Give the gift of reading to your child by checking out these classic books for 2nd graders! There is something about a classic story that brings us back to our childhood. Reading these books to your children will give them the same sense of comfort and nostalgia as they grow. Classics stand the test of time. And, one day, your children will read the same beautiful stories to their children and grandchildren.
How do we incorporate these classic books for 2nd graders into our homeschool?
One of the great advantages to homeschooling is the ability to expose our children to all the classics before they leave our home.
Why are classics so important?
Not only do these stories typically teach a valuable lesson, but many are also written extremely well and show great character development.
The classic tale of The Tortoise and The Hare
Take, for instance, the story of The Tortoise and The Hare. This is a classic story that just about every person knows by heart.
It goes something like this:
The rabbit knows he is faster than the tortoise. He gets so far ahead and arrogant during the race that he lies down to take a nap. While he’s napping the tortoise passes him by and gains enough ground to win the race.
While this classic is such a simple story, it teaches a BIG lesson that we should all carry with us throughout life. If we become too confident and lose focus on our goals, we can be passed by and lose the “race.” We see the hare transform in this story when he learns this tough lesson. But, we also see that having persistence, even as an underdog, can pay off big time.
The importance of classics in homeschool
The Tortoise and The Hare is just one example of the many, many classic stories out there that are transformational. Our children not only love these stories, but they deserve to hear them too! Stories like these make our children better humans. They learn through the eyes of some of their favorite characters, they see how to be good friends, how to persist in hard times, and how to get back up from mistakes.
As a homeschooling family, we incorporate “living books” into our learning all the time. Charlotte Mason, who coined the term living book, devoted her life to improving the quality of children’s education. “Living books” continues to be one of the most common phrases among homeschoolers today. These are books that treat our minds as a living thing that needs sustenance. It is a book that grows your mind, rather than keeping it stagnant and unchanging.
Living books transform a person through the use of elegant story-telling that teaches. Our minds love to learn through fascinating stories. And, living books use these stories to educate. The classics are all great examples. From The Courage of Sarah Noble to Pippi Longstocking, readers are seeing the world through pioneer children, orphans, knights, and even animals. They are learning through the experiences and stories of the characters.
Not only are they experiencing many different life stories through a variety of viewpoints, but they are also seeing these stories written in beautiful ways. They are learning to form stories, use their imaginations, and write eloquently. Classic literature opens up conversations about topics that we all face in life. It’s a chance to relate a beautiful story to our own reality. Making sure to incorporate classics into your homeschool will enrich not only your child’s life, but yours as well.
Can 2nd graders read chapter books?
Second graders are often able to read simple chapter books, such as The Magic Tree house Series, Boxcar Children, etc. However, it is also normal for children to not be reading chapter books at this age. Reading aloud chapter books to your 2nd grader, whether they can read them on their own or not, is a great way to introduce them to classic stories. Reading aloud also exposes children to language skills needed for reading development and comprehension.
While some of these classic books for 2nd graders may be too difficult for children to understand on their own, many are written in picture book form and easy-to-read chapter books. There will be options at a variety of reading levels to the suit the needs of your child.
Even if your child is not reading independently quite yet, classics are typically best when read aloud together anyway! Because of the lessons and story elements to be gained from reading a classic, children get the most out of them when they focus on listening to the story and discussing the most impactful moments with an adult.
A classic story is always a teachable moment. And, they are “classics” for a reason. So, be sure to read these great books with your young readers. Or at the very least, engage in conversation with your child as they tell you about what they are reading.
Classic Books for 2nd Graders- Best Picture Books (4-8 years old)
The Three Little Pigs
Most of us know the beloved story of The Three Little Pigs. Teaching the importance of hard work and intelligence, this classic story is an easy one for younger readers who are just beginning to read independently.
The Little Red Hen
This classic tale is another great story for teaching the importance of hard work and reaping rewards. The hen asks several people for help gathering the wheat, getting it to the mill, grinding it into flour, and eventually turning it into bread. However, no one wanted to help with each step because they couldn’t see the reward for doing the work. At the end, the little hen had delicious fresh-baked bread, which everyone wanted to eat! But, because no one had helped her along the way, they didn’t get to reap the reward of the bread.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
Peter Rabbit is a classic tale of a child disobeying a parent after being given specific instructions to avoid a dangerous situation. When Peter chooses to ignore his mother’s warning about wandering off into Mr. McGregor’s garden for all the yummy food there, he puts himself into grave danger. Because his siblings followed their mother’s directions, they all enjoyed a delicious meal while Peter did not get any food.
Curious George
The title of this book says it all: Curious George is about curiosity! Readers follow along with George on his adventures as they learn lessons on problem-solving, friendship, and how curiosity can sometimes get the best of you!
Where The Wild Things Are
In this Caldecott Medal winner, Max escapes to the land of the “wild things” after his mom sends him to his room for being too wild around the house. In this mythical land, Max must learn to conquer each of the “monsters” he encounters, representing the feelings and emotions that live inside his head. When he returns back to his home, he is in control of each of the wild things and proceeds to eat his supper his mom has left for him.
The Mitten
An endearing tale of a boy who loses his mitten in the forest and all the woodland creatures who try to make a home in it, The Mitten is a sweet book of friendship and kindness. On a freezing cold night, this mitten is shared by a variety of different creatures. This story is great at teaching us that we can all show kindness to everyone, no matter how much they are different from us.
The Giving Tree
A story of giving and taking, The Giving Tree is about the relationship between a boy and an apple tree. As a young boy and a vibrant apple tree, the two become close friends. Throughout his life, the boy continues to take from the tree, who freely and happily gives to him. First it’s the apples, then it’s the limbs to make a house. Later, the boy wants to build a boat from the tree’s trunk. Eventually, all that is left of the tree is her stump and the boy has grown to be an old man. The tree feels she has nothing left to give to her friend, but all he asks for is a place to sit and rest. She happily gives her stump to him as her final act of giving.
Snow
Snow, by Uri Shulevitz, is the story of forecasted snow that most adults believe will amount to nothing. But, a boy and his dog have faith that this snow will be magnificent. The story follows all the fun and adventure the two have in the snow that only they were prepared for. A relatable and heartwarming story with beautiful illustrations, this is one of the perfect snowy day classic books for 2nd graders.
Classic Books for 2nd Graders- Best Chapter Books (8-12 years old)
Mr. Popper’s Penguins
A Newbery Honor book, Mr. Popper’s Penguins is the story of a man who is fascinated with the poles and regrets having never traveled to them before he got married. In response, he is sent a penguin to his home, and eventually, that number grows to 12 penguins. Mr. Popper takes his penguins on a tour and all sorts of funny things ensue.
The Courage of Sarah Noble
A story of bravery, 8-year-old Sarah Noble must travel through the wilderness in 1707 with her father in order to build a new home for her family. This little girl must show extreme bravery in the adverse conditions of this new environment. Sarah learns that courage is being brave in the face of fear.
Anne of Green Gables
Anne of Green Gables is the heart-warming story of a young girl living in the late 19th century. This lovely girl is adopted into a family and the story follows her mischievous adventures and big imagination as she grows into a lovable young lady.
Knights of the Round Table
Although this book is geared more toward a 5th grade reading level, it can be a wonderful read-aloud for knight enthusiasts in your family. King Arthur is a legend, and we all know the story of the sword in the stone. Your child will be transported into medieval times with this classic tale of loyalty and doing the right thing.
Pippi Longstocking
Pippi has all sorts of hilarious adventures in this heartwarming story of the girl with the mismatched socks, pigtails, and giant shoes. She is brave, resilient, powerful, and most importantly, a good friend to others.
A Wrinkle In time
Travel through time with this classic story of good versus evil. A Wrinkle in Time shows the power of love as a young girl travels through time and space to save her father from “The Black Thing” that threatens to derail them on their mission.
The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe
Written by C.S. Lewis, this fantasy novel is the first book in the Chronicles of Narnia series. The story takes places in Narnia, a land of talking animals and the evil white witch. Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy are able to travel to Narnia through a magical wardrobe in their new home. The children soon discover that they are meant to save Narnia with the help of the king lion, Aslan. This is a story of bravery, duty, honor, and selflessness, and would be a great classic book for 2nd graders as a read aloud.
Sarah Plain and Tall
Sarah is a mail-order bride who arrives at Jacob’s home in the midwest during the 19th century. She is hired by Jacob to become his wife and help him care for his two young children after their mother had passed away. Sarah, who misses her home by the sea, must learn what it takes to run a farm while raising children and being engaged to a man she hardly knows. As the tale unfolds, the reader witnesses the new family fall in love with one another.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
This adventurous tale of Alice, written by Lewis Carroll, follows the nonsense story of a girl who falls down a rabbit hole and encounters all sorts of talking things. From a grinning cat to a deck of cards, Alice realizes the absurdity of all the talking things in this underground world. A fast-paced adventure ensues as Alice tries to find her way out of this rabbit hole. At the end of the book, Alice awakes to learn the wild adventure was all just a dream.
Charlotte’s Web
Charlotte’s Web is the lovable story of Charlotte, a talking spider who lives in the barn on a farm. She befriends Wilbur, a little pig whom everyone else teases and scoffs at. Knowing that his life will be cut short if he doesn’t prove himself worthy, Wilbur seeks the help of Charlotte and her web-making skills. A story of friendship and sacrifice, the reader watches as Wilbur transforms from a pig destined to go to the butcher to the crowd-pleasing, county-fair prize winning star.
Mary Poppins
The Banks family children can’t seem to keep a nanny around for long with their unruly behavior. That is, until a magical nanny by the name of Mary Poppins “blows in” by the wind. The children soon realize that their nanny is full of magic and thus begins a series of wonderful adventures together.
Peter Pan
A fantasy novel and timeless story, Peter Pan is about a young boy who refuses to grow up. Chasing his shadow, Peter lands in the Darling’s home where Wendy, John, and Michael live. With the help of a little fairy, Tinker Bell, and some magic pixie dust, the children fly off to Never-land with Peter. It is in this magical land that they encounter the lost boys, pirates, and the notorious Captain Hook. Peter Pan is full of adventure, fun, and the message that eventually, everyone has to grow up.
Little House in the Big Woods
Part of the Little House series, Little House in the Big Woods introduces Laura, a young girl living with her Ma and Pa. Set in the early 1870’s Laura lives on a homestead and must learn all the work it requires to provide for the family. The work is never done, but Laura soon realizes the reward that comes with each season of hard work and time spent with her family on the homestead.
Black Beauty
The modern retelling of this classic story features many colorful illustrations and is a great first chapter book for 2nd graders. Featuring a horse named Black Beauty, the story follows the life of the horse and the brutality and kindness the horse receives as he exchanges hands of humans throughout his lifetime. A story of friendship and hardship, Black Beauty teaches young readers many lessons of morality and the powerful message of how to treat animals.
Matilda
Matilda, written by Roald Dahl, is a young girl who is unappreciated by her family. When she heads off to school, she also finds that the headmistress doesn’t think too fondly of her either. In reality, Matilda is a kind, sweet, intelligent young woman who learns she can use her superhuman genius to outsmart all the bullying adults in her life.
Farmer Boy
The second book in the Little House series, Farmer Boy follows the story of Almanzo Wilder living the farm life in New York in the late 1800’s. From chopping wood to caring for the animals, Almanzo works hard and looks forward to the fun he will have when the fair comes to town. Hoping to one day have a horse of his own, Almanzo teaches the reader the importance of working hard for the rewards in life.
Winnie The Pooh
Visit the Hundred Acre Wood, where Winnie the Pooh bear embarks on adventures with his best friend Christopher Robin and pals Eeyore, Piglet, Owl, and Rabbit. A classic story of friendship and belonging, as well as accepting everyone for who they are, Winnie the Pooh is the heart-warming story of a lovable teddy bear that your children will endear forever.
Choosing the best classic books for 2nd graders
While many classics are best read aloud to 2nd graders, there are a few that can be read independently by early readers as well. Whether reading them together or independently, the most important thing is exposing your child to as many classics as you possibly can. Not only are these stories full of imagination, creativity, and amazing story-telling, but also they are brimming with important morals and valuable lessons.
As a homeschooling family, we value reading classic literature together and enjoy the conversation these stories open up for us. Classics can instill a love of reading into our children that they will continue to cherish the rest of their lives.
More Book Lists for 2nd Graders
Looking for more book recommendations for your 2nd grader? Check out this list of the best series books for 2nd graders as well!
You can also check out Read Aloud Revival for more awesome book list recommendations!
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