Our youngest of five is in first grade this year. After a few times around this block, I’ve returned to some trusty favorite curriculum, but I’m honestly also trying to use up some resources too! Here’s our eclectic mix of curriculum picks for 1st grade homeschool. And don’t miss a peek into our workboxes with a video at the end of this post.
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Math
BJU Press Math works really well for elementary math curriculum. I don’t even bother ordering the teacher book until 6th grade, and it’s primarily just so that we have the answers to check work.
This curriculum is made for a classroom setting, so I don’t have a need to teach a lesson. We just check out the concept being introduced or reviewed in the lesson, and it’s simple to explain it using manipulatives or drawings. Then my kids work through the problems and I check for accuracy as we go.
Homeschool Planet offers made-for-you lesson plans for all the BJU Press math curriculum.
Language Arts
Language Arts is a huge umbrella term that includes lots of smaller and more specific subjects. Things like:
- Phonics
- Grammar
- Reading/literature
- Spelling
- Writing
- Handwriting
We are continuing phonics instruction for 1st grade using Reading Eggs. The workbook includes enough repetition for us and is an easy open-and-go option.
We are covering grammar with a gentle, simple approach in First Language Lessons. I’ve used this program for my four older children, and we still love it! We’re using level 1 for 1st grade.
My daughter is a fairly solid reader. She can read small chapter books on her own. To keep some accountability, we’re using Memoria Press’s Storytime Treasures which includes comprehension questions, writing practice, and other activities related to living books.
Spelling & Writing
We started using All About Spelling level 1 this year. Its system using a great mix of tactile, auditory, and visual learning methods. My daughter loves using the letter tiles on our magnetic board!
Writing instruction is with Writing With Ease. In the past, I have purchased the student workbook and student pages. But since I’ve been through this curriculum four times by now with my older kids, I’m able to just use the teacher text for a reminder of what to cover each week. We’re using level 1 this year.
I didn’t have a handwriting resource right away, but since we were given the chance to review Channie’s Dry Erase Flashcards, we’re using this for our handwriting practice right now. They have other products like visual handwriting workbooks that might also work for you!
After we’ve exhausted our use of this, we will probably have copywork and writing assignments for Writing with Ease to also double as handwriting practice. Why not?
Whew! I think this massive list covers our language arts for first grade. If it feels like a lot, that’s because it is. And also because math and language arts are your main foundations and building blocks. If your kids get a solid start in these two areas, then they’ll be able to handle any other subject.
So, if in first grade you mainly focus on math and language arts – you’re doing a great job! Don’t stress.
As you’re able, add in these other subjects. They can even be sprinkled in once a week. Or, take Fridays and make it your “other subjects” day and skip math and language arts. Whatever works for you.
Science
I had lots of little unit study books left over from my curriculum hoarding years. Since this is my youngest child, I decided I should finally use up some of the curriculum I had been saving.
We started the year with a unit study on insects. Now we’re heading into a weather unit. After that, who knows?
Science is fun and easy to cover in these early years! Grab some library books about a favorite topic and do some note booking – drawing, illustrating, writing, cutting pictures out of magazines, and putting together a learning scrapbook from the unit.
Social Studies
We’ll be using some unit studies about beginning maps & globes for 1st grade.
In addition, she sent a GeoCat out on some adventures this summer and fall and tracked Lizzy’s progress. Want an easy yet FUN way to get your kids excited about geography? Try your own GeoBear Project. You can download instructions by clicking on the picture below.
This was also the age that I started read Mystery of History lessons to my boys. I haven’t decided yet if I’ll stick with MOH or use Story of the World with my daughter, but they’re both great resources.
Bible
In our school time, we’ll work through different Gospel-centered resources for Bible time.
I also hope to continue teaching my daughter through the Westminster Shorter Catechism like I did with my sons. We also add key passages into our rotation. I’ve found the Scripture Memory System from Simply Charlotte Mason the absolute best way to do this.
Music
Music is an important subject to include in your homeschool in some way. Even if you can’t afford private music lessons, try to include some kind of music education. It’s not as hard as you may think!
How to add music education to your homeschool
My daughter takes piano lessons from her favorite piano teacher – me 🙂 But we also use resources like these:
Physical Education
Our local YMCA offer homeschool gym & swim weekly, so we take advantage of this program!
Finally, I wanted to show you how we organize homeschool for first grade. My older kids keep track of assignments online using Trello, and although my daughter has asked for her own Trello board, she’s a bit young for it in my opinion.
So, we do super NOT fancy workboxes. If you’ve ever wanted to know how it works, watch this video.
Happy Homeschooling! If you’re creating a 1st grade homeschool plan, please be encouraged that you can do this. The beauty of homeschooling is that it doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s homeschool. I hope you embrace your journey and find your groove.
