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Grade 2 Math Units

Unit Plan 20 (Grade 2 Math): Rectangle Arrays—Rows, Columns, and Counting Squares

Partition rectangles into equal rows and columns of unit squares; count totals with repeated addition, label rows/columns precisely, and connect arrays to equal-addend equations.

Dr. Michael Kester-Haynes

• 5 min read
Unit Plan 20 (Grade 2 Math): Rectangle Arrays—Rows, Columns, and Counting Squares

Focus: Partition rectangles into rows and columns of same-size squares; count to find totals; connect to arrays and equal addends from 2.OA.4.

Grade Level: 2

Subject Area: Mathematics (Geometry • Operations & Algebraic Thinking • Math Practices)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 35–45 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Students learn how to partition rectangles into equal rows and columns, creating arrays of unit squares. They practice precise counting, use repeated addition to find totals, and explain the structure they notice (MP.7), linking to equal groups from earlier work.

Essential Questions

  • How do rows and columns help me count a lot of squares accurately?
  • What does it mean to partition a rectangle into same-size squares?
  • How does an array show equal groups and repeated addends?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

  1. Partition rectangles into rows and columns of same-size squares and count to find totals.
  2. Represent arrays with drawings, labels (rows/columns), and equations using repeated addition.
  3. Explain the structure of arrays (equal groups; different orientations with the same total).
  4. Attend to precision by aligning squares, keeping shapes closed, and labeling rows, columns, and totals.

Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 2

  • 2.G.2: Partition a rectangle into rows and columns of same-size squares and count to find the total number of them.
  • 2.OA.4: Use addition to find the total number of objects in rectangular arrays with equal groups; write an equation to express the total as a sum of equal addends.
  • Mathematical Practice — MP.7: Look for and make use of structure (rows/columns patterns in arrays).

Success Criteria — Student Language

  • I can partition a rectangle into equal rows and columns of unit squares.
  • I can count the total using repeated addition and write an equation with equal addends.
  • I can label my rows, columns, and total clearly and explain the structure I used.