Are you exploring Grade 2 homeschool curriculum options? Whether you’re new to homeschooling or refining your approach, there are many ways to create a flexible, engaging learning environment for your child. This guide is a transcript of a discussion I had with long term homeschool parent, Mareika Lake. She shares practical tips, curriculum recommendations, and real examples from her family’s homeschool journey. You can read through this article or scroll to the bottom and watch the full YouTube video to get the same insights in video format.
Understanding Grade Levels in Homeschooling
First, it’s important to remember that grade levels are flexible in homeschooling. Children often progress at different rates in different subjects:
- A child might be “Grade 2” in maths but at a lower or higher level in language arts.
- Curriculum levels are guides, not strict rules.
- Adapt the program to suit your child’s unique needs, not the grade label.
Language Arts in Grade 2 Homeschool Curriculum
For language and literacy, we use The Good and the Beautiful Language Arts program, which works well for Australian homeschoolers even though it’s an American program.
Why we love it:
- Free to download and print from K–Grade 6.
- Includes reading, writing, phonics, spelling, and handwriting.
- Cross-curricular elements: geography and art appreciation.
- Short, daily lessons (~20 minutes), perfect for active seven-year-olds.
- Comes with printable little readers for independent reading practice.
How we implement it:
- Level placement is determined by a free placement test (levels don’t correspond exactly to grade).
- Supplemented with Handwriting Without Tears for fine motor practice.
- Additional reading at bedtime, including series like the Heartwood Hotel books, helps build comprehension.
- Use apps for phonics and spelling to reinforce lessons interactively.
Marieka’s Tip: Even if your child struggles with writing or colouring, short lessons and read-aloud sessions make learning achievable and enjoyable.
Mathematics Homeschool Curriculum for Grade 2
For math, we use Maths Online, an online program aligned with the Australian Curriculum.
Highlights:
- Suitable for multiple ages in family homeschooling.
- Provides video tutorials and interactive questions.
- Free trial available to explore before committing.
- Children can progress at their own pace; my Grade 2 son is completing some Grade 3 maths.
Marieka feels that a good alternative would be: The Good and the Beautiful Maths program if you prefer a hands-on approach.
Geography in Grade 2 Homeschooling
Geography is included in The Good and the Beautiful language arts program, covering:
- Cardinal directions (north, south, east, west)
- Landforms, oceans, mountains, rivers
For Australian geography, we use:
- Exploring Down Under (Australian Geography for Kids) from My Homeschool
- Living book style – tells geography as a story, not a textbook. Books from websites such as Living Book Press
- Activities include:
- Map reading and labeling
- Copywork of key facts
- Drawing state flags and emblems
- Marieka’s Tip: Keep lessons short and hands-on for younger learners.
History Curriculum for Grade 2
We approach history family-style, meaning different ages work together on the same read-aloud story but at different activity levels.
Primary curriculum:
- Story of the Worlds (Vol. 1: Ancient Times) – classical homeschool style. Find this at The Educational Warehouse
- Read aloud format with optional activity book
- Activities adapted by age:
- Grade 6: detailed writing and research
- Grade 4: short answers or guided writing
- Grade 2: oral recitation, simple coloring or drawing
Australian history example:
- John of the Sirius series – storybook about the First Fleet from Living Book Press
- Supplemented with YouTube videos for visual learning
- Activities are minimal for younger children; reading and discussion are the main focus
Marieka’s Tip: Homeschooling doesn’t have to mimic a classroom. Reading, watching videos, and simple discussions are effective for Grade 2.
Science Curriculum for Grade 2 Homeschools
We rotate subjects each term to keep things simple. For example:
- Term 1 & 3: Science focus
- Term 2 & 4: History focus
Space unit:
- Read-aloud from Planetarium book (junior edition)
- Short videos on planets and space concepts
- Notebooking pages with:
- Written sentences
- Diagrams and illustrations
- Simple hands-on experiments (e.g., pendulum with string and weight)
Marieka’s Tip: Let your child’s interests guide the topic choice. Space, animals, or simple experiments help engage active learners.
Family Style Homeschooling
Managing multiple ages is easier when subjects like history, geography, and science are taught together:
- Older children can complete more advanced activities
- Younger children participate by listening and doing simpler tasks
- You can adapt the complexity of notebooking, worksheets, or projects
Marieka’s Tip: Start simple, use short lessons, and gradually increase complexity as children grow.
Additional Tips for Grade 2 Homeschool Curriculum
- Keep lessons short and engaging for active learners
- Use living books and story-based approaches
- Incorporate videos for visual learning
- Notebooking is a great tool for recording what your child learned
- Focus on reading daily. Include picture books, novels, or information texts
- Excursions and hands-on experiences are excellent supplements to curriculum
Watch the Video
You can also watch the full discussion with Marieka Lake on Grade 2 homeschool curriculum below for more examples and practical tips:
This article provides a full Grade 2 homeschool curriculum framework while allowing flexibility for your child’s pace, interests, and learning style. Remember, homeschooling is about education at home, not school at home – short lessons, family-style learning, and hands-on experiences create the best outcomes for young learners.
Thank you to Marieka for sharing her wisdom and experience with our community. You can connect with her via her YouTube Channel at Marieka Lake Homeschool
