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Grade 2 Math Units

Unit Plan 28 (Grade 2 Math): Fact Fluency Power-Up—Within 20

Build fluent addition/subtraction within 20 through strategy-based games and retrieval routines; students track growth and explain efficient strategy choices for accurate, flexible problem solving.

Dr. Michael Kester-Haynes

• 5 min read
Unit Plan 28 (Grade 2 Math): Fact Fluency Power-Up—Within 20

Focus: Spiral practice with strategy-based games and retrieval routines; students track growth toward fluent sums/differences within 20 and explain their strategy choices.

Grade Level: 2

Subject Area: Mathematics (Operations & Algebraic Thinking—Fluency)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

This week builds efficient, accurate addition and subtraction within 20. Students rehearse mental strategies (e.g., make 10, doubles/near doubles, count on/back, compensation, using the inverse) through quick routines and games. Emphasis is on accuracy first, then efficiency, with clear recording and self-monitoring of growth.

Essential Questions

  • Which strategy fits this fact best, and why?
  • How do I balance accuracy, efficiency, and precision when I work quickly?
  • How can I use what I know (e.g., doubles, make 10) to figure out new facts?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

  1. Use and explain mental strategies (make 10, count on/back, doubles/near doubles, compensation, fact families/inverse) to add/subtract within 20.
  2. Choose an efficient strategy for a given fact and justify the choice using math language.
  3. Record equations with correct symbols and maintain precision in work.
  4. Monitor and reflect on fluency growth (accuracy/strategy choice; optional timing after accuracy is secure).

Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 2 (focus this week)

  • 2.OA.2: Fluently add and subtract within 20 using mental strategies; by end of Grade 2, know single-digit sums from memory.
  • Mathematical Practices: MP.6 (attend to precision) threaded; MP.1, MP.7, MP.8 supported through strategy structure and perseverance.

Success Criteria — Student Language

  • I can solve facts within 20 accurately and explain the strategy I used.
  • I can choose a faster strategy (like make 10 or doubles) when it makes sense.
  • I can write my equations with correct symbols and neat recording.
  • I can track my growth and set a next-step goal.