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Grade Two Curriculum Picks

Picks can be purchased from Anchor Academic (using your PO#) or from one of our comprehensive vendors. Other options, such as borrowing from the Learning Commons Search Portal or Sora virtual library or purchasing from our Used Bookstore, may also be available.

Vendor websites are pick-and-choose, and some optional or alternate suggestions may be listed, so carefully select your items.

Overview Of Grade 2 Curriculum Picks

Here is an overview of the curriculum picks that we suggest for Grade 2. Please note that some subjects provide more than one option. For more information about the curriculum, please refer to the information under Detailed Information for Grade 2 Curriculum Picks (further down this page).

English Language Arts


  • Language Lessons for a Living Education 2 with 101 Favorite Stories from the Bible
  • Stone Soup with Literature Kit (or another grade-appropriate book)
  • Printing Power student workbook (OR Canadian Handwriting B)

Mathematics


  • Math Lessons for a Living Education 2

OR

  • Singapore Math 2022 Edition 2A and 2B Student Books and Home Instructor Guides

OR

  • Jump Math New Canadian Edition Grade 2 (Parts 1 and 2)

Science


  • Matter & Materials by On the Mark Press (Chemistry) AND three Unit Study Kits as below

In the absence of print resource options that comprehensively address BC's Curriculum standards for Gr 2 for biology, physics and earth/space science, we recommend using these Unit Study Kits: Life Cycle of Plants and Animals, 2. Force, 3. Water.

Social Studies

  • Canada, My Country (Northwoods Press), AND
  • World Cultures and Global Citizenship Unit Study Kit

Families who prefer a Unit Study Kit over a print resource can use the Canada Has Diverse Communities Unit Study Kit instead of Canada, My Country.

Bible/Christian Studies

  • The Word in Motion New Testament Advantage Set

Optional Resources

(not detailed below)

  • Printing Power by Handwriting Without Tears (English Language Arts)
  • Healthy Habits for Healthy Kids by Teacher Created Resources (Health Education)
  • Water Walker by Joanne Robertson (Science; addresses First People's knowledge of water) 
  • Life in a Fishing Community by Helene Bourdeau (Social Studies; use with Canada, My Country)
  • A Sled Dog for Moshi by Jeanne Bushey (Social Studies; use with Canada, My Country)
  • Canada Map Book 1 by Apple Press (Social Studies)

      Detailed Information for Grade 2 Curriculum Picks 

      English Language Arts

      Language Lessons for a Living Education 2 with 101 Favorite Stories from the Bible

      Type of Resource: workbook

      Description: students will move beyond pages of text to make real-world connections as this exciting new series guides your young learner toward mastery of reading, grammar, and vocabulary, as well as the mechanics of communication and writing. Utilizing phonics, observation, and reading comprehension through poems, stories, and real books as the foundation, your student will start forming basic sentences.

       

      This story-based approach, focused on young students Claire and Micah, uses Charlotte Mason's ideas for the modern homeschool student with character-building themes. Each quarter has five stories, two picture studies (one of which is Bible-based), and two poems (one of which is a Psalm). Using the spelling words and the Dictionary Worksheets, students will create their own dictionary as they move through the material weekly.


      This curriculum incorporates picture study, memorization, punctuation, spelling, vocabulary, observation, poems, psalms, letters, and practical application through creative writing – all working towards the mastery of reading and grammar, as well as the mechanics of communication and writing. Equivalent to a second-grade level. Developing early reading and narration skills, by the end of the course, students should be able to comfortably write up to three sentences at a time. The additional resource, 101 Favorite Stories from the Bible by Ura Miller, is a required supplement to this program.

       

      Website

      Series Overview

      Placement Guide

      Review

      Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

      Table of Contents and PDF Sample Pages 

      PDF Sample 

      Stone Soup Picture Book with Literature Kit (or another grade-appropriate book)

      Type of Resource: a fiction picture book and workbook

      Description: Students use their brainstorming skills as they think of reasons why the villagers would hide their food from the soldiers. Find the vocabulary words from the story that have short i and long i sound. Match words to their synonyms from the novel. Put events from the story in the order in which they happened when the soup was being made. Students draw a picture of their favourite soup. Then, make a list of ingredients and directions on how to make this soup. Explore the story with the sense of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch in a graphic organizer. Written to Bloom's Taxonomy, additional crosswords, word searches, comprehension quizzes, and answer keys are also included. Other options for picture book literature kits can be found here.


      Website

      Free Bonus Worksheets

      PDF Samples (are available on their website)

      Printing Power Student Workbook

      Type of Resource: workbook

      Description: second-grade students, or those working at that level, master printing with advanced paragraphs, poems, and language arts activities. Features practice pages for advanced printing on a single line.

      • Expanded room for writing
      • Digital instruction opportunities
      • Learn & Check helps teachers and students check letter, word, and sentence skills
      • Activity pages combine handwriting instruction with punctuation, paragraph, poem, and language arts activities for practice

      Website

      Review

      Supplementary Resources

      PDF Samples

      Additional Support (free demos, research, how-to videos, and all of our free online resources available)

      Mathematics

      Math U See is not mentioned here simply because it is not available from our Curriculum Pick provider(s), although it is a strong option, especially in the primary grades. Math-U-See can be ordered directly from the Canadian Distributor, Math Canada. Place an order by Phone: 250-590-6761 or Toll-Free: 1-888-854-6284.

      Option 1: Math Lessons for a Living Education 2

      Type of Resource: workbook

      Description: teaches math through a blend of stories, copy work, oral narration and hands-on activities, showing how math is used in "real life"---just like a living math book! Thirty-six weeks of instruction guide students through the content, story, and hands-on activities using inexpensive manipulatives provided/made by the parent.

      This book is written to be used by teachers and students together. It includes a suggested weekly schedule (30 minutes per lesson, 5 days per week, 36 weeks) with easy-to-manage lessons that include reading, worksheets, and assessments. Pages are perforated and three-hole-punched so that parents can easily tear out, hand-out, and store pages. Students will read the pages in the book and complete the corresponding section provided by the teacher. Assessments are given at regular intervals. Answer keys are available online.

      This second-grade resource features the continuing story of twins Charlie and Charlotte, who are learning that life is full of learning opportunities! As students read, they'll be drawn into an adventure that teaches them about numbers, shapes, place value, adding and subtracting, as well as the seasons, geography, and the love of family. The first 30 lessons have a story about the twins, followed by a lesson taught by Mom or Dad that features hands-on learning.

      Covering one year of 2nd-grade math, by the end of the course, students will have reviewed addition and subtraction and basic numbers up to 100 and will have learned about word problems, skip counting, money, time, bar & line graphs, basic measurement, place value, regrouping, and more.


      Website

      Placement Test

      Review

      Series Overview Video

      Series Overview Webpage

      Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

      Table of Contents and PDF Samples 

      Option 2: Singapore Math 2022 Edition 2A and 2B Student Books and Home Instructor Guides

      Note: This program is advanced compared to our BC curriculum standards, making placement tests more important than perhaps other programs. The long-term goal would be to complete book 6B by the end of Grade 7. Books should be completed at the student's pace, which means the grade level on the cover may not correspond with the student's actual grade level.


      Description: epitomizes what educators love about the Singapore math approach, including the CPA progression, number bonds, bar modelling, and a strong focus on mental math. It's a no-fuss, straightforward program that balances supervised learning and independent practice. The recently released Primary Mathematics 2022 Edition uses the same approach as previous Primary Mathematics editions but features entirely new content and lesson structures.


      Website

      Placement Tests

      Review

      Scope and Sequence

      PDF Samples

       

      Additional Support: Singapore Math Live offers instruction, encouragement, and support for parents and students

      Option 3: Jump Math New Canadian Edition 2.1 and 2.2 Student Assessment & Practice (AP) Book 2 (Parts 1 and 2) 

      Type of Resource: workbooks

      Description: in conjunction with JUMP Math's teacher resources, Student Assessment & Practice (AP) Book 2 is designed to cover the curriculum for Grade 2 mathematics, with units on:

      • Number Sense
      • Patterns and Algebra
      • Geometry
      • Measurement
      • Probability and Data Management

      The New Canadian edition of AP Book 2 is printed in two parts, Book 2.1 and Book 2.2. In order to cover the full curriculum, students will need both parts. 

       

      Note from Curriculum Consultant: The multi-modal approaches to solving math problems presented in this resource can be a benefit to some students, but other students may find this approach confusing and would be better served with a program that presents a consistent approach to solving problems.


      Website

      Choose the correct grade from the dropdown menu on pages with multiple grade options.

      Teacher Resource/Lesson Plans (free when you register for an educator account)

      Other Optional or Supplementary Resources (register for an educator account for access)

      Sample Pages 

        Science 

        Biology

        Life Cycle of Plants and Animals Unit Study Kit

        Type of Resource: HCOS Unit Study Kit

         

        Description: Our world is filled with incredible creatures! Explore the fascinating world of plants and animals alongside your child. You will be able to investigate life cycles, build models, create a lapbook, make animal art, raise butterflies, film a stop-motion video, tell stories, play with clay, and much more! You will be able to read engaging books, watch fun and fantastic videos, play games, make crafts, and choose from dozens of projects to create the ultimate self-directed learning experience for your second grader. 


        This kit is divided into sections based around driving questions. You will have the opportunity to choose your materials and projects in each section of the kit. The materials, projects, and activities contained in the kit have been carefully selected to address the big ideas, competencies, and content of BC's Modernized Curriculum.
        .

        Download the Unit Study Kit Guide

        Borrow the Physical Kit

        Chemistry

        Matter & Materials by On the Mark Press (Grades 1-3)

        Type of Resource: A workbook designed for classroom instruction, so some activities may need to be adapted slightly for a home setting.

        Description: What is the world made of? Through hands-on activities and experiments, students will enjoy exploring the world around them as they practise science skills like observing and concluding. Games like "Simon Says" bring the realm of atoms and particles to life and demonstrate solids, liquids, and gases. Students will learn to explain the magic of ice sculptures, gas-powered rockets, and inventions. 

        Note from Curriculum Consultant: Some of this resource may be review for families who have already addressed properties of matter in Grade 1. If this is the case, please begin on page 38 with the chapter, "Solids, Liquids, and Gases".

        Website and Sample pages

        Physics

        Force Unit Study Kit

        Type of Resource: HCOS Unit Study Kit

         

        Description: Explore the exciting world of force alongside your learner! Push and pull with clay, paint with a pendulum, race Lego balloon cars, build a Newton’s Cradle, play with magnets, build a gyrocopter, and much more! You will be able to read engaging books, watch fun and fantastic videos, play games, make crafts, and choose from dozens of projects to create the ultimate self-directed learning experience for your second grader. 


        This kit is divided into sections based around driving questions. You will have the opportunity to choose your materials and projects in each section of the kit. The materials, projects, and activities contained in the kit have been carefully selected to address the big ideas, competencies, and content of BC's Modernized Curriculum.
         

        Download the Unit Study Kit Guide

        Borrow the Physical Kit

        Earth/Space

        Water Unit Study Kit

        Type of Resource: HCOS Unit Study Kit

         

        Description: Roughly 71% of the earth’s surface is water, and in this engaging unit, you will be able to investigate water in-depth through hands-on activities! Investigate local water sources, make a working ecosystem model, build a rain gauge, learn about water conservation, explore water around the world, create your own water cycle, experiment with evaporation, melt snow, and much more! You will be able to read engaging books, watch fun and fantastic videos, play games, make crafts, and choose from dozens of projects to create the ultimate self-directed learning experience for your second grader. 


        This kit is divided into sections based around driving questions. You will have the opportunity to choose your materials and projects in each section of the kit. The materials, projects, and activities contained in the kit have been carefully selected to address the big ideas, competencies, and content of BC's Modernized Curriculum.

         

        Download the Unit Study Kit Guide

        Borrow the Physical Kit

        Social Studies

        Canada, My Country

        Type of Resource: softcover text/workbook

        Video Description

        Description: This easy to use, read-aloud text is a delight for both students and teacher. Lessons require minimal preparation but are packed with content, games and activities. Students will grasp the basics of Canadian geography, both physical and political. Chapters on national symbols, government and Canadian freedoms provide the groundwork for future study. Each lesson includes a reproducible activity worksheet.  

        Topics include:  Understanding maps; Canada’s physical regions; Symbols; Government; Freedoms; Outstanding Canadians

          • Lessons are clearly outlined
          • Resource lists with lessons 
          • Reproducible worksheets now available digitally for original purchasers 
          • Index

        This study requires photos of Canadian landscapes and a physical map. 


        Website 

        Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

        Global Communities (On the Mark Press)

        Type of Resource: workbook designed for classroom instruction so some activities may need to be adapted slightly for a home setting.

        Description: goals of this resource include having students identify a number of global issues and recognizing the role that Canada and Canadian citizens have played in these issues; using the social studies inquiry process to investigate a variety of responses to the global issues identified and promoting an understanding of the impact on identified regions of the world of Canada's actions and inactions. Includes 19 activities, 9 extension activities, teacher guide and assessments.


        Website and Table of Contents and Sample Pages


        Bible/Christian Studies

        The Word in Motion Old Testament Advantage Set

        Type of Resource: Homeschool Curriculum

        Includes Student Textbook, Notebooking Journal, Audio Download, Streaming Video Lessons

         

        Description: Apologia’s The Word in Motion Old Testament is the first volume in an illustrated, two-part Bible curriculum that equips students to know, live, and share the Word of God. As kids understand how the books of the Bible work together to tell the larger story of God’s love for people, they begin to understand God better and read the Word with purpose, passion, and real understanding. Unlock free bonus content with resources, videos, activities, and more when you buy this product! Book Extras provide rich content for students, parents, and teachers to enhance the learning experience.

         

        This course is designed to be done 4 days a week in 30-45 minute segments over the course of 30 weeks. A suggested daily schedule is included in the student notebook so your student easily understands what is expected of them each day, while also providing flexibility to meet the needs of your student and family.

         

        Features:

        • Free Streaming Video Lessons Included
        • Great for Visual and Auditory Learners
        • Vibrantly Illustrated

        Website

        Table of Contents and Sample Pages