Lesson Plan: Grade 2 Mathematics – addition and subtraction

  1. Lesson Plan Title: Grade 2 Mathematics: Exploring Addition and Subtraction in CAPS Curriculum

  2. Materials Needed: Pencils, paper, small counting blocks (or similar concrete objects), worksheets on addition and subtraction, interactive whiteboard or chalkboard, number flashcards.

  3. Learning Objectives:

    • Learners will gain an understanding of the principles of addition and subtraction.
    • Learners will acquire the skill of performing simple addition and subtraction computations using single-digit numbers.
    • Learners will apply the concepts of addition and subtraction to real-world scenarios.
  4. Vocabulary: Addition, subtraction, total, fewer, more.

  5. Prior Knowledge: Learners have a foundation in numbers and counting, along with an understanding of the concepts of “more” and “less.”

  6. Anticipated Challenges and Solutions:

    • Some learners might find subtraction challenging; the use of concrete counting aids can help visually represent subtraction and aid understanding.
  7. Structure of the Lesson:
    • Introduction (4 minutes): Define ‘addition’ as combining or increasing and ‘subtraction’ as taking away or reducing. Illustrate these concepts using number flashcards and counting blocks.
  8. Central Activities (32 minutes):
    • Demonstration and Explanation (10 minutes): Actively demonstrate how to perform addition and subtraction using counting blocks, providing various examples while clearly explaining the procedure (e.g., “We have 3 blocks. If we add 2 more, we now have 5 blocks”).
    • Guided Practice (10 minutes): Provide numerous, simple-to-understand problems for the learners to tackle as a group using their blocks. Provide guidance as required whilst maintaining a positive, encouraging environment.
    • Individual Practice (12 minutes): Distribute worksheets containing numerous addition and subtraction problems for the learners to attempt individually, ensuring everyone understands the task.
  9. Closing Activities (4 minutes): Learners share their individual progress, highlighting how many problems they managed to solve correctly. This encourages peer recognition and a sense of achievement. Highlight key problem examples on the board and stimulate a group discussion around the solutions.

  10. Assessment Strategies: Continual checks for comprehension during the lesson and a review of the completed worksheets will provide an understanding of learner progress and comprehension.

  11. Differentiation Strategies: For those requiring further assistance, expand the use of visual aids and allow additional time. Faster learners can be given more challenging tasks (addition or subtraction of two-digit numbers).

  12. Teaching Notes: Encourage learners having difficulty grasping the concept to use their fingers for counting. Maintain a steady pace throughout instruction and ensure complete understanding before moving on to new concepts. Show patience and enthusiasm, which should also promote a positive learning environment.

Cross-curricular links with Home Language are evident with vocabulary development, and Life Skills are incorporated when applying maths to real-life situations. This lesson plan is culturally applicable and sensitive to diversity as it utilizes universally accepted teaching aids and methodologies. It also accounts for differentiated instruction to cater to a range of learning needs and abilities. The ongoing checks for understanding throughout the lesson acts as a strong formative assessment tool.