Everyday Mathematics Grade 2, Unit 8: Geometry and Arrays
In this unit, your child names and draws shapes by counting their sides and angles, and arranges objects in arrays, or equal rows. They find totals by adding the rows, split rectangles into rows of same-size squares, and start cutting shapes into equal shares. It builds on the patterns from the last unit and leads into more equal shares and measuring.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 8?
- Finding the total in an array, or equal rows, of up to 5 by 5 by adding the rows, like 4 + 4 + 4 = 12. Learn more: Counting objects in equal rows by adding
- Naming triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons, hexagons, and cubes by counting their sides, angles, and faces. Learn more: Naming triangles, hexagons, cubes, and more
- Splitting a rectangle into rows and columns of same-size squares and counting them row by row. Learn more: Splitting a rectangle into rows of squares
- Splitting circles and rectangles into two, three, or four equal shares, and naming them halves, thirds, or fourths. Learn more: Halves, thirds, and fourths of shapes
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
Look at the dots arranged in rows. Which addition sentence shows the total number of dots?
- 4 + 3 = 7
- 4 + 4 + 4 = 12
- 3 + 3 + 3 = 9
How you can help
- Look for arrays in the kitchen, like a muffin pan or an egg carton. Ask your child how many rows there are, and add the rows to find how many cups in all.
- Go on a shape hunt on a walk or ride. Count the sides of signs and windows and name each shape, such as a yield sign with 3 sides being a triangle.
- Fold a sheet of paper into halves, then fourths, and trace the folds. Ask whether all the pieces are the same size and what each piece is called.
Where kids can get stuck
- Adding the number of rows to the number in each row, answering 7 for 3 rows of 4.
- Thinking a quadrilateral must be a square or a rectangle, and not counting other four-sided shapes.
- Calling any three pieces thirds, even when the pieces are clearly different sizes.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- array
- Objects set out in equal rows and columns, like eggs in a carton.
- row
- A line of things that goes across.
- column
- A line of things that goes up and down.
- angle
- The corner where two sides of a shape meet.
- quadrilateral
- Any flat shape with 4 sides and 4 angles.
- hexagon
- A flat shape with 6 sides and 6 angles.
- cube
- A solid shape with 6 square faces, like a number cube.
- equal shares
- Parts of a whole that are all the same size.
- fourth
- One of 4 equal shares of a whole, also called a quarter.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with shapes and arrays?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
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Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does Everyday Mathematics Grade 2 Unit 8 cover?
Everyday Mathematics Grade 2 Unit 8 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
- 2.OA.C.4: Use addition to find the total number of objects arranged in rectangular arrays.
- 2.G.A.1: Recognize and draw shapes having specified attributes.
- 2.G.A.2: Partition a rectangle into rows and columns of same-size squares.
- 2.G.A.3: Partition circles and rectangles into two, three, or four equal shares.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.