Introducing History
In second grade, we introduce the study of history. The mid-elementary and middle school years are an ideal time to become familiar with key historical people and events. By this time children have longer attention spans and a greater capacity for absorbing complex stories. Basic history education requires retaining large amounts of information, and children in the elementary years are developmentally adapted to this rather than to the analytical skills that will become important later in their education.
Unlike mainstream elementary schools, we recommend an in-depth study of world history before focusing on American history. Modern communities and workplaces are a blend of people from all over the world, and thoroughly learning world history makes it easier to relate to these diverse backgrounds. We also believe students are better equipped to appreciate the uniqueness of America after becoming familiar with world history.
The Story of the World Curriculum
The four Story of the World books are used to provide structure to elementary history. The books progress in chronological order from ancient to modern times over the course of four years. We suggest sticking to this order and completing no more than one book per year, as the later books are written at a more advanced level appropriate for the end of elementary school.
Each Story of the World book contains 40 to 45 chapters and, at a rate of one chapter per week, can be completed by the end of May. Whether or not your family does summer vacation, we suggest taking a break from structured history at this point and commencing the next book in August.
In most months, we list optional historical biographies and historical fiction literature which are timed to coincide with your progress through the Story of the World. We recommend choosing from among these to read in conjunction with each week's chapter. (If there are too many, you may save some for later by moving them to a different month in your curriculum.)
All of the history selections should be read aloud to your child. We recommend purchasing the test booklet that accompanies Story of the World, and having your child complete the tests either orally or in writing at the completion of each chapter to encourage retention of basic facts. The tests are brief and not overly demanding for a second-grader. Beyond this, there is no need for your child to memorize dates or complex details. Instead, treat history as a fun exploration of mysterious cultures and colorful characters.
Reading
Your child should continue to spend at least half an hour per day in independent reading. We recommend visiting the library frequently and allowing the child to choose plenty of easy readers or series to enjoy during independent reading time.
You should continue to read aloud to your child each day from the core and optional literature books. Do not allow other schoolwork to crowd out this time, as exposure to quality writing will do more to develop your child's imagination and power of expression than almost any other activity.
Writing
The Writing with Ease writing skills series is introduced this year. This program systematically develops writing skills via short literature-based narration and writing exercises four days per week. You may optionally supplement this program with creative writing of your child's choice.
Math
The math curriculum becomes more challenging this year, with a separate workbook in addition to the story-format Beast Academy textbooks. Proceed at your child's own pace and take as long as you need. You can modify the curriculum to allow more time for completion of each book.
Art
The Artistic Pursuits curriculum begins a chronological survey of art history this year. Allow plenty of time for your child to complete each week's project. The one-hour slot allotted to art by most traditional schools is not enough. A schedule that works for many families is to set aside half a day, one day per week, to focus on art. You may choose to limit history and/or math to four days per week to allow time for this.
Science
In grades two through five, science is taught via REAL Science Odyssey courses, which have less reading than other subjects and lots of hands-on activities. The courses are arranged by branch of science rather than by grade, making it easy to combine classes for siblings in multiple grades. Plan to spend one or two days per week on science lessons and their accompanying labs.