Choosing the best reading curriculum for elementary can feel overwhelming. Also, look at my page How To Homeschool Elementary Students Like A Pro.
But I am here to make your choice a little easier with a breakdown of some of the most popular and effective programs.
I have compared them by learning style, pros and considerations, and grade levels so that you can make the best choice for your reader whatever level they are at. You can see them at the bottom of this post.
Reading is the foundation for all of your child’s future learning and reading fluency and comprehension directly affect every other subject- from math word problems to science instructions.
And for fun but also to help them stay on track we are going to make a reading pointer craft so that they can follow along with simple readers or chapter books.
Next, look at more how to homeschool elementary students tips.
HOW TO HOMESCHOOL ELEMENTARY STUDENTS TIPS
- Exciting Summer Learning Activities for Elementary Students Who Love Hands-On
- How to Make a Humpback Whale & More Zoology Activities for Elementary Students
- 3 Dinosaur Stem Activities Elementary Kids Will Love
- Fun Mosaic Art Lesson Plans Elementary | How To Make A Tray
- Easy Praying Mantis Craft: Awesome Insect Projects for Elementary Students
- Easy Art And Geometry Activities For Elementary Students
- Biology Science Curriculum For Elementary Students They Love & Tiger Craft
- Exciting Scavenger Hunt: Beach Theme Activities Elementary Kids Will Love
- Easy Human Body Crafts For Elementary Featuring A Tongue Project
- Best Homeschool History Curriculum Elementary: A Focus on Albert Nobel
- Easy Diorama About The Civil War For Elementary Students
- How To Create Elementary Geography Curriculum Using Living Books
- Best Reading Curriculum for Elementary And Fun Reading Pointer Craft
First, look at some reasons why it’s important to choose a reading program that fits your family.
5 REASONS WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO CHOOSE THE BEST READING CURRICULUM FOR ELEMENTARY
1.Strong reading programs teach more than just decoding—they develop vocabulary, grammar, inference skills, and critical thinking. These tools help your child to analyze, question, and articulate their ideas more effectively.
2. A well-designed reading curriculum can spark a lifelong love of books. When children enjoy what they read and feel successful doing it, they’re more motivated to learn independently.
3.The right curriculum accommodates how your child learns best—whether they need multisensory support, phonics-heavy instruction, or literature-rich engagement. This personal fit makes learning smoother and more enjoyable.
4. Reading difficulties, if left unaddressed, can snowball into academic frustration and low self-esteem. A good curriculum gives you tools to spot issues early and reinforce weak areas.
5, Reading is a great way to expose children to new ideas, cultures, and experiences. Even those in fantasy worlds. It gives them language to express their own thoughts. It also strengthens writing skills and oral communication.
Next, look at this fun reading pointer craft for young children.
HOW TO MAKE A READING POINTER
You will need:
- Jumbo craft sticks
- Craft paint/paint pens
- Craft pom poms
- Googly eyes
- Permanent marker
- Tacky or hot glue
- Optional- Buttons, small toys, LEGO
You can let your child create their reading pointer using paint, fun little toys like LEGO, buttons, or anything else they wish. I wanted to give you a quick tutorial for this Bookwork Pointer.
Start by gluing small green pom poms onto the majority of the length of your craft stick, near the end add a larger green pom pom.
Take a black permanent marker or paint pen and outline the outer edges of a large pair of googly eyes to create glasses.
Glue the eyes to the large pompom.
Here are some of the other cute and simple reading pointers we made.
MORE READING CURRICULUM TIPS
- How To Go From Phonics To Reading With 20 CVC Wheels
- How to Choose a Phonics Program Like a Pro (& recommendations)
- How To Get Your First Homeschooled Child Reading
- 12 of the Best Books For Beginner Readers Being Homeschooled
- How To Determine The Best Beginner Reading Books For Kindergarten & Recommendations
Finally, look at my list of best reading curriculum for elementary.
6 Best Reading Curriculum for Elementary
A strong foundation in reading during elementary school boosts academic achievement but also fosters a lifelong love of learning.
Open-and-go for parents
Strong phonics foundation
Hands-on letter tiles and activities
Scripted lessons for ease of teaching
Can be slow-paced for fluent readers
Requires parent involvement daily
Free PDFs for many levels
Beautiful artwork and stories
Includes grammar, spelling, and writing
Not phonics-based after Level K
May be too advanced or fast-paced for struggling readers
Grade Levels: K–4 (Books A–8)
Pros:
Affordable
Simple, no-prep
Great for reinforcement
Considerations:Lacks literature or story content
Repetitive and may not work well on its own for some kids
Grade Levels: K–12
Pros:
High-quality book selections
Strong reading comprehension
Integrates writing and vocabulary
Consideration:Expensive
Heavy parent involvement (reading aloud time)
Short, manageable books
Builds confidence
Affordable
Consideration:Not a full curriculum, (great as a supplement to other curriculum)
Limited vocabulary and story depth
GradeLevels: K–8 (depending on reader level) Pros: Inexpensive
Strong vocabulary and moral lessons
Integrates reading and copy work
Consideration:Uses old-fashioned language
Not phonics-based
Requires supplementation for modern literacy standards
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