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The Best First Grade Homeschool Curriculum | 7 Tips And Recommendations

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Let’s look at first grade homeschool curriculum recommendations that work for different types of learners and fit different budgets. Also, you’ll love my page Homeschool Curriculum for more ideas.

First grade is such a fun and exciting time when your sweet little baby starts to lose those squeezable cheeks as they get taller and are ready for a bit more structured learning in the important subjects.

The Best First Grade Homeschool Curriculum | 7 Tips And Recommendations

They are also usually working on reading and writing and it’s amazing to watch those little neurons fire in their brains as they’re absorbing and processing so much new information.

They may be learning to read or may be moving from picture books to simple chapter books.

As you know kids learn and grow at different levels not only physically but cognitively as well.

First grade typically brings about learning addition, subtraction, place value, skipping counting, time, shapes, geometry, and multiplication, upper and lowercase letters, storytelling, and punctuation.

I have 7 tips for putting together your own.

We will cover the main subjects, and touch on a few fun extras to make it special.

7 Tips and Recommendations

  1. Find your child’s learning style so that you can help them learn and grow to their greatest potential.
  2. While print can already be challenging it is a good idea to begin cursive instruction early. Even children with writing challenges like dysgraphia find this to be easier than print and they are really ready to pick up new skills at this age.
  3. Stay organized and have materials ready ahead of time, if you are spending 30 minutes scrambling around to find materials while your child waits at the table they will get bored very quickly.
  4. Continue to keep lessons short, extending them just a little longer than their Kindergarten year to make the most of their attention spans- 15 minutes per lesson is generally a good rule of thumb.
  5. Include lots of movement into your day, kids this age have a lot of energy and need to get moving to develop fine and gross motor skills but also it helps with brain function.
  6. If you haven’t started with chapter books for reading aloud incorporate them now, a chapter a day is a wonderful way to begin your morning snuggled up on the couch.
  7. Be sure that you have established a flexible daily routine/schedule so that your child begins to learn what is expected each day but allow for a change of plans when the weather is extra nice or someone is under the weather.
The Best First Grade Homeschool Curriculum | 7 Tips And Recommendations

More First Grade Curriculum Tips

Best Homeschool Curriculum By Grade

Finally, look at these recommendations.

1st Grade Homeschool Curriculum Recommendations

The main focus at this age is math and reading along with social and important social-emotional skills.

Horizons 1st Grade Math Student Books 1 & 2

While it requires a bit of prep and can’t be considered ‘open and go’ this is a very solid math program, especially for the early years

Photo Credit: www.goodandbeautiful.com

Simply Good and Beautiful Math 1

The Good And The Beautiful offers a free math curriculum to print out yourself that covers an entire year of lessons. While they do recommend a purchase of a math box with manipulatives you can source these items elsewhere or make them yourself.

First Grade Math with Confidence Bundle: Instructor Guide & Student Workbook

Math educator Kate Snow gives parents the tools they need to teach math with confidence. This scripted, open-and-go program leads parents and instructors step-by-step through teaching all the concepts first-graders need to master:

Steck-Vaughn Core Skills Science: Workbook Grade 1

Something like the workbook Steck-Vaughn Core Skills Science is great for open and go learning. It introduces simple and easy to understand concepts in life, earth, and physical science. While just a
workbook can be dry, you can easily incorporate some hands-on experiments to demonstrate what they are learning to make it more exciting and memorable.

The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child: Volume 1: Ancient Times: From the Earliest Nomads to the Last Roman Emperor

This first book in the four volume narrative history series for elementary students will transform your study of history. The Story of the World has won awards from numerous homeschooling magazines and readers' polls―over 150,000 copies of the series in print!

What terrible secret was buried in Shi Huangdi's tomb? Did nomads like lizard stew? What happened to Anansi the Spider in the Village of the Plantains? And how did a six year old become the last emperor of Rome? Told in a straightforward, engaging style that has become Susan Wise Bauer's trademark, The Story of the World series covers the s weep of human history from ancient times until the present. Africa, China, Europe, the Americas ― find out what happened all around the world in long ago times. This first revised volume begins with the earliest nomads and ends with the last Roman emperor. Newly revised and updated, The Story of the World, Volume 1 includes maps, a new timeline, more illustrations, and additional parental aids. This read aloud series is designed for parents to share with elementary school children. Enjoy it together and introduce your child to the marvelous story of the world's civilizations.

Discover! Science 1st Grade Set

Discover! Science incorporates reading, writing, and comprehension skills with suggestions for activities and answer keys. The pages are colorful and inviting, what I really like about this series is that they offer tips for teaching the different learning styles.

DK Workbooks: Geography, First Grade: Learn and Explore

Ideal for ages 6 to 7, this workbook is packed with simple, fun exercises that support the expanding geography skills of first graders. Your child will discover and understand new topics and curriculum-aligned exercises with every page. From the seven continents to countries and their capitals, this activity book will boost your child’s confidence in the field of geography!This first grade workbook unpacks geography concepts through fun activities and exercises. Your child will discover topics like the U.S. and its 50 states, plus their capitals and large cities. They will even learn how to map their neighborhood!

Geography: An Illustrated A-Z Glossary: An Introduction To Earth's Geographical Features For Kids

Welcome to Geography: An Illustrated A-Z Glossary by B.C. Lester Books! This book takes you across the world's main landforms and biomes, each with a colorful illustration accompanied with a child-friendly definition.

What is a mesa? Or an estuary? What is the difference between a swamp and a marsh?

Photo Credit: www.bfbooks.com

Early American History K-3rd - Homeschooling History Pack

Sure to ignite curiosity about our nation's history, this Early American History Through Literature study will take you and your K-3 homeschooling students through the first Indigenous people of the Americas, the Vikings discovery of America, the exploration, colonization, settlement, and establishment of the United States. Spanning 1000 AD to the mid-1800's this course makes teaching this literature-rich curriculum easy and fun!

Carson Dellosa Beginning Traditional Cursive Handwriting Workbook for Kids, Handwriting Practice

Workbook Features:• Ages 6-9, Grade 1-3• 32 pages, 11 inches x 8 ½ inches • Practice writing upper- and lowercase letters, number words, and more in cursive• Learn to form and connect letters together • Includes a lined practice page and an alphabet reference chart

Photo Credit: www.allaboutlearningpress.com

All About Reading Level 1

All About Reading Level 1 Materials Package includes: one Teacher's Manual, one Student Packet (Activity Book, Flashcards, Stickers), and three readers.

Photo Credit: www.abcmouse.com

1st Grade Spelling Words

Here is a great collection of printable lists that cover spelling for 1st grade from CVC words, to high-frequency words, and blends from ABCMOUSE.com

Hasbro Gaming Guess Who? Original, Easy to Load Frame, Double-Sided Character Sheet,2 Player Board Games for Kids

Include fun games like, Guess Who, to develop your child's critical thinking skills, vocabulary, and deductive reasoning.Many games that just seem like fun are wonderful for learning.

Square Soft Pastel Set - 24 Vivid Colors, Easy Blend for Artists

I like to offer new art mediums to younger children who are ready to move on from crayons, like
different types of paper, paint, and even items like oil or chalk pastels to pique their interest.

The Best Homeschool Preschool Curriculum | Tips And Recommendations

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Choosing the best homeschool preschool curriculum can be really easily. Also, you’ll love my page Homeschool Curriculum for more ideas and grade level curriculum. And my page How to Homeschool Preschool.

You don’t need to buy a box or prepared curriculum but rather learn through play. 

Learning through play can be easily directed by the parent (but not forced) to create a rich learning environment.

It should be more like fun and naturally being introduced to math, science, history, language arts, and more.

The Best Homeschool Preschool Curriculum | Tips And Recommendations

Preschoolers don’t need to worry about writing yet.

It is more important to build up their fine motor skills.

And this is easily done by building with blocks, playing with playdough, buttoning and unbuttoning their clothing, and digging in the dirt.

This can be as simple as putting letters in a sensory bin and asking them to find the letter that their name starts with or counting out crackers for a snack.

Common Household Items for Play Based Learning

You can use much of what you already have in your own home to teach preschoolers.

For example look at these items:

  • inexpensive craft supplies,
  • blunt scissors,
  • measuring cups/spoons,
  • beans for manipulatives,
  • toys for practicing beginning letter sounds,
  • cooking utensils for pouring and measuring,
  • mini scale,
  • crayons,
  • seeds,
  • analog clocks with hands and minutes,
  • maps, and anything else you can think of.

But for some structure that is still enjoyable, I have recommendations for each subject to help you facilitate a wonderful early learning environment.

Themes are especially fun in preschool and can be used to create a homeschool preschool curriculum with all the subjects.

Some favorites for us were farm, construction, space, dinosaurs, winter, and pets.

Focus on letter and number recognition, simple counting, read-aloud, and lots of play for little ones. 

The Best Homeschool Preschool Curriculum | Tips And Recommendations

Also, look at more tips for teaching preschoolers.

More Homeschool Preschool Curriculum Tips

Best Homeschool Curriculum By Grade

Finally, look at these recommendations.

14 Preschool Homeschool Curriculum Options

Look at what your homeschool preschool curriculum might look like with some suggestions for activities, books, and learning ideas.

Preschool Math at Home: Simple Activities to Build the Best Possible Foundation for Your Child (Math with Confidence)

Preschool Math at Home will guide you step-by-step as you introduce your preschooler to the world of numbers. Your child will develop a thorough understanding of the numbers up to ten, including:
counting comparing and ordering numbers recognizing written numerals beginning addition and subtraction.

Alphabet Letter A is for Apple Craft for Preschool | Fun Apple Study

Use my Preschool Phonics units for teaching letter of the week, there are currently 13 and counting letters available to start with, full of activities, ideas, crafts, and more.

Slow and Steady Get Me Ready For Kindergarten: 260 Activities To Do With Your Child From Age 0 to 5

Looking for quick, engaging activities to prepare your child for kindergarten? Spend a few minutes a day with your child in productive, interactive play with Slow and Steady Get Me Ready For Kindergarten!

Slow and Steady Get Me Ready For Kindergarten abounds with hands-on developmental activities that parents can do with their children between the ages of 0 and 5 years old to get them prepared for kindergarten. June R. Oberlander, a 19-year veteran kindergarten teacher in Fairfax County, Virginia, first published this book in 1988. Now her granddaughter, Hannah Oberlander, a current teacher in Loudoun County, Virginia, has updated and enhanced these classic activities for today's parents of the next generation.

Developing the Early Learner: Level 1 by Simone Bibeau (1982) Paperback

BOOK 1 of 4 (AGES 2-6) Book 1 is a pre-reading experience designed to provide your child with a complete program in perceptual readiness. Here are some of the unique qualities that you will find within these pages. We include all four major areas of perception: visual, auditory, motor, and comprehension skills. Each major category is then broken down into specific sub-skills so that you can understand just what type of learning is taking place. Every page develops only ONE sub-skill to avoid confusion when the child is working the page. A target score on each page quickly gives you a score as well as an incentive for the child to work toward a certain goal.

My First Book of Patterns: Pencil Control

A perfect fun activity book designed for early learners to develop pencil control and motor skills. By following the arrows and tracing the dotted lines, the little scholars can complete the tracing exercises and creative activities leading to development of their early writing skills. The child will also learn to identify, write and revise straight, curvy, zig zag lines and multiple patterns. The book is also an excellent first step to prepare for school.

Before Five in a Row: Second Edition

Designed to be used with children ages 2 through 4, Before Five in a Row is a rich treasury of creative ideas that help you gently, consistently prepare your children for the lifelong adventure of
learning. Now in a revised second edition, this bestselling volume is the foundation for inspired learning through great books and future studies with the entire Five in a Row curriculum.

408 Pcs Lacing Letters Alphabet

Rich Numbers: you will get 2 buckets of lowercase letter beads, including 384 lowercase letters and 24 ropes, a total of 408 items, and the equipped storage buckets are easy to storage and protect these accessories; And the quantity is very large, which can meet the needs of daily learning and playing

A Unique Flexible and Beautiful Preschool Homeschool Planner

This unique flexible and beautiful preschool homeschool planner is the perfect homeschool planner to use for early learners. While creating this 47-page early learner planner I included flexible planning pages.

Forms like 21 thematic planning pages, a year at a glance page, and 12 months of planning your theme are a few included.

Adding in an editable lesson planning template and 4 colorful
attendance sheets helps you to easily meet record keeping guidelines if
necessary

Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World

Science books for your preschooler's curriculum should be simple and colorful but contain rich information in small bites. Nature Anatomy and The Big Book of series are perfect resources to keep on your shelves for preschoolers as they will grow with them for years.

The Cat in the Hat's Learning Library Favorites: There's No Place Like Space!; Oh Say Can You Say Di-no-saur?; Inside Your Outside!; Hark! A Shark!

This sturdy boxed set of four bestselling Cat in the Hat's Learning Library books includes something to pique the interest of every child! Beginning readers will learn all about our solar system in There's No Place Like Space!; all about dinosaurs in Oh Say Can You Say Di-no-saur?; all about the human body in Inside Your Outside; and all about sharks in Hark! A Shark!

Preschool Exploring Creation Together Science

At the preschool level, science is all about exposure, not memorization of facts. It’s helping the youngest explorers understand that their world is discoverable. Through guided exploration of their world, young children learn how to naturally incorporate all aspects of language (expanding vocabulary), math (counting and recording), science (observing and experimenting), and art (drawing out ideas) into their understanding of how their world works. Most importantly, children will come to understand that their world is wonder-full, peace-full, and beauty-full because God created it full of His love and wisdom. Preschool Exploring Creation Together is a spiral-bound curriculum with 2 distinct sections included

Fun-Schooling for Beginners - Do-It-Myself Journal: Letters, Numbers, Animals, Coloring, Tracing, Mazes, Logic and Drawing (Full-Sized Activity Book for Preschool & Kindergarten)

Fun-Schooling for Beginners - Do-It-Myself Journal: Letters, Numbers, Animals, Coloring, Tracing, Mazes, Logic and Drawing (Full-Sized Activity Book for Preschool & Kindergarten) (Volume 1

A1 & A2, ideal for ages 2-6 (Preschool & Kindergarten) A beginners journal full of 100 educational and fun activities. This secular journal can be used by children of any religious background
Includes colors, numbers, letters, feelings, early reading & writing, and more.

Photo Credit: www.bfbooks.com

Teacher Guide Around the World Part 1 - Homeschool Teacher's Guide

This teacher guide contains gentle Socratic questions designed to prompt discussion and discovery. Beautiful drawings of indigenous animals are also included which will familiarize students with some remarkable creatures, their habitat and habits, cultivating respect and wonder for the natural world.

Photo Credit: www.bfbooks.com

Early American History K-3rd - Homeschooling History Pack

Sure to ignite curiosity about our nation's history, this Early American History Through Literature study will take you and your K-3 homeschooling students through the first Indigenous people of the Americas, the Vikings discovery of America, the exploration, colonization, settlement, and establishment of the United States. Spanning 1000 AD to the mid-1800's this course makes teaching this literature-rich curriculum easy and fun!

A to Z List: 100 Fun Summer Homeschool Unit Study Ideas

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These summer unit study ideas will keep kids of all ages having fun learning with topics they will be eager to study. Also, look at my page Best Homeschool Unit Studies.

Summer is a perfect time to get in some relaxed themed learning with unit studies.

You can make them hands-on with outdoor activities or beat the heat with a trip to an air-conditioned library to pick out the books you’ll need.

A to Z List: 100 Fun Summer Homeschool Unit Study Ideas

And if you pair a living book with a summer topic, you can have an easy summer learning activity.

Too, many homeschoolers prefer to start their homeschool year during the summer.

There are many advantages to beginning your homeschool year in the summer.

Advantages to Begin Your Year in Summer

For example, look at these advantages.

  • There is a slower start to the year.
  • You can cover one unit study for a few weeks before any other curriculum.
  • Also there is more time to give 1:1 to each child.
  • The day can be shorter to allow time for swimming and other fun summer activities.
  • In addition, some subjects like science and geography are better done outside during the summer season.

Start with this ultimate list of A to Z Summer Homeschool Unit Study Ideas and let your imaginations run wild!

A

Summer Unit Study Ideas

B

C

Summer Themed Unit Study Topics

Next, add some of these fun living books to your summer day.

Summer Reading List for Kids

Add one or two of these books to your kid's summer reading list.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

In the valley of Fruitless mountain, a young girl named Minli lives in a ramshackle hut with her parents. In the evenings, her father regales her with old folktales of the Jade Dragon and the Old Man on the Moon, who knows the answers to all of life's questions. Inspired by these stories, Minli sets off on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man on the Moon to ask him how she can change her family's fortune. She encounters an assorted cast of characters and magical creatures
along the way, including a dragon who accompanies her on her quest for the ultimate answer.

Summer of the Monkeys

The last thing fourteen-year-old Jay Berry Lee expects to find while trekking through the Ozark Mountains of Oklahoma is a tree full of monkeys. But then Jay learns from his grandpa that the monkeys have escaped from a traveling circus, and there’s a big reward for the person who finds and returns them.
His family could really use the money, so Jay sets off, determined to catch them. But by the end of the summer, Jay will have learned a lot more than he bargained for—and not just about monkeys.
From the beloved author of Where the Red Fern Grows comes another memorable adventure novel filled with heart, humor, and excitement.

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street (The Vanderbeekers, 1)

The first book in the bestselling series that the New York Times Book Review hails as “delightful and heartwarming.”

The Vanderbeekers have always lived in the brownstone on 141st Street. It's practically another member of the family. So when their reclusive, curmudgeonly landlord decides not to renew their lease, the five siblings have eleven days to do whatever it takes to stay in their beloved home and convince the dreaded Beiderman just how wonderful they are.

And all is fair in love and war when it comes to keeping their home.

Little Britches: Father and I Were Ranchers

Ralph was eight years old in 1906 when his family moved from New Hampshire to a Colorado ranch. Through his eyes, the pleasures and perils of ranching in the early twentieth century are experienced... auctions and roundups, family picnics, irrigation wars, tornadoes and wind storms all give authentic color to Little Britches. So do wonderfully told adventures, which equip Ralph for the path his life will take.

The Children of the New Forest

When Jacob Armitage, a local verderer, hears that Parliamentary soldiers looking for King Charles I are planning to burn down the home of the Beverley orphans he saves the children and rears them as his own grandchildren in a small cottage in the woods. But can aristocratic children, used to being served, learn to survive as simple foresters?This story was one of the first historical novels written for younger readers and has endured until today. Its classic themes of chivalry and bravery and the examples the children set are sure to be enjoyed by readers of all ages.This edition features the gorgeous illustrations of Paul Hardy throughout to add extra charm to an already incredible tale.

Trilogy (Boxed Set): Dragonsong; Dragonsinger; Dragondrums

For centuries, the world of Pern has faced a destructive force known as Thread. But now the number of magnificent dragons who have protected this world and the men and women who ride them are dwindling. As destruction falls from the sky, Menolly has only one dream: to sing, play, and weave the music that comes to her so easily—she wishes to become a Harper. But despite her great talents, her father believes that a young girl is unworthy of such a respected position and forbids her to pursue her dreams. So Menolly runs away, taking shelter in a cave by the sea. Miraculously, she happens upon nine fire lizards that could possibly save her world…and change her life forever.

Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster

It’s been five years since the Sweep disappeared. Orphaned and alone, 11-year-old Nan Sparrow had no other choice but to work for a ruthless chimney sweep named Wilkie Crudd. She spends her days sweeping out chimneys. The job is dangerous and thankless, but with her wits and will, Nan has managed to beat the deadly odds time and time again. When Nan gets stuck in a chimney fire, she fears the end has come. Instead, she wakes to find herself unharmed in an abandoned attic. And she is not alone. Huddled in the corner is a mysterious creature—a golem—made from soot and ash.

Where the Red Fern Grows

Billy has long dreamt of owning not one, but two, dogs. So when he’s finally able to save up enough money for two pups to call his own—Old Dan and Little Ann—he’s ecstatic. It doesn’t matter that times are tough; together they’ll roam the hills of the Ozarks.Soon Billy and his hounds become the finest hunting team in the valley. Stories of their great achievements spread throughout the region, and the combination of Old Dan’s brawn, Little Ann’s brains, and Billy’s sheer will seems unbeatable. But tragedy awaits these determined hunters—now friends—and Billy learns that hope can grow out of despair, and that the seeds of the future can come from the scars of the past.

To Kill a Mockingbird

One of the most cherished stories of all time, To Kill a Mockingbird has been translated into more than forty languages, sold more than forty million copies worldwide, served as the basis for an enormously popular motion picture, and was voted one of the best novels of the twentieth century by librarians across the country. A gripping, heart-wrenching, and wholly remarkable tale of coming-of-age in a South poisoned by virulent prejudice, it views a world of great beauty and savage inequities through the eyes of a young girl, as her father—a crusading local lawyer—risks everything to defend a black man unjustly accused of a terrible crime.

Emily of New Moon

Lucy Maude Montgomery's classic tale, the first in her "Emily" series of novels, about an orphan girl on Prince Edward Island. In contrast to Montgomery's other famous series that began with "Anne of Green Gables," Montgomery wrote the character of Emily to be closer to her own personality, and elements of the narrative are autobiographical. The story introduces us to Emily Byrd Starr, who is orphaned after her father dies of tuberculosis. Moving to New Moon Farm to live with her aunts and cousin, Emily meets new friends and engages in adventures as she grows. "Emily of New Moon" was followed by two sequels: "Emily Climbs" and "Emily's Quest".

Strawberry Girl

Strawberries—big, ripe, and juicy. Ten-year-old Birdie Boyer can hardly wait to start picking them. But her family has just moved to the Florida backwoods, and they haven't even begun their planting. "Don't count your biddies 'fore they're hatched, gal young un!" her father tells her.

Making the new farm prosper is not easy. There is heat to suffer through, and droughts, and cold snaps. And, perhaps most worrisome of all for the Boyers, there are rowdy neighbors, just itching to start a feud. The land was theirs, but so were its hardships.

Teachers, grandparents, and homeschooling families continue to reach for Lois Lenski's Strawberry Girl.
As one fan commented, a reason for its continued success is that it's "a touching, realistic tale of the power of neighborly love and kindness."

The Princess and the Goblin

"The Princess and the Goblin" by George MacDonald is a classic fairy tale novel first published in 1872. The story takes place in a medieval kingdom and follows the adventures of Princess Irene, the only daughter of a queen, who lives in a castle on a mountain top. One day, Princess Irene begins to see goblins lurking in the shadows who want to capture her and take her to their underground kingdom. She eventually meets Curdie, a miner's son, who helps her to overcome the dangerous creatures. Throughout their journey, Princess Irene and Curdie face various challenges and magical events that test their courage and friendship. They encounter a wise old woman who gives them important advice, a magical thread that guides them through the darkness of the underground tunnels, and a cunning goblin king who wants to keep Princess Irene captive in his kingdom.

Wingfeather Saga Boxed Set

This collection of Andrew Peterson’s Wingfeather Saga includes all four novels in hardcover: On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, North! Or Be Eaten, The Monster in the Hollows, and The Warden and the Wolf King.Janner Igiby, his brother, Tink, and their disabled sister, Leeli, are gifted children as all children are, loved well by a noble mother and ex-pirate grandfather. But they will need all their gifts and all that they love to survive the evil pursuit of the venomous Fangs of Dang, who have crossed the dark sea to rule the land with malice. The Igibys hold the secret to the lost legend and jewels of good King Wingfeather of the Shining Isle of Anniera.

D

E

More Summer Learning Activities

F

G

H

Summer Unit Study Ideas
  • Hiking
  • Hygiene

More Summer Learning Activities

  • Hydration/heat
  • Herb garden

I

J

K

  • Kites
  • Knots

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

And we always love nature walks anytime of the year and love this series of nature books!

Our Journey Westward
  • Stars
  • Sun/sunscreen
  • Spiders

T

U

  • Underwater creatures
  • Underneath the ground
  • Underwear (history)

Summer Unit Study Ideas

V

  • Vision

W

X

Y

  • Yaks

Z

You’ll love these other ideas:

I hope this list of 100 ideas will get you thinking about hands-on A to Z summer unit study fun!

This blog hop is organized by iHomeschool Network, a collaboration of outstanding homeschool bloggers who connect with each other and with family-friendly companies in mutual beneficial projects.

Summer is a perfect time to get in some relaxed themed learning with unit studies. Kids of all ages can have fun learning with topics they will be eager to study. Click here to look at this A to Z List: 100 Fun Summer Homeschool Unit Study Ideas!
Summer is a perfect time to get in some relaxed themed learning with unit studies. Kids of all ages can have fun learning with topics they will be eager to study. Click here to look at this A to Z List: 100 Fun Summer Homeschool Unit Study Ideas!

Day 24 Finding homeschool Curriculum For Unique Learners And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

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Today is day 24 finding homeschool curriculum for unique learners. You’ll find the other tips for this new to homeschool boot camp on 31 Day Free Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers.

When I first started leading classes for new homeschoolers, I thought the most challenging parents I had to help were those with triplets.

Then, numerous parents who are homeschooling children with special needs or unique learners entered my workshops throughout the years.

My journey of understanding their needs began because I do not have a special needs child.

Day 24 Finding homeschool Curriculum For Unique Learners And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

How would it be possible to help somebody if I didn’t have a child with special needs? I did have one child with speech delay so I could sympathize, but it is still not the same.

By helping families that have children with ADHD, dyslexia, processing disorders or autism, I learned that these parents have to be the best advocate for their children.

There is no way another person can fully appreciate what a parent goes through that has a unique learner.

These parents seem to find an inner strength that I admire.

They share with me how their special needs child slapped them in the face because the child didn’t know how to deal with feelings of frustration.

They find a way each day to look past those types of things and go on.

Parents with unique learners are the backbone of the homeschool community.

They know the traditional way of learning in a classroom will not meet the needs of their children, most of whom are very bright.

5 Sanity Savers for Parents of Unique Learners @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

5 Sanity Savers For Parents of Unique Learners

My best advice to these parents who are determined to homeschool with a hardiness that a lot of us can learn from is this:

1.) There is nobody else, even professionals who knows your child better.

Make it your determination to know EVERYTHING there is to know about your child’s strengths and weaknesses.

2.) Without trying to make you feel defeated, I want you to know that there does not exist curriculum that is just for unique learners.

There is curriculum that is easier to tweak for your learner, but most of it does not fall into the boxed curriculum method..

3.) Do not try to follow the scope and sequence of ANY curriculum.

Children that learn differently develop skills, for example, like reading at a later time. Teach to their strengths.

They may be developmentally ready later for reading but excel at math. Focus on what they can do instead of what they cannot do.

4.) I have learned that visual aids help challenged children chart their progress.

Because a lot of unique learners may also be right brain learners they have to “see” math or “see” language arts.

They can be learners that learn whole to parts, which is opposite of the way that phonics is taught. This is opposite of the way a lot of public schools teach.

For example, phonics is taught through letter sounds put together to form words, then sentences and then paragraphs which is parts to whole words and sentences teaching.

Challenged learners sometimes learn better by seeing the whole picture first or globally, then focus on the parts.

5.) Resources that educate you are far more important in understanding curriculum than looking for years in frustration trying to find curriculum that your child can use.

They help you to turn any resource into something that a unique learner can use.

Homeschool Resources for Teaching Unique Learners

Look for curriculum that is more visual along with learning aids or hands-on that makes it easier to teach children that learn differently.

An example of some of the curriculum resources that parents have used for unique learners are: All About Spelling, Math U See, Living Math, Brave Writer, Handwriting Without Tears, Explode the Code, Games like Stack the States on the iPad, Eyewitness Book by Dorling Kindersley, Kidspiration Software and Life Of Fred.

Some take delight in making lapbooks.  My blog has lots of free lapbooks.

Tapping out music to sounds they are learning or creating art to learn about history are other creative ways to learn.

Online resources about history and geography, drawing significant events in history and even playing Mine Craft are strengths of visual learners.

Please do not discount creative ways like playing games as not learning.

Children of any age can learn any subject by playing a learning game, but unique learners especially benefit.

More importantly than finding curriculum is understanding the fact that you are teaching a child and not curriculum.

Do not get on the band wagon of those who always use a left brain measuring stick for progress. If you do, instead of realizing the brilliant child you have, you may feel like you have a child that is always behind.

When we all accept that our children learn outside the box and equally praise a gifted artist right alongside a child that read early, then we have tapped into the real meaning of an excellent education.

Struggling with the challenges of a unique learner now produces a confident teacher later.

Resources for Educating Unique Learners

By helping families that have children with ADHD, dyslexia, processing disorders or autism, I learned that these parents have to be the best advocate for their children. 

How to Get Your Child Off the Refrigerator and On to Learning

Carol Barnier knew that her son -- more likely to be sitting on the table (or the refrigerator) than in his chair -- was worthy of high expectations. She also knew that he could easily miss achieving them if she didn't find the right key to unlock his capacity to learn.

Learning in Spite of Labels

All children can learn. It is time to stop teaching subjects and start teaching children!

Learning In Spite Of Labels helps you to teach your child so that they can learn. We are all "labeled" in some area. Some of us can't sing, some aren't athletic, some can't express themselves well, some struggle with directions, and on and on!

Homeschooling Your Child With Special Needs: Practical Support And Encouragement For Learning With Differences

It happens almost every day. I hear from a mom desperate for information on homeschooling her child with special needs and learning differences.

Dreamers, Discoverers & Dynamos: How to Help the Child Who Is Bright, Bored and Having Problems in School

Does your imaginative, computer-proficient daughter tune out in the classroom? Does your spirited son become headstrong and aggressive when faced with the simplest decisions? Does your bold, energetic child have trouble focusing on basic tasks?

The Highly Sensitive Child: Helping Our Children Thrive When The World Overwhelms Them

With the publication of The Highly Sensitive Person, pioneering psychotherapist Dr. Elaine Aron became the first person to identify the inborn trait of “high sensitivity” and to show how it affects the lives of those who possess it. In The Highly Sensitive Child, Dr. Aron shifts her focus to the 15 to 20 percent of children who are born highly sensitive—deeply reflective, sensitive to the subtle, and easily overwhelmed. 

Hands-on Activities for Children with Autism & Sensory Disorders

Innovative, practical and fun activities for children with autism and sensory disorders.

The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun

The first accessible guide to examine Sensory Processing Disorder, The Out-of-Sync Child touched the hearts and lives of thousands of families. Carol Stock Kranowitz continues her significant work with this companion volume, which presents more than one hundred playful activities specially designed for kids with SPD.

New to Homeschooling Start with the Basics

1 – 7 Start with the Homeschool Basics

8-14 Homeschool Organization 101 for Beginners

15 – 21 Best tips for New Homeschoolers Choosing Curriculum

22- 28 Homeschool Preschoolers, Highschoolers, and Unique Learners

Day 24 Finding homeschool Curriculum For Unique Learners And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp
Day 24 Finding homeschool Curriculum For Unique Learners. {31 Day Boot Camp For New Homeschoolers on My Blog}

Day 17 How to Choose a Homeschool Curriculum And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today for Day 17 how to choose a homeschool curriculum is our topic for the 31 Day Free Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers. 

Appreciating the fact that children come “pre-wired” helps you to be selective when it comes to choosing a homeschool curriculum.

And when you’re new knowing how to choose a homeschool curriculum can be scary.

But we accept the fact that we cannot change our children.

Instead of seeing our children for what we think they should be, we start accepting their personalities.

Day 17 How to Choose a Homeschool Curriculum And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

Also, instead of choosing A Beka, Bob Jones, Rod & Staff, Sonlight, or Tapestry of Grace because our best friend uses one of them and it seems to work for her, determine what are your needs as the priority.

And my experience after 20 years is that best friends or seasoned veterans find it hard to reach back to the time when they were new.

Much of the advice they give you is based on hindsight.

How to Choose A Homeschool Curriculum

While hindsight can certainly be of value, you will still need to experience the “newness” on your own.

I don’t want you to discount advice from seasoned veterans.

I want you to think about your needs. Following another homeschooler exactly is not your goal.

You came to homeschooling because you have unique needs.

5 Tips for Choosing Homeschool Curriculum @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

5 Tips for Choosing Homeschool Curriculum

Look at these five tips for choosing a homeschool curriculum.

1. In the beginning focus most of your time and energy on the subject your child struggles in.

There are free placement tests that will give you a better idea of what grade your child is in.

I have said this over again and that is please don’t assume that you take your child out of one grade and that he is in the next one up.

Even if your child places at a grade lower, it is better to have an easier year your first year instead of tears the whole year because you thought they would get behind. They will not.

Many homeschoolers can testify to the fact that children learn like an ebb and flow pattern.

They can move a couple levels ahead  one year and then one year they need longer to dwell on a subject.

But, most all of the families that struggled wished they would have taken the advice to choose something a little more relaxed the first year.

Focus your energy on the one or two things you want to accomplish. If it’s math, then spend extra time focusing on that right now and leave off science, history or art.

Though they may be fun and exciting, you have time to add those. The more children you have, the more time this takes.

Who is Tina Robertson

But before you can appreciate how I can help you here are a few things about me. Sure, this free new homeschooler boot camp is all about you.

However, you need to know that I’m not new to the homeschool world.  

It has been several years since I wrote this series and I want to update you on my successes. And I’ve helped HUNDREDS get on the road to homeschooling.

Too, I have 3 homeschooled grads. So I’m well past having my oldest kid being 10 years old.

Day 16 Practical Tips for Learning Styles and New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp 

But the best part is that what I have for you works.

Also, look at a few other things about me.

Day 16 Practical Tips for Learning Styles and New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp 

That is enough about me.

2. Purchase only the 3 R’s right now. Fold in Other Subjects Gradually.

With the growing number of subjects that you may want to teach, remember that the basics are the core of any year.

By spending your time focusing on math and language arts, you have time to purchase history or science after you boot up your school. Any routine needs a warming up period.

Forget pulling ALL your material out on Day 1 of your school and be stressed out by trying to get through it all.

Day 1 can include math and some writing and then glow in the fact that you got that done.

That is a simple doable two thing checklist for the day. Gradually, over the next few weeks fold in the rest of your subjects. You will LOVE this!

Be aware that there ARE differences between subjects in the order you should teach.

For example, when teaching a child to read, it is a natural progression to recognize the ABC’s, then to associate a sound with the letter and then to put those sounds together to make a word.

However, does it really matter the order if you study about the ocean versus the Amazon rain forest? Absolutely not. It does matter the order of the 3 R’s.

Again, lap up this time to learn to focus on making good choices for the 3 R’s for your children.

Don’t overload yourself in trying to purchase everything by August because there is no need to.

There is NO race. You have now gotten off the little school bus and guess what? Curriculum providers sell curriculum year around. tee hee hee

Actually there is a huge advantage to start homeschooling with just the core subjects because you can slowly read the teacher’s manual and get familiar with the schedule.

Your focus is not torn between trying to start the science experiment right away and getting in the core subjects.

Then after a few weeks or longer of doing your core or 3 R’s, you will be a little more discerning when choosing history, science, art and anything other subject that your family has a desire to learn.

You can now give those subjects your utmost attention and make better choices. Avoid beginning all your children on EVER Y subject on the first day.

There simply is need to do that and it is a first timer’s mistake. You are now becoming a little more experienced following this series.

3. If a Teacher’s Manual Makes You Feel Secure, Purchase One, Two or Three.

Most new homeschoolers that I have helped do not feel totally secure with their new found freedom. They derive some comfort from a teacher’s manual that has perhaps suggestions on scheduling and teaching.

I have often heard seasoned veterans recommend to new bees that they don’t need a teacher’s manual for teaching a subject.

While this may be true, you are the only one to decide if you need one or not.

However, one reason veterans may encourage you to not purchase a teacher’s manual is because it may only be an answer page and not really give you any background information or teaching tips.

It is important at this point to understand that not all teacher’s manuals are created equal. Some teacher’s manual have turned out to provide gold nuggets of information and others I have pondered why I purchased them.

One more factor to determine if a teacher’s manual is an asset for you is how much background information you have on the subject.

Maybe you are a public school teacher who formerly taught math. Obviously then, math is your strength and you will not need as much assistance.

To help you narrow down your favorite teacher’s manual, I have a printable check off list as you hunt through curriculum.

teacher's manual checklist @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Download below my Checklist for Purchasing Teachers Manuals. What to Look for!

teachers-manual-checklist-copyright-Tina-Robertson.pdf (2265 downloads )

Determine which subjects you need more help in and examine each teacher’s manual as you choose curriculum. They can really help or hinder your progress as a home educator.

4. Boxed Curriculum Can Help Boot Your School Up or Box You In

. Back on Day 1: Learn the Lingo – Then Go, I encouraged you to get familiar with the definition of a boxed curriculum. Just so that you don’t have to click back there right now I want to remind you that it basically is a “curriculum or grade in a box”.

The lesson plans are laid out day by day for you and the teacher’s manuals tend to be scripted. Every subject you need and every book comes in the grade level.

A lot of new bees find this comforting and there is value in having a pattern to follow as you learn to homeschool.

A mistake a lot of veterans make in the beginning is to feel the need to complete EVERY assignment. Instead of remembering that they are teaching a child and not trying to cross or mark off a check box for each day, they became a slave to the curriculum.

If you decide to use a boxed curriculum keep in mind that you ARE the teacher!

This means you can skip, yes SKIP and even THROW AWAY and yes – TEAR OUT pages that absolutely make no sense to do.

Boxed curriculum providers do provide busy work too. Avoid the I-am-only-on-Lesson-70-and-I-SUPPOSE-to-be-on Lesson-90 mentality.

There is no  suppose to be place, there is only where your children are suppose to be.

Balance is needed because boxed curriculum can provide relief when life is stressful and you do not want to lesson plan.

Following a well laid out lesson plan has its advantages because then as you move away from a boxed curriculum, you learn what a well planned day can feel like.

5. Does it fit the Approach You want to follow?

For example, if you decide that you feel more comfortable with laid out lesson plans then do not spend time on curriculum that requires you finding material and lesson planning.

You can give them a peek as you start to school.

This very simple tip will keep you from looking right now at EVERYTHING. Believe me when I say this, but you will have LOTS of time to swoon over books and curriculum and to feed your love of curriculum.

Right now, you need to focus on the 3 R’s and the subjects that your children struggle with the most.

Conserve your energy so that it lasts the whole year. Curriculum providers are ALWAYS ready to sell anytime of the year.

There are many approaches in how to choose a homeschool curriculum. 

You do not have to take an “all or nothing” attitude toward curriculum choices. In other words you do not have to be ALL textbooks OR ALL unschooling. P

ick and choose what you like in each approach and avoid an “all or nothing” thinking.

Finally, knowing how to choose a homeschool curriculum doesn’t happen overnight.

Focus on the elements of each approach and see what fits your family’s lifestyle and apply it.

Because we have different learning styles, we might be using multiple curriculum even within the same family. Be willing to adjust along the way.

The last thing I want to share is a quote from a book by Sally Clarkson Educating the Wholehearted Child that I really liked because of how much curriculum I had hoarded needed my first year:

It is nearly a rite of passage for new homeschooling families to buy curricula that ends up gathering dust on the shelf. Usually, it turns out to require more preparation and involvement than they are willing to invest, or it doesn’t fit their lifestyle. It becomes an investment in experience. What we all learn, though, is that any curriculum is only a tool — it doesn’t really “teach” anything. The attitude and commitment of the teacher is far more important than the tool. So if it doesn’t work, don’t worry. Put your unused used curriculum on the table with everyone else’s and buy real books next time. You’re experienced now.

Day 17 How to Choose a Homeschool Curriculum And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

New to Homeschooling Start with the Basics

1 – 7 Start with the Homeschool Basics

8-14 Homeschool Organization 101 for Beginners

15 – 21 Best tips for New Homeschoolers Choosing Curriculum

Day 17 How To Choose Curriculum Other Than the "Looks Good" Method