How to Jumpstart Homeschooling Your Child: Curriculum Ideas and Outlines for Each K-8 Grade Level

Are you considering homeschooling but don’t know where to begin? Below is a list of recommendations broken out by grade level so you can easily jump in and get started. The resources selected do not require any expertise on your part. They are either scripted for you or allow your child to work fairly independently.   Do not be intimidated.  You got this!

Kindergarten

• Reading—Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons is brilliant.  By spending about 15-25 minutes each day over 3-6 months, your child will be reading on a 2nd-grade level upon completion. It is entirely scripted so you have no prep at all.  My son was so advanced from this program that he had already read the first five Harry Potter books while he was in kindergarten.  This propelled us into homeschooling. For $14.99, it may be one of the best investments you’ll ever make in your child’s education.

• Math—Horizons Math is a colorful and visually-appealing workbook that spirals backs to concepts to better ensure long-term mastery.  The kindergarten year comes with a book 1 and 2. You probably only need 2 since we are in the second semester. There is no need to buy the teacher’s manual. CTC Math is an online alternative though I find pencil and paper most effective.
• Other resources: Reading Bear, Reading Eggs
• Enjoy time together at this sweet age. Go out in nature. Cook together. Create art. Play games. Be in the moment and soak it in. There will be enough rigorous academics later. Some European countries like education powerhouse, Finland, and Germany don’t start formal academics until 6 or 7.

First Grade

• Grammar—First Language Lessons is a beautiful way to do grammar with your child. Sit down with a cup of tea or hot chocolate together and enjoy these lessons that are entirely scripted for you. No prep is required.
• Math—Math Mammoth contains both the instructions and exercises so the students should be able to work fairly independently.  This curriculum helps foster a deep understanding of math. CTC Math is an online alternative though I find pencil and paper most effective. I recommend the free website, XtraMath, for practicing math facts starting with addition.
• Writing–Have fun with writing during this time. Here is an enjoyable list of writing prompts for your child to journal each day.
• Reading–Your child can snuggle up with you and read to you from a book he likes for 15 minutes each day. Also, read aloud with your child as much as you can. Here is a list of some of our family’s favorite read-alouds.  Some great ones to start with are Mr. Popper’s Penguins, the Poppy series, and Mrs. Piggle Wiggle.
• History—Story of the World : Ancient Times is the first volume of four in a very exciting narrative series that reads like a story.  If you opt for the audiobook, the narrator is extremely gifted and our whole family enjoys it. There is an optional activity book with mapping activities, review questions, coloring pages, games, projects, and reading lists.

Second Grade

• Grammar—First Language Lessons: Level 2 is a beautiful way to do grammar with your child. Sit down with a cup of tea or hot chocolate together and enjoy these lessons that are entirely scripted for you. No prep is required.
• Math—Math Mammoth 2 contains both the instructions and exercises so the students should be able to work fairly independently.  This curriculum helps foster a deep understanding of math. XtraMath is a free website for practicing math facts.  CTC Math is an online alternative to the Math Mammoth workbook, though I find pencil and paper most effective.
• Writing–Have fun with writing during this time. Here is an enjoyable list of writing prompts for your child to journal each day.
• Reading–Your child can snuggle up in a favorite, cozy place and enjoy reading 20-30 (or more if she wants) minutes each day. Also, read aloud with your child as much as you can. Here is a list of some of our family’s favorite read-alouds.  Some great ones to start with are Mr. Popper’s Penguins, the Poppy series, The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles, and Pippi Longstocking.
• History—Story of the World: Ancient Times is the first volume of four in a very exciting narrative series that reads like a story.  If you opt for the audiobook, the narrator is extremely gifted and our whole family enjoys it. There is an optional activity book with mapping activities, review questions, coloring pages, games, projects, and reading lists.

Third Grade

• Grammar—Abeka Language 3 Grammar and Writing Worktext  is a delightful, colorful and visually appealing workbook. The child can work independently with minimal assistance from the parent. I don’t find it necessary to purchase the teacher manual. Note: Abeka is a Christian publisher.
• Math—Math Mammoth 3 contains both the instructions and exercises so the students should be able to work fairly independently.  This curriculum helps foster a deep understanding of math. XtraMath is a free website for practicing math facts.   CTC Math is an online alternative to the Math Mammoth workbook, though I find pencil and paper most effective.
• Writing–Have fun with writing during this time. Here is an enjoyable, free list of writing prompts for your child to journal each day.
• Reading–Your child can snuggle up in a favorite, cozy place and enjoy reading 20-30 (or more if she wants) minutes each day. Also, read aloud with your child as much as you can. Here is a list of some of our family’s favorite read-alouds.  Some great ones to start with are The Tale of Despereaux, The Secret Garden, The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles, and Pippi Longstocking.
• History—Story of the World: The Middle Ages is the second volume of four in a very exciting narrative series that reads like a story.  If you opt for the audiobook, the narrator is extremely gifted and our whole family enjoys it. There is an optional activity book with mapping activities, review questions,  games, projects, and reading lists.
• Typing–Learn to type for free using the BBC’s Dance Mat Typing.

Fourth Grade

• Grammar—First Language Lessons 3 is a complete writing text that covers parts of speech, sentence diagrams, and skills in beginning writing, storytelling and narration.  Classical education concepts of memorization, dictation, copywork, and narration are part of this program.  Sit down with a cup of hot chocolate or tea together and enjoy these lessons that are entirely scripted for you. The instructor’s guide is also required. If your child is looking for more challenge and would like to diagram in much greater detail, you may opt for First Language Lessons 4 with the teacher guide.
• Math—Math Mammoth 4 contains both the instructions and exercises so the students should be able to work fairly independently.  This curriculum helps foster a deep understanding of math.  The $10 answer key is suggested. XtraMath is a free website for practicing math facts.  CTC Math is an online alternative to the Math Mammoth workbook, though I find pencil and paper most effective.
• Writing–Have fun with writing during this time. Here is an enjoyable list of writing prompts for your child to journal each day.
• Reading–Your child can snuggle up in a favorite, cozy place and enjoy reading 20-30 (or more if she wants) minutes each day. Also, read aloud with your child as much as you can. Here is a list of some of our family’s favorite read-alouds.  Some great ones to start with are The Star of Kazan, The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, and Where the Red Fern Grows.
• History—Story of the World: The Middle Ages is the second volume of four in a very exciting narrative series that reads like a story.  If you opt for the audiobook, the narrator is extremely gifted and our whole family enjoys it. There is an optional activity book with mapping activities, review questions, games, projects, and reading lists.
• Typing–Learn to type for free using the BBC’s Dance Mat Typing.

Fifth Grade

• Writing–This is an excellent and free list of narrative, persuasive, expository and creative essay writing prompts. Allow your child several days to work on each essay including both a rough draft and polished draft. You can provide editing and feedback on these fifth-grade assignments. This will also serve as his grammar assignment.
• Math—Saxon Math 6/5 Homeschool Kit has incremental step-by-step instructions so the child can work independently. The included solutions manual is excellent because it lays out the solutions in a step-by-step format. There is continual practice and review to ensure mastery.  CTC Math is an online alternative, though I find pencil and paper most effective.
• Reading–Your child can snuggle up in a favorite, cozy place and enjoy reading 20-30 (or more if she wants) minutes each day. Also, read aloud with your child as much as you can. Here is a list of some of our family’s favorite read-alouds.  Some great ones to start with are Caddie Woodlawn,  Death on the River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Amazon Adventure, and Cabin on Trouble Creek, and The Great Brain series.
• History—Story of the World: Early Modern Times is the third volume of four in a very exciting narrative series that reads like a story and covers the period from Elizabeth I to the 49ers.  If you opt for the audiobook, the narrator is extremely gifted and our whole family enjoys it. There is an optional activity book with mapping activities, review questions, timelines, games, projects, and reading lists.

Sixth Grade

• Writing–Here is a list of narrative, persuasive, expository, how-to and creative essay writing prompts. Allow your child several days to work on each essay including both a rough draft and polished draft. You can provide editing and feedback on these sixth-grade assignments. This will also serve as his grammar assignment.
• Math—Saxon Math 7/6 Homeschool Kit has incremental step-by-step instructions so the child can work independently. The included solutions manual is excellent because it lays out the solutions in a step-by-step format. There is continual practice and review to ensure mastery. CTC Math is an online alternative, though I find pencil and paper most effective.
• Reading–Your child can snuggle up in a favorite, cozy place and enjoy reading 20-30 (or more if she wants) minutes each day. Also, read aloud with your child as much as you can. Here is a list of some of our family’s favorite read-alouds.  Some great ones to start with are Death on the River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Amazon Adventure,  A Little Princess, Tuck Everlasting, and Sophia’s War: A Tale of Revolution.
• History—Story of the World: Early Modern Times is the third volume of four in a very exciting narrative series that reads like a story.  If you opt for the audiobook, the narrator is extremely gifted and our whole family enjoys it. There is an optional activity book with mapping activities, review questions, timelines, games, projects, and reading lists.

 

Seventh Grade

• Writing–Use the outstanding and free Both Sides of the Issue video series from Stossel in the Classroom for your child to exercise critical thinking, research and persuasive writing skills.  Two opposing viewpoints are presented in short videos on each topic to encourage open discussion and critical thinking resulting in a balanced lesson.  Each video is about 5 minutes. Some examples of topics include What Should we Do About Student Debt, Should We Tax the Rich More, The Climate Debate, and Should We Have Single-Payer Healthcare. You child can watch both videos on a topic and write a persuasive essay about why she supports one of the sides. Further research can be required, if you choose, with sources and data to support her viewpoint.
• Math—Saxon Math 8/7 with Pre-Algebra Homeschool Kit has incremental step-by-step instructions so the child can work independently. The included solutions manual is excellent because it lays out the solutions in a step-by-step format. There is continual practice and review to ensure mastery. CTC Math is an online alternative, though I find pencil and paper most effective.
• Reading–Your child can snuggle up in a favorite, cozy place and enjoy reading 30 (or more if she wants) minutes each day. Also, read aloud with your child as much as you can. Here is a list of some of our family’s favorite read-alouds.  Some great ones to start with are The Giver, A Night Divided, Angel on the Square series, and Survivors: True Stories of Children of the Holocaust.
• History—Story of the World: The Modern Age is the fourth volume of four in a very exciting narrative series that reads like a story. It covers Victoria’s Empire to the end of the USSR.  If you opt for the audiobook, the narrator is extremely gifted and our whole family enjoys it. There is an optional activity book with mapping activities, review questions, timelines, games, projects, and reading lists.

Eighth Grade

• Writing–Use the outstanding and free Both Sides of the Issue video series from Stossel in the Classroom for your child to exercise critical thinking, research and persuasive writing skills.  Two opposing viewpoints are presented in short videos on each topic to encourage open discussion and critical thinking resulting in a balanced lesson.  Each video is about 5 minutes. Some examples of topics include What Should we Do About Student Debt, Should We Tax the Rich More, The Climate Debate, and Should We Have Single-Payer Healthcare. You child can watch both videos on a topic and write a persuasive essay about why she supports one of the sides. Further research can be required, if you choose, with sources and data to support her viewpoint.
• Math—Mr. D’s Algebra I includes 12 chapters of video-based instruction, coursework for each section of each chapter, 12 chapter tests, 2 semester exams and a comprehensive solutions manual. Also included is an online grading book and email access to the Mr. D teaching staff. Note: I have not used this program because my 13-year-old son attends an in-person algebra class each week. However, I have heard many great things about this program.
• Reading–Your child can snuggle up in a favorite, cozy place and enjoy reading 30 (or more if she wants) minutes each day. I suggest he reads The Six Most Important Decisions You’ll Ever Make: A Guide for Teens by Sean Covey. Also, read aloud with your child as much as you can. Here is a list of some of our family’s favorite read-alouds.  Some great ones to start with include The War That Saved My Life, Red Scarf Girl, The Cay, and  The Scourge.
• History—Story of the World: The Modern Age is the fourth volume of four in a very exciting narrative series that reads like a story. It covers Victoria’s Empire to the end of the USSR.  If you opt for the audiobook, the narrator is extremely gifted and our whole family enjoys it. There is an optional activity book with mapping activities, review questions, timelines, games, projects, and reading lists.

Note: We have always done science at our co-op. The reading and workbooks are done at home while experiments are done with their friends in class. Furthermore, we have significantly augmented our science learning out in the world. Musuems and nature centers, for instance, offer incredible classes for hands-on learning. Additionally, science comes to life on nature walks, tidepooling excursions, zoo visits and more!

Here are some other resources:

• No Red Ink is an internet-based writing and grammar program that provides free curriculum, adaptive exercises and  actionable data.
• Khan Academy is a free website offering a wide variety of classes for learners.
• Learn to type for free on the BBC’s Dance Mat Typing. The animation is delightful.
• Prodigy Math is a free, Pokemon-style math game kids can play online.
• DuoLingo is a gamified way to learn six different foreign languages. It is fun and free!
• Many public library systems offer free access to Rosetta Stone Online with a library account.
• Scholastic is offering free online resources during the COVID-19 crisis.
• Audible is offering a free Audible Stories for website for children of all ages.
• Get a work out with Kidz Bop Dance videos.
• A list of science YouTube channels for kids
• Common Sense Media shared a list of recommended documentaries to watch with kids.

I’ve been homeschooling my kids who are now in 8th, 6th and 3rd grades for the past 7 years. They take the same standardized tests in the spring that all public students in California do and score very well.  Many of these resources shared above have served us well.  Education is not a one-size-fits-all. While much of the curriculum above will work for many children, it won’t be the best fit for all kids. There is a tremendous amount of curriculum to choose from. You can spend hours researching it. I put this list together for you with quality picks that require little prep work on your part and are laid out very well for ease of use.

If you are consideing homeschooling as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, please know that being cooped up in the house is not what homeschooling looks like or feels like at all.  In my experience, it is exciting and dynamic and the socialization is outstanding. Most homeschoolers are out learning in the world. My family, for instance, is quite busy with sports, on-campus classes 2 days/week, field trips, volunteer work, hanging out with friends, and more.

We are thankful for this flexible lifestyle that has allowed us to customize our children’s education and have more time for pursuing our hobbies and interests. Because schoolwork can be completed much more efficiently than in a large classroom setting, there is quite a bit more time for pursuing passions, play and brain breaks.

You have a big support system in the homeschool community. Homeschoolers are extremely generous in sharing knowledge and wisdom. We appreciate that no two families homeschool the same way and aren’t in competition with one another. When one is successful, our collective homeschool community applauds and shines.

Best wishes to you as you start this journey with your children!

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