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Welcome to 2nd Grade!

 

 Dedicated to Frances Thornton

We are currently piloting the new History Around Us series of books and activites designed for 2nd grade.  These books may be used independently or in a series.  Each book has a table of contents, a timeline, a glossary, a map and a "To Learn More About It" page.   Many books also include a graph or chart.  The optional activites for each book include a variety of word puzzles, crossword puzzles and mazes. 

Our mascot, BC Black Squirrel, acts as a guide through all the books.

All books and activities are in Powerpoint and are free for teachers to download and to use in classrooms.  To download these books click on title; click on (activities) for all classroom activities related to the book.

Please contact us with any comments or questions.  We look forward to hearing from you about your experiences after using these materials in you classroom.  269-966-4157 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

Sands McCamly:  A Man with a Vision       

This book tells the story of Sands McCamly, pioneer, founder of Battle Creek and developer of the mill race which powered the first industries of the young village.    (activities)

 

The Mill Race Video 

This 9 minute animated video continues the story of Sands McCamly and explains the development and workings of the mill race which powered the start of Battle Creek.

 

Erastus Hussey  “Working for Humanity”

The inspirational story of Erastus and Sarah Hussey, Quaker pioneers, anti-slavery activists and conductors on the Underground Railroad is outlined in this book.     (activities)

 

Sojourner Truth:  The Journey for Truth

This book profiles Sojourner Truth, the former slave who became a  nationally known anti-slavery lecturer and social reformer.  She made Battle Creek her home for the last 26 years of her life.     (activities)

 

Ellen White:  Visions for Health

Ellen White was the founder the Seventh-day Adventist denomination, whose visions led to the establishment of the Western Health Reform Institute and the beginnings of the cereal industry in Battle Creek.     (activities)

 

John Harvey Kellogg:  Teaching Healthy Living

As a young doctor, J. H. Kellogg returned to Battle Creek to lead the Battle Creek Sanitarium from struggling water cure hospital to a world famous health institution, where breakfast cereal was developed.     (activities)   

 

 

Ella Eaton Kellogg:  Health Food Pioneer

The founder of the science of dietetics and the wife of Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, Ella Eaton ran the Experimental Kitchen at the Sanitarium, where the famous health foods, including cereal, were developed.     (activities)

 

C. W. Post:  The Silver Lining

Inspired by a brief stay at the Battle Creek Sanitarium, C. W. Post created a million dollar cereal and food business using creative advertising and marketing techniques.     (activities)

 

To help local teachers learn more about Battle Creek history, and the especially the stories of The History Around Us series, please read A Brief History of Battle Creek.

A Brief History of Battle Creek

 

Battle Creek’s heritage is rich and varied, making it one of the most historically distinctive communities in the country.  Known across the globe as the breakfast cereal capital of the world, Battle Creek was also the cradle of the Seventh-day Adventist religion, the chosen home of social justice activist Sojourner Truth and a major stop on the Underground Railroad. 

 

During the past 175 years Battle Creek has evolved from a small pioneer settlement to a village of progressive social reformers and an international industrial center.

 

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Last Updated on Friday, 07 May 2010 23:25