CCSS.Math.Content.2.OA.C

Math2nd GradeOperations and Algebraic Thinking

The standard

Work with equal groups of objects to gain foundations for multiplication.

Common Core State Standards for Mathematics

What this standard means

Students need to make, describe, and count equal groups. They should see that 3 groups of 4 means 4, 4, 4, and that the total can be found by skip-counting or adding the same number again and again.

Mastery looks like building equal groups, drawing them, writing repeated addition, and explaining the count. Students often mix up the number of groups with the number in each group. They may also count one by one instead of using 2s, 5s, 10s, or repeated addition.

Ways to teach it

  • Give pairs 24 counters and ask them to build as many equal-group arrangements as they can, then label each with repeated addition.
  • Ask students to write about whether 4 groups of 3 and 3 groups of 4 show the same total and how they know.
  • Show 5 circles with 2 dots in each and ask students to write the repeated addition and total on a sticky note.
  • Use egg cartons, muffin tins, or classroom supply baskets to find equal groups and describe them with repeated addition.

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Related standards

Standard text verified against corestandards.org on July 10, 2026.

Page updated July 10, 2026.

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