Elementary School Math Curriculum

Elementary School Math Curriculum

Exploring Mathematics in the Elementary Curriculum

Mathematics is one of the basic subjects taught at the elementary level, and it supports most reasoning and problem-solving skills. This paper will thus target the second grade as an important year in a child’s learning process through which the fundamentals of mathematics are reinforced. These concepts enable the students to learn further mathematics in the advanced classes in subsequent grades. The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) offers specific prescriptions for what students should know and be able to do in mathematics at this critical grade level.

Main Areas of Focus for Second-Grade

The major strands of learning in mathematics in second grade are place value, operation with numbers, and introduction to multiplication division. Students are introduced to the written form of numbers and how to express them in expanded form; they become aware of how to incorporate addition and subtraction with large numbers (Sowder, 2020). Further, they start with the definition of odd and even numbers which forms the basis of understanding multiplication. This grade also gives importance to measurement and data, and students are also taught how to count, sort, and interpret data using charts and graphs.

Relevant TEKS

For the second-grade focus, the relevant TEKS include:

TEKS 2. 2: Students understand the concept of place value when writing numbers and comparing whole numbers up to 1,200.

TEKS 2. 4: Students use the mathematical processes to solve addition and subtraction of numbers to 1,000.

TEKS 2. 6: Students use attributes of two-dimensional shapes and three-dimensional solids to analyze (Code, 19).

Importance of Mathematics in Elementary Education

The incorporation of mathematics in the curriculum for elementary classes has the following reasons. First, mathematics fosters the ability to reason, which is essential while solving various life issues. For example, learners are taught how to budget, count in the kitchen, as well as grasp the concept of time, which are useful skills in life. Secondly, mastery of math ensures success in future academic activities, especially in science and technology disciplines, where most problems are solved mathematically (Beckmann & Izsák, 2021). Thirdly, mathematics develops logical thinking, which makes the students solve problems systematically.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mathematics in the second grade is important in building a strong foundation of the relevant skills that the students will require in their lifetime. According to the TEKS and the use of different instructional materials, teachers can successfully teach mathematics that will build students’ confidence and competence. As the process of teaching and learning is enhanced for the needs of the students, the inclusion of mathematics at the elementary level is a key area of focus for preparing the students for future academic endeavors.

References

Beckmann, S., & Izsák, A. (2021). Focusing on mathematical structure and sensemaking in courses for future teachers. In Developing mathematical proficiency for elementary instruction (pp. 131-164). Cham: Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-68956-8_6

Code, T. A. (19). TAC Chapter 111, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Mathematics Subchapter A Elementary School.

Sowder, J. T. (2020). Making sense of numbers in school mathematics. In Analysis of arithmetic for mathematics teaching (pp. 1–51). Routledge.

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Compare the TEKS and the NCTM
Math Strands and the TEKS
1. Use the following link to create a research paper that incorporates the need for mathematics in an elementary curriculum.
Elementary School Math Curriculum
Use the following link to research the TEKS that will help guide you through the curriculums provided in the reading.

Elementary School Math Curriculum

Site for the TEKS: Chapter 111. Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Mathematics Subchapter A. Elementary_

2. Make sure to include:
• You may choose any grade level that is available in the reading. (1st -5th grade) • Describe what are the main areas of focus for this particular grade level. • What TEK or TEKs would you use for this particular focus?
• How important is the need for mathematics to be incorporated in an elementary curriculum?
• Include at least 3 more sources that you may use to help with your research.

Purpose: The purpose of this assignment is to find and research the different needs that mathematics holds in each TEK that fits in an Elementary Curriculum.