2nd Grade Math Word Problems

Word problems can be challenging for students, especially second-graders, who may still be learning to read. But, you can use basic strategies that will work with nearly any student, even those who are just starting to learn written-language skills.

Instructions and Strategies

To help second-grade students learn to solve word problems, teach them to use the following steps:

• Survey the math problem: Read the word problem to get an idea of its general nature. Talk with your students about the problem and discuss which parts are most important.
• Read the math problem: Read the question again. This time, focus on the specific details of the problem. Which parts of the problem relate to each other?
• Ask questions about the operations involved: Reflect again. Determine the specific math operations the problem is asking you to perform, and list them on paper in the order they are to be performed.
• Question yourself about the steps taken: Review each step you took. Determine if your answer seems reasonable. If possible, check your answer against the book's answers to determine if you are on the right track.
• Wrap it up: Scan through the text of the word problems you will be solving to identify any words you do not recognize. List them and determine their meanings before solving the problems. Write brief definitions of the terms for your reference during problem-solving.

Solving the Problems

After reviewing these strategies, use the following free word-problem printables to let the students practice what they've learned. There are only three worksheets because you don't want to overwhelm your second-graders when they are just learning to do word problems.

Start slowly, review the steps if needed, and give your young learners a chance to absorb the information and learn word problem-solving techniques at a relaxed pace. The printables contain terms with which young students will be familiar, such as "triangle," "square," "staircase," "dimes," "nickels," and the days of the week.