Our 2nd Grade Homeschool Curriculum Choices

Homeschooling allows us to create a learning environment that fits our family’s unique needs and interests. With a 2nd grader and a 3 ½-year-old preschooler, our approach this year balances structured learning, play-based exploration, and seasonal, interest-led studies. Here’s a look at the homeschool curriculum choices that are guiding our journey.

Our 2nd Grader Homeschool Curriculum

For our second grader, we focus on a mix of foundational skills and engaging, hands-on learning. We try to make homeschool curriculum choices that match our goals and fit how our kids learn best:

Reading:

We use All About Reading Level 3, a phonics-based program that provides step-by-step instruction and fun activities to build confident readers. This multisensory, mastery-based reading program is suitable for all ages and learning styles. The package includes a Teacher’s Manual, Student Packet (Activity Book, Flashcards, Stickers), and two readers, making it a comprehensive tool for developing strong reading skills.

Math:

Math with Confidence offers a clear and thorough approach to mastering essential math concepts through games and activities. This comprehensive math program includes a scripted, open-and-go instructor’s guide along with an engaging, full-color student workbook. The curriculum emphasizes deep conceptual understanding, math fluency, and mastery of facts, making math both fun and accessible.

History:

The Little School of Smiths American Girl History program is a favorite! Through read-alouds of American Girl books, we explore history tied to each character’s time period. Crafts, recipes, and activities make these lessons interactive and memorable. The bundle includes eight units, each focusing on a different historical period, complemented by activities that bring history to life.

Science:

Our year is split into two thematic studies:

The first half focuses on A Year of Learning Slow Down Nature Family Study, covering seasonal topics like butterflies, pollination, the moon, bats, and spiders. This gentle curriculum encourages families to slow down and observe the natural world together, fostering reflection and thoughtful discovery. We like to do more nature study in the summer and fall when we can get outside more and move to more table labs during the winter.

The second half transitions to Blossom and Root Wonders of the Earth and Sky, diving into geology, earth science and weather topics such as origins of the earth, earth’s layers, rocks and minerals, erosion, and major weather events. This creative, flexible, hands-on curriculum is designed for secular homeschooling families, focusing on nature, literature, STEM, and art. Each “wonder” includes books, videos, outdoor explorations, table labs, and art projects to suit different learning styles, making science an adventure.

We document learning in a 9×12 sketchbook using a narration technique—drawing and/or writing about what we’ve learned during lessons. I love that these curriculums have flexibility to cover topics quickly for big ideas or deep dive and follow rabbit trails based on the interests of the students.

Play-Based Learning for Our Preschooler

For our preschooler, we emphasize learning through play, curiosity, and exploration:

Books and Learning Journals: We read lots of books together and use learning journals from Oh Hey Let’s Play to support readiness activities in a creative, low-pressure way. A learning journal is a blank sketchbook personalized with hand-drawn activities tailored to our child’s developmental skills. To enhance this experience, we utilize the Learning Journal Membership from Oh Hey Let’s Play, which provides digital activity guides organized by age group—toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, and early elementary. These guides offer a variety of seasonal and non-seasonal activities, making it easy to create engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences at home.
Joining in Lessons: Our toddler often joins in on history and science activities, experiencing a simplified version of the older sibling’s lessons.
Play and Discovery: At this age, unstructured play is a significant part of learning, fostering imagination and foundational skills naturally.

Play based learning is our main goal and we never push academics at this age.

Our Daily Rhythm and Homeschool Philosophy

Instead of a fixed schedule, we follow a daily rhythm that allows flexibility while ensuring core subjects are prioritized. Each day includes:

Daily Core Work: Reading and math are non-negotiables, providing a consistent foundation.
Alternating Subjects: We rotate between history, science, and other subjects based on interest and seasonal themes.
Lots of time to explore personal interests and learning.

We embrace a mastery approach, focusing on grasping concepts deeply rather than rushing to complete a curriculum. Our seasonal, interest-led style lets us use the curriculum as a springboard for inspiration rather than rigid lesson plans. For example, history topics align with the American Girl stories, while science themes often reflect the time of year or our children’s current curiosities.

Highlights from This Years Homeschool Curriculum So Far

Seasonal Science Fun: Observing the moon phases and learning about bats and spiders this fall brought our nature study to life.
Interactive History Lessons: Cooking historical recipes and creating crafts tied to American Girl time periods has made history a favorite subject.
Flexibility and Joy: Letting our children’s interests guide us has kept learning engaging and enjoyable for the whole family.

Homeschooling isn’t just about academics; it’s about creating a lifestyle of curiosity, connection, and growth. This year’s curriculum choices reflect our family’s values and the joy we find in learning together. Whether it’s through hands-on activities, imaginative play, or quiet moments with a book, we’re savoring this season of discovery.