxon Math 1 last year and enjoyed it, but after a lot of reading on math teaching styles I’m considering switching to Math with Confidence 2 this year. I noticed though that MWC 2 doesn’t get into multiplication and division, while both Saxon and Dimensions do. I don’t know what is “typical” but just want him to stay on grade level in case he switches schools or curriculum in the future. What are your thoughts on rigor/topics covered? Thank you!
Hi Mary, thanks for your interest in MWC! MWC is a middle-of-the-road program when compared to other homeschool programs. I aim to choose topics so that the program is roughly “on grade level” with U.S. public schools. Third grade is the year for multiplication in U.S. public schools, and so that’s where I focus on it in MWC. That said, there’s a lot of sneaky “pre-multiplication” in Second Grade MWC: skip-counting, doubling numbers, and finding the number of objects in arrays.
Ultimately, kids who use MWC through sixth grade will be ready for either pre-algebra or a seventh grade math program.
Happy Math!
Kate
I recently asked if your program could be used with struggling 8th graders and you had said it could.
My question is how do I best determine what level would be best?
I have two 8th graders that are currently using MathUSee level Delta(which is focusing only on division). MathUSee is a great program, I just need something a little more hands on that is not overwhelming for them or me to keep up with and also need to try to get them caught up a little bit quicker than MathUSee’s rate of one thing per year.
Would your level 2 or 3 book be good?
Or do you have any other recommendations?
I am a busy mom of 5 so I need something doable for me and my struggling kids.
Math with Confidence has only been released through third grade. Your kids are likely past most of the material covered in Third Grade MWC, so I’m afraid it’s not the right fit to help them get caught up.
I’ve written an article on resources I like to use for helping kids fill in gaps. Take a look, and hope it helps!
Happy Math!
Kate
Thank you!
I did look at the article and still feel overwhelmed how to best proceed with math with my two struggling eighth graders.
They have a very week foundation due to public school and I am not sure if MathUSee’s one year at a time mastery approach is working well for them. They are eighth grade but only in level delta. They struggle with understanding the concepts and think they get it just enough to get through but it doesn’t stick.
I hate changing curriculum but given the circumstances I think it might be time to try something different for now. They also have a very week money sense and little experience with fractions, decimals, and percents.
I am using your MWC level k book with my kindergartner and I love how you teach math and wish my girls had this foundation!
Do you have any recommendations for a few programs I could consider trying for them to help???
I was able to find something I think might be helpful to my girls.
Thank you for all your help!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Kate,
So the math program I thought I had found won’t be a good fit for my older kids.
I have two 8th graders that both have multiple learning disabilities and one also has autism. We have been using MathUSee and while it is a good program the concepts are just not sticking. It’s been suggested to me to try something different for them. I’ve read through all your articles trying to find something that could work for my girls and with their learning challenges nothing seems to be a good fit for them.
I am feel like I am at my wit’s end!
I need something that is very simple in how it explains, is non overwhelming, provides good visuals and hands on opportunities, helps the teacher in tough times, and provides plenty of review to help the concepts stick.
Do you have any recommendations???
How much play money do we need with level 2? My daughter has some but I want to make sure I have enough.
Thanks!
It’s listed in the introduction in the Instructor Guide. If you don’t have yours yet, the introduction is included in the sample (linked on this page, about halfway up.)
Happy Math!
Kate
I am considering buying for 2nd grade but am concerned because you will only cover through 6th grade. Most math programs go through 7th grade and then 8th grade is pre- algebra. What would I do for 7th grade year? I don’t want to start my son on algebra until he officially starts highschool.
Hi Teresa, you could always do a “seventh grade” program rather than pre-algebra that year, if you decided you want to go that route. My main advice is to choose a program that you think is a good fit for your son now, whether it’s MWC or something else. A lot can change in five years, and it’s hard to predict the future. If you choose a program that gives him a good foundation and that you both enjoy using, you’ll have a lot of choices for middle/high school math down the road, and you can choose the one that fits him best at that time.
Happy Math!
Kate
This year, my second grader will start their very first formal curriculum. I decided to start with MWC (just waiting for it to arrive). I am so thankful to all the resources you’ve compiled and I am still going through everything, so my apologies if this is a redundant question. My second grader is bored to tears with math. I am worried both my approach (I tend to be overly technical) and workbooks in general are creating an aversion to math. I am hoping this curriculum will be more stimulating/inspiring. I am also interested in working in Addition Facts. Do you think this would be overdoing it or does MWC content overlap with the facts series?
Hi Violet,
Second Grade MWC does a pretty thorough review of the addition facts. I’d wait on deciding about AFTS until after you’ve completed the addition units. If you find that your child still needs some practice, that would be a great time to add it.
There are lots of different reasons why your child might be feeling so bored with math. It could be your style or the workbook approach, but it could also be the pacing, choice of activities, or challenge level (either too easy or too hard). It could also be because your child knows you want them to like it! Kids are awfully good at resisting liking things their parents want them to like, whether it’s math or vegetables. Think about these possibilities and see if any them resonate, but I wouldn’t sweat it too much. Ideally, all our kids will love math–but if they’re simply capable and confident in math without loving it, you’ve still done a great job!
Happy Math!
Kate