NYS Standards Aligned

Second Grade Homeschool Curriculum

A comprehensive, academically rigorous, and engaging curriculum designed to support your child through the important "second-grade leap" in cognitive development

40
Weeks
180+
Days
4
Core Subjects
60+
Read-Alouds

Our Educational Philosophy

This curriculum embraces an eclectic educational approach, empowering you to become a curator of your child's education rather than a consumer of a one-size-fits-all program. As a child enters second grade, their unique learning profile becomes increasingly apparent, making this customized approach ideal.

  • Content-Rich: Builds cultural literacy and vocabulary essential for reading comprehension
  • Systematic Skills Development: Sequential, research-backed approaches to reading and math
  • Hands-On Learning: Concrete activities to bridge to abstract concepts
  • Coherent Narrative: History provides the story-thread connecting all subjects

Core Components

Foundation Spine

Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) & Science (CKSci) - Free, content-rich, sequential curricula providing a coherent knowledge-building sequence

Reading & Phonics

All About Reading Level 2 or Logic of English Foundations C - Systematic, multi-sensory phonics programs based on the Orton-Gillingham approach

Mathematics

Math with Confidence Grade 2 supplemented by Zearn Math - Building deep conceptual understanding through hands-on, engaging lessons

Literature

Rich, diverse selections drawing from Build Your Library Level 2 and classic children's literature to complement historical themes

Year at a Glance

Subject Progression Throughout the Year

English Language Arts

Q1: Reading comprehension, story elements, paragraph writing
Q2: Multi-syllable words, summarizing informational text, adjectives
Q3: Opinion writing, research skills, biography
Q4: Point of view, persuasive writing, comparing sources

Mathematics

Q1: Addition/subtraction facts, place value to 1000, data graphs
Q2: Addition/subtraction with regrouping, telling time, money
Q3: Measurement, 3-digit operations, introduction to arrays
Q4: Fractions, geometry, review of all operations

Science

Q1: Properties of matter, scientific method, land and water features
Q2: Seasonal changes, plant and animal interdependence
Q3: Electricity and magnetism, insect anatomy, human body systems
Q4: Organisms and habitats, Earth's systems, conservation

Social Studies

Q1: Types of communities, map skills, community government
Q2: Early Asian civilizations, Ancient Greece, mythology
Q3: War of 1812, westward expansion, famous Americans
Q4: Civil War, natural resources, global citizenship

Understanding the "Second Grade Leap"

A Cognitive Transformation

Second grade is characterized by a significant cognitive transformation often called the "second-grade leap." This is a period where your child's thinking begins to build powerful bridges between the concrete world and the realm of abstract ideas.

While first grade focused on tangible, foundational skills—counting physical objects, retelling a story's sequence, and writing about immediate experiences—second grade invites a more complex and nuanced understanding of the world.

This curriculum is specifically designed to guide your child across these bridges, providing the scaffolding needed to make this important developmental leap successfully.

Key Developmental Shifts

  • 1

    From Counting to Place Value

    Moving from adding within 20 to mastering addition and subtraction within 1000

  • 2

    From Retelling to Summarizing

    Evolving from simply retelling key details to synthesizing and summarizing information

  • 3

    From Observation to Analysis

    Growing from describing what they see to making connections and drawing conclusions

  • 4

    From Present to Past

    Expanding from family history to understanding ancient civilizations and historical change

Implementation Guide

Sample Daily Schedule

Morning Meeting 15 min
Phonics/Reading 30-45 min
Math 30-45 min
Snack & Movement 20 min
Science/Social Studies 30-45 min
Read-Aloud & Discussion 20 min
Writing/Projects 30 min
Total Instructional Time 3-4 hours

Assessment Methods

  • Daily Observation: Monitor understanding during activities
  • Weekly Reviews: Games and activities to check mastery
  • Portfolio Collection: Samples of work across subjects
  • Quarterly Reports: Required documentation for district
  • Year-End Assessment: Standardized test or portfolio review

NYS Requirements

  • IHIP Submission: Due by July 1st or within 14 days
  • Attendance: 180 days minimum
  • Quarterly Reports: Submit every 10 weeks
  • Annual Assessment: Required for grades 4-8 (optional but recommended for grade 2)
  • Required Subjects: All core subjects covered in this curriculum

Download Resources

Complete Curriculum

Full year lesson plans with all resources

Planning Templates

Weekly planners and tracking sheets

Complete Book List

All 60+ read-alouds organized by quarter

Supply Checklist

Complete materials list for the year

Ready to Begin Your Second Grade Journey?

Start with Quarter 1 to build a strong foundation for your child's second-grade year. Our step-by-step approach makes homeschooling manageable and joyful.

Start with Quarter 1