We study simple fractions, such as halves, thirds, and fourths, and how to write those with the proper fraction notation.
Then, we look at rectangles on a grid - in other words, with "little squares". We divide such rectangles into fractional parts, such as thirds or fourths, and then check how many "little squares" are in the fractional part versus in the whole.
This is of course preparing students for the concepts of AREA (studied in 3rd grade) and finding a fractional part of a quantity.
We still get to do lots of coloring and things are done with visual models (concrete), so this is not anything difficult!
If you cannot see the video above, click here for an alternative video player.
Comparing fractions visually — 2nd grade video lesson
Math Mammoth Grade 2 curriculum