Second grade is such a sweet season… kids are still playful and imaginative, but they’re also ready for deeper thinking, longer stories, and bigger questions. We believe learning should still feel joyful and connected at this age. When children feel safe, seen, and supported, they grow in confidence and curiosity. Encouraging creativity and curiosity because they are at a key developmental window when brains are highly moldable, and these qualities build foundational skills for learning, emotional health, social growth, and future success. These are some of my favorite second‑grade resources that balance skill‑building with creativity and heart.
Hooked on Phonics
Reading opens every door and Hooked on Phonics makes that journey feel exciting and achievable. The great thing about Hooked on Phonics is that you can either start at the beginning or jump to your child’s level. It’s usually about $50 for a year’s curriculum.
Click here: Hooked on Phonics Curriculum
Why we love it:
Step-by-step phonics instruction that builds confidence
Interactive games and songs that feel like play
Short, engaging readers that reinforce new skills
Great for independent practice or parent-led sessions
It’s a gentle way to help first graders become proud, capable readers.
Handwriting Without Tears (Grade 2)
Still a favorite in first grade, this program continues to support fine-motor development and writing fluency. It’s about $120 for the full year’s curriculum.
Click here: Handwriting Without Tears Materials
What makes it great:
Developmentally appropriate pacing
Multisensory activities that feel playful
Clear letter formation without overwhelm
Builds writing stamina while keeping it fun
Beast Academy
Math becomes a story-driven puzzle with Beast Academy — a comic-style curriculum that turns logic into play. The great thing about Beast Academy is that it has an online version and a physical version. You can use one or the other. Another option is getting both but the cost is substantially more. The online version is about $100 a year or the physical books are about $108 a year. If your second grader loves exploration and doesn’t want “easy” repetition—much like how curiosity drives joyful, lasting learning it’s a great fit.
Click Here: Online Curriculum or Physical Curriculum
Why it stands out:
Ideal for kids who enjoy challenges and creative thinking
Engaging comic book format that kids love
(It’s rigorous, but in a way that feels like solving mysteries… not doing worksheets.)
Deep thinking and problem-solving, even for young learners
Encourages curiosity and persistence
Sassafras Science (Second Grade)
Science through storytelling? Yes, please. Sassafras Science takes kids on a global adventure while teaching real science concepts. Two Books are one full school year. There are many options for learning… the whole package, just the books, or just the audio.
Options for Sassafras:
Just the Books for half the year $50 (Book 3)
Just the Audio recording (First 4 books) $60
What makes it great:
Narrative-based lessons that follow two siblings on a science journey
Covers biology, anatomy, and more through engaging stories
Includes hands-on activities and note booking
Story of the World (Second Grade Adaptation)
History becomes a captivating tale with Story of the World — especially when tailored to your second grader’s developmental level. I don’t think you need the teacher’s manual or student workbook but if you want it the complete set is around $100 for the year. If you choose not to get it then you can get the book for about $12 and the activity book for about $40. For second grade these would be just fine. However, if you have the extra budget for it the audio books are well worth it (usually around $50 but sometimes go on sale for $25)! Adding one of the additional journals is a beautiful way to deepen Story of the World Volume 2. They fit the medieval/early Renaissance arc perfectly and give kids a hands‑on, imaginative way to process what they’re learning.
Options for Story of the World:
Story of the World Complete Package Level 2
Audio Book
Optional Supplement: Castles and Courtiers Journal
Optional Supplement: The Secret Life of Princesses Journal
Why we recommend it:
Rich storytelling that introduces global cultures and events
Can be adapted with crafts, maps, and dramatic play
Encourages empathy and historical thinking
Builds a foundation for understanding time, place, and people
(We love using picture books, puppets, and play-based activities to make it thirdt-grade friendly.)
More about the additional resources for second grade:
Pair with Story of the World, Volume 2
These two journals by Mandy King‑Adams add a gentle, creative layer to your history rhythm. They’re open‑ended, story‑friendly, and perfect for second graders who love drawing, imagining, and narrating their way through the Middle Ages.
🏰 Castles and Couriers — Mandy King‑Adams
This journal pairs beautifully with the medieval chapters in Story of the World 2. Children explore castle life, messengers, knights, and daily routines through:
Short prompts that encourage narration and imagination
Simple drawing spaces for castle scenes, banners, and medieval tools
Gentle writing practice that aligns well with early IEW work
👑 Princess Journal — Mandy King‑Adams
This journal is a sweet companion for learners who enjoy the more whimsical side of medieval storytelling. It includes:
Creative prompts about royal life, traditions, and character-building
Opportunities to design gowns, crests, and royal settings
Light writing practice that supports confidence and voice
It pairs especially well with chapters on medieval Europe, royal families, and cultural traditions.
🌟 How We Use Them
Once or twice a week, after reading a chapter
As a choice activity during quiet work time
As a narration alternative for kids who prefer drawing or imaginative writing
Second Grade Reading Recommendations (ages 7- 9)
– Persnickity (Serendipity)
– Stuart Little (A Harper Trophy Book)
– Mercy Watson Boxed Set: Adventures of a Porcine Wonder: Books 1-6
– The Heath Cousins and the Moonstone Cave: Book 1 in the Heath Cousins Series
– The Best Seat in Second Grade: A Back to School Book for Kids (I Can Read Level 2)
– On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness: The Wingfeather Saga Book 1
– The World of Beverly Cleary
– The Green Ember (The Green Ember Series Book 1)
– Amazing Sharks!
– The Entire List can be found here: Amazon