At FreedomHomeschooling.com, we list several free all-in-one-curriculum programs. These programs include every subject your 2nd grader will need. Homeschoolers often choose all-in-one programs because of the simplicity they provide. They take care of the planning and curriculum selection for you.
However, many homeschoolers, myself included, prefer to choose a separate curriculum for each subject. This allows us to customize our children’s education, choosing materials that fit their learning styles and individual needs in each subject area. Also, I’ve always enjoyed the variety that a more eclectic approach provides. Using the same approach and materials for every subject can become monotonous for some students.
If you’d like to piece together your own customized 2nd grade curriculum, visit FreedomHomeschooling.com’s main page, and choose a subject area to explore from the menu. On that subject’s page, you will find a list of links to free curriculum resources.
Below, I’ve provided a sample 2nd grade Christian curriculum. This sample curriculum is intended to give you an idea of what a 2nd grade curriculum could look like. Feel free to make substitutions as needed. If you have other children, you may prefer to study some subjects, like Bible, history, and science, together as a family. Also, many homeschoolers choose to skip formal curriculum for subjects like science and history in the early years. Instead, they do things like read library books, explore nature, and watch videos.
Language Arts, Geography, and Art
The Good & the Beautiful (TGTB) Language Arts Level 2 covers phonics, reading, writing, spelling, literature, grammar, punctuation, art, and geography in one downloadable course. The course download includes the course book, course companion, phonics cards, and reader. TGTB recommends that you use their free assessment to determine if Level 2 is the correct placement for your child.
TGTB doesn’t include handwriting instruction. For manuscript penmanship practice, you can print worksheets at SchoolExpress and Guest Hollow. Guest Hollow also offers Bible verse copywork.
For additional reading practice, either borrow books from your local library or download some of these classic readers.
Math
FreeMath uses online activities and printable worksheets. The lessons will need to be taught by the parent. You’ll notice that only 27 weeks of materials are included, rather than 36 weeks, which is a typical school year. This is because the curriculum skips the review often included in other math courses. If your child needs more review, consider adding Doctor Genius for online practice or K5 Learning or Dad’s Worksheets for printable worksheets. If your child does not require review, just progress to 3rd grade math when your child completes 2nd grade math.
To teach math facts, you can either use flashcards or have your child practice online at XtraMath. XtraMath’s facts fluency program helps children master addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts. XtraMath tracks progress and generates reports for the parent/teacher. After the child has mastered an operation, they are awarded a printable certificate.
Bible
U.B. David & I’ll B. Jonathan Inc. offers the following Bible lessons appropriate for 2nd grade children: Know Your Bible Level 2 (24 lessons), Let’s Talk About Series (16 lessons), and Best Friends Series 1 & 2 (20 lessons). If your child completes two lessons per week, they’ll finish these courses in 30 weeks. Each lesson includes a story, memory verse, and a quiz. If you register for a free account, your child can earn points towards free certificates as they complete their lessons.
History
U Read Thru History is a Charlotte Mason inspired, literature-based approach to learning history. Each year your child will spend one semester learning World History and one semester learning American History. Year 2 covers Revolutionary War and Ancient Greece & Ancient Rome. Each weekly lesson includes discussion questions and activities. If you are unable to find the books recommended in your local library, you may substitute any book that covers the same topic. If you choose to buy some of the books, save money by purchasing used books. In second grade, you will read the books aloud to your child. For more information on how these history courses are set up, be sure to read the teacher’s guide.
Science
Under the Home’s 2nd grade science course is Animal Nature Study. There are 36 lessons, so you will complete one per week throughout the school year. For each lesson, the “lesson” tab is where you’ll find the story and audio recording, and the “lesson guide” tab is where you’ll find the coinciding vocabulary words, key concepts, activities, printable field guide, and more.
You may also like to add Nature Readers: Sea-side and Way-side No. 1. If your child is reading well, he may be able to read this book independently. Otherwise, it makes a great read aloud.
If your child would like to learn more about science, he may enjoy SciShow Kids on YouTube. These short videos explore all those curious topics that make kids ask “why?” It’s a fun way for younger kids to learn about all sorts of science topics.
Life Skills
ChopChop Cooking Club provides recipes, how-tos, shopping and storage tips, fun activities, and conversation starters. Children can upload pictures of the meals they’ve prepared to receive virtual badges. Badges celebrate the different cooking skills learned in each recipe, such as whisking, roasting, mixing, measuring, and grating. Cooking is an excellent hands-on way for children to practice math and reading skills. For more kid-friendly recipes and tutorials, check out Spatula Cooking for Kids.
Computer Skills
Code.org’s Course C teaches visual block-based programming. Your child will create programs with loops and events, translate their initials into binary, investigate different problem-solving techniques, learn about internet safety, and more. At the end of the course, they will create an interactive game. Your child may occasionally need some help with the activities.
Physical Education and Recess
Rather than following a set curriculum, simply allow your child plenty of free time for active play. When the weather isn’t ideal for outdoor play, consider using some of these dance and exercise videos on YouTube.
Other Grades
I hope this sample curriculum has been helpful. If you’re looking for guides for other grades, you can find them here.
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