2026-2027 School Year
2nd Grade GVL
Parents must choose to enroll their 2nd grade student in either the One Day or Two Day model.
Elementary classes meet for 12 weeks in the Fall and 12 weeks in the Spring for a total of 24 weeks. Each class day starts at 9:10am and finishes at 2:35 pm.
The students enjoy recess twice a day at either the playground or the gym. Parents must pack snack and lunch for their student. Children in 2nd grade will not be assigned homework, except for an occasional oral presentation requirement. Formal grades are not given in 2nd grade but teachers do send home progress reports twice a year.
Course Description
ONE DAY MODEL:
In this one day model, the children are with the same teacher the entire day and stay together as a group, with the exception of a music class when they go to the respective teacher for that time.
The second grade class explores Earth Science, Space Science & Physical Science unit studies about the earth, space, water, weather, and various physical science concepts (magnetism, gravity, electricity, etc..) based on the Magic School Bus series, enabling great flexibility as we explore a wide variety of science topics. This approach provides the opportunity for each child in class to learn about one or more of their favorite science topics. In addition, this literature-based approach to science provides yet another opportunity for these young learners to further develop their reading skills with what is sure to be a familiar and well-received collection of books. The children will engage in developmentally appropriate activities that will help them better understand the topics that they are studying.
- Music Class: Students will attend music class once a week. The students will enjoy experiencing music in a variety of ways. They will explore music through a repertoire rich in folk songs, nursery rhymes, and traditional singing games. The students will learn about music through imitation, movement, listening, visualization, improvisation, finger play, and rhythm instruments. Seasonal music activities are incorporated throughout the year.
TWO DAY MODEL:
In this two day model, the class day is team taught with one 2nd grade teacher who teaches Science and another 2nd grade teacher who teaches Social Studies. Class sections are assigned one of those teachers as their homeroom teacher as well. Additionally, the 2nd grade classes go to music and art class with their respective teachers for that time.
In second grade, both science and social studies content will be covered at co-op each week. As part of our weekly learning, we will use quality children’s literature, which compliments the curriculum as a jumping off place to explore various subject areas such as literacy, art, math, social studies, and science. Age appropriate math facts and sight words will also be practiced weekly. The children will rotate through learning stations in small groups to maximize learning time.
- Social Studies component: In second grade, the students will learn world history using The Story of the World, Volume 2: The Middle Ages. They will explore major historical events from the fall of Rome through the rise of the Renaissance. The students will utilize the accompanying student pages in class for a full year of history from a Christian worldview and geography map skills along with fun and engaging hands-on activities. As optional enrichment, parents are welcome to purchase the textbook to read along at home or download the audio version (always check with your local library too).
- Science component: In second grade, we will also complete Earth Science, Space Science & Physical Science unit studies about the earth, space, water, weather, and various physical science concepts (magnetism, gravity, electricity, etc..) based on the Magic School Bus series, enabling great flexibility as we explore a wide variety of science while integrating other subject areas. Students will participate in various hands-on activities and projects to further reinforce scientific methods of discovery.
Students also enjoy Music and Art class once weekly as part of their class day.
- Music Class: Students will attend music class once a week. The students will enjoy experiencing music in a variety of ways. They will explore music through a repertoire rich in folk songs, nursery rhymes, and traditional singing games. The students will learn about music through imitation, movement, listening, visualization, improvisation, finger play, and rhythm instruments. Seasonal music activities are incorporated throughout the year.
- Art Class: Students will attend art class once a week. K4-2nd grade students’ study of art will encourage them to better see and appreciate God’s own artistic brilliance in His lavish creation. Quality children’s literature will be used to teach various art elements such as shape, line, texture, color, value, form and space. Students will put their learning in action by completing an art project each class day using a variety of media and hands-on learning.
To be successful in this class:
Enjoying learning about God’s creation and His story, Practice reading at home with parents, continue developing social skills, pay attention in class, raise hand in class, obey the teacher/follow instructions, learn to work in groups, keep hands to oneself, and continue to learn how to study material.
Grades: 2nd Grade
Course Tuition and Enrollment Fees can be found HERE. If applicable, see below for additional course fees (supply, lab, textbook, etc.)
Prerequisites:
Must be 7 years old by September 1st
Sections Offered: 2nd Green Cedar- 1 Day Model (Mondays only) 2nd Red Oak- 1 Day Model (Wednesdays only) 2nd Yellow Birch- 2 Day Model (Mondays & Wednesdays) 2nd Blue Spruce- 2 Day Model (Mondays & Wednesdays): Brittany Trainer K3 - 2nd Music- 1 & 2 Day Models K4 - 2nd Art- 2 Day Model
Required Materials
Textbook:
Parents may choose to purchase the The Story of the World, Volume 2 text and/or activity book to reinforce learning at home but this is completely optional. Parents must purchase the Student Pages. See links below.
Other Materials:
Each class has a supply list of required materials parents must purchase and send to class with their student. Find Supply Lists here.
2nd Green Cedar- 1 Day Model (Mondays only)
Meet Allison Benner
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from College of Charleston (1994)
- Master’s degree in Reading Education from Valdosta State University (1999)
Teaching Experience:
- 4th grade (two years)
- 3rd grade (nine years)
Certifications: Elementary Education
UHC Courses Taught:
- 2nd grade
- IEW 4th C & D
- Middle School Civics
Began teaching at UHC in 2009
2nd Red Oak- 1 Day Model (Wednesdays only)
Meet Allison Benner
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from College of Charleston (1994)
- Master’s degree in Reading Education from Valdosta State University (1999)
Teaching Experience:
- 4th grade (two years)
- 3rd grade (nine years)
Certifications: Elementary Education
UHC Courses Taught:
- 2nd grade
- IEW 4th C & D
- Middle School Civics
Began teaching at UHC in 2009
2nd Yellow Birch- 2 Day Model (Mondays & Wednesdays)
Meet Hannah Snelling
Education: Winthrop University- Early Childhood Education and Modern Languages (Spanish) with Minor in Music, Spanish Language Institute (San Jose, Costa Rica)- Spanish
Teaching experience: 1st grade – 1 year as an assistant teacher at Sojourn Academy (San Jose, Costa Rica), Transitional 1st – 2 years as an assistant teacher at Mitchell Road Christian Academy
Homeschool experience: 3 years homeschooling
Courses taught at UHC:
- Beginner Spanish- Level 1
- 1st Grade
Began teaching in 2023
2nd Blue Spruce- 2 Day Model (Mondays & Wednesdays): Brittany Trainer
K3 - 2nd Music- 1 & 2 Day Models
Meet Xavier Moses
Education: B.M. in Music with an Emphasis in Education – University of South Carolina 2010
Teaching Experience: 2010 – 2011 Fairforest Middle School; 2011-2015 Allendale County Schools; 2015 – 2023 Lead Academy Public Charter
Certifications: CPR/AED First Aid Certified; Certified Teacher Mentor; Vocal Performance Certificate
UHC Courses Taught: Elementary Music, Elementary Reader’s Theater
Began teaching at UHC in 2024.
K4 - 2nd Art- 2 Day Model
Meet Krista Milburn
Education: Liberty University, Elementary Education
Teaching experience:
- K5 teacher at Grace International School, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- K5-2nd grade art teacher at Masters Challenge Academy
- 1st-3rd grade teacher Crestview Christian Co -op
- K5 Teacher at UHC
- Homeschooled oldest daughter through High School and continuing to homeschool youngest daughter
UHC courses taught:
- K5
- K4-2nd Art
Began teaching at UHC:
- 2017-2020
- 2023
