Our Grade 2 curricula

Last year, when we started, I had no idea what to use. We used lots of free worksheets online, while I investigated our options. I recommend to all new homeschoolers to do the same ;) I went to various curricula websites and printed off various sample pages. We ruled out many workbooks. Also check out local homeschool support associations. Many will have a lending library so you can see and hold the curricula.

This is our curricula for Grade 2.

Math - Math Mammoth - We are first finishing off the grade 1 workbooks over the next month and a bit and moving onto grade 2! Considering in April, she couldn't add or subtract, we're doing awesome. We LOVE this curriculum. It is very nicely laid out. There is lots of visual presentations, ideas for simple games to re-inforce what they are learning. Lots of built in review, so no need to get a bunch of different things, unless you want to, but it's not a need. The author is available to answer any questions. There is no teacher manual needed, it's well explained in the workbook. And best of all it is extremely affordable. If you are getting 1 year it is $34, if you order the first 5 grades it is $135, I believe! Awesome price.

History - Story of the World - we are using the first volume, with the activity guide. The little Princess loves it. We opted to get the pdf files, so it was instant, and we print only the activity pages needed. I think when we do the next one, I'll get the book for reading, but the pdf for the activity guide.

Religion - Enjoying God's Gifts workbook, along with the NIRv Adventure Bible for young readers. It is a fantastic bible! Simple language, yet a complete bible. The workbook scope and sequence supplies all the bible readings, so all the pages correspond with the verses you've just read. It is very cute and easy to do, and most importantly, quick to do!

Music - Pianimals. I do have a music background so I could teach on my own, however, this is such a well planned program, why re-invent the wheel. Even a parent with no music knowledge could get their child started in piano. Highly recommended!

Science - Elemental Science - Biology for the Grammar Stage. Great program, affordable, trivium based. It is simply laid out, it isn't an all-inclusive, you do need 3 different spines for the 3 topics, animals, body and plants. But very easy to use. Cute experiments.

Language arts. This is curriculum intensive.
Spelling - All About Spelling. We are starting Level 2. I can't say enough positive things about this program. It teaches spelling rules, gives lots of practice, uses manipulatives for hands on learning. I have learned spelling rules that made me go.... 'So THAT's why we spell it that way.' Not only does it help spelling, but it REALLY helps with reading. We purchased the readers with it. DD6 is so thrilled when she earns a new chapter in her book.

Reading - Ordinary Parents Guide to Teaching Reading. Another huge RAVE from me! It teaches so methodically and logically that it only takes a short time to do, and the kids GET it! Built in review. No supplies needed other than a marker and some index cards to help out. It is considered a 2 year program. We are plodding through with NO resistance. She loves it.

Grammar - First Language Lessons A very gently introduction to grammar. Includes some fun memorization and some enrichment activities. 2 thumbs up from mom!

Writing - Writing with Ease(WWE) - With the PDF version it includes the teaching guide as well as all the reading passages, so no need to find your own. I coupled this with StartWrite so it could be penmanship too. WWE includes copy work. It is of a well written sentence. You go over it with the child, pointing out various things, punctuation, capitalization etc. That is 2 days a week, the other 2 days a week, there is a passage to read, and have the child do a narration back to you. LOVE IT!

Penmanship - StartWrite I use this to make worksheets. It is a consistent font with interlining. I use it for the copywork as mentioned above. I use it for spelling, for history. Anytime she has written work to do, I create the worksheet with StartWrite. This has eliminated the need for actual penmanship. It's interspersed into all her work. If I can multitask one assignment, I will. She has really nice printing! In fact our facilitator last year thought her penmanship was dd11's! LOL... was she surprised.

I also use a couple workbooks for reading comprehension and language, by Evan Moor. She loves the reading, it's all done orally. She reads the passage to me, then answers 3 comprehension questions. If she doesn't remember, she is learning how to review. The language lessons is a 1/2 page question with one sentence to correct(capitalize and punctuation), and 2 multiple choice questions about spelling.

Art - Atelier - this she loves! She is capable of really quality art with the instructions provided, that looks to be much higher caliber than one would expect of a 6yo. Now I don't know if it is the instruction or if she has that much artistic ability. I'd like to say it's her!

Phys. Ed - we do a variety of things! She is in Ringette(2x/week), Dance(1x/week), Basketball(1x week), Swimming Lessons. This are weekly(with the exception of swimming, but it's 2x/week for 5 weeks) and looking into rock climbing in the new year. We also plan a daily physical activity. As we live in the great white north, we have a few things at home we can do. She loves the treadmill. She is working her way up to 20 minutes, starting at 10. She mostly does a brisk walk. As long as she's moving, I have no requirements. She also uses the Wii Fit. I know, it's a video game, but it has it's merit, after doing hula hoops for 6 minutes straight, you are pretty winded! Try it..lol. Plus it's fun, and that is the key, keep it fun and you have a life time of movement going on. Make it drudgery, and it won't last. Basketball is new to her, so she is trying, if she doesn't like it, well, next year we don't enroll. Ringette is her second year. What is Ringette? Check it out! Another great Canadian sport.

We are also doing some fun unit studies. These are designed as a week project, however we take our time. If she is done with school, we don't do it, if she is wanting more, she works on her unit study. These are bonus learning activities, not mandatory. So it's as we feel like it.

So that is what we are tackling this year :) We'll see how it goes. We are progressing nicely, she does school work from 9-11 most days, and plays all afternoon! Her daily physical activity is usually in the afternoon as well.