Homeschool Curriculum for 1st Grade – Math, Science, and Free
Homeschool Curriculum for 1st Grade – Math, Science, and Free
If you’re like me, you’ve probably searched “best 1st grade homeschool curriculum” at least a hundred times, only to feel more confused than when you started. The truth is—there’s no one-size-fits-all. What works for one family may not work for another.
So today, I wanted to share what we chose for 1st grade this year and a little insight into what each curriculum actually offers. Hopefully, this gives you some ideas and encouragement as you make your own homeschool plans.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links that are at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. All Products are linked in Blue.
Homeschool Reading Curriculum:
Reading was a huge focus for us in Kindergarten and it' continues to be as important in 1st grade. So I wanted a balance of structure and fun.
Christian Light Education: I chose this because we used it for Kindergarten and truly enjoyed it. It’s simple to follow, and has a structured approach. It really breaks down skills step by step, and comes with a teachers guide which is helpful, especially as a new homeschooling mom
Hooked on Phonics: On the flip side, I also wanted something more interactive and playful. Hooked on Phonics is perfect for reinforcing phonics in a way that feels more like a game than a lesson. You can also start with just $1.
What I love about this combo is that it keeps my child engaged. Some days we stick to the workbook, and other days we grab the cards or online lessons.
Having both has made reading less of a “chore” and more of an adventure. We also are using Christian Light Education for Language Arts.
Homeschool Math Curriculum
For math, we’re using Horizons Math from Alpha Omega Publications (AOP).
This curriculum is colorful, engaging, and spiral-based, which means concepts are introduced and then reviewed often. My son enjoys math and moves through the lessons pretty quickly, which is why we decided to go with Horizons AOP this year.
Math can feel intimidating for some kids (and parents!), but Horizons makes it approachable—and dare I say—even fun. I love that it keeps lessons short and hands-on, which works perfectly for 1st grade attention spans.
Homeschool Science Curriculum
Science in 1st grade doesn’t need to be complicated or boring—it just needs to spark curiosity. That’s why we’re using Schoolhouse Discoveries.
It’s hands-on, which was a huge reason we decided to go with this option. Their curriculum offers experiments and activities that keep kids excited. Honestly, science at this age is more about wonder than memorization. And let’s be real, nothing gets a homeschool day started like a fun little experiment at the kitchen table (volcanoes, anyone?).
I love that it gives us the flexibility to go outside, explore nature, and then connect it back to what we’re learning.
Homeschool History Curriculum
For history, we’re sticking with Schoolhouse Discoveries too.
It introduces history in a way that’s age-appropriate, using simple stories and activities. At this age, I don’t want to overwhelm my child with dates and heavy facts. So we decided to purchase the American Revolution Unit.
I want him to understand the story of people—who they were, what they did, and how that shaped the world around us. This curriculum does just that!
Spanish Homeschool Curriculum
Since bilingual learning is important to me, I’m also including Spanish in our homeschool this year.
I see it as planting seeds early. Even if kids don’t become fluent right away, exposure makes it so much easier for them to pick it up later on. Which is a reason we are using this interactive Spanish workbook for kids, which includes memory cards!
I want Spanish to feel natural—not forced—so I like to mix in songs, flashcards, and even labeling things around the house. The goal is fun, not perfection.
Free Homeschool Curriculum Picks
Homeschooling can get expensive, so I always mix in some free resources too. Some of my favorites are:
Morning Worksheets - Perfect to get the kids engaged, learning and busy
Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool – a full, free Christian-based curriculum.
Khan Academy Kids – great for supplemental math and reading practice.
The Good and The Beautiful (free PDFs) – especially helpful for extra reading practice.
I love having these in my back pocket. Some days when the “official” lessons feel too heavy, I’ll switch things up with one of these free options. It reminds me that homeschooling doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful—it just has to work for our family.
Wrapping It Up
So those are our 1st grade homeschool curriculum picks for the year! I’m excited (and a little nervous, if I’m being honest). Every year feels like a fresh start, and I love that we can tailor learning to what fits best for my child.
My biggest reminder to myself—and to you—is that no curriculum is perfect. It’s not about picking the “best” one, but the one that makes your homeschool journey more enjoyable and effective.
What about you? Have you already picked your 1st grade homeschool curriculum? Don’t forget you can get more insight on my homeschooling journey, tips and freebies by signing up for my Newsletter.
Happy Homeschooling!
Click here to shop all of the Homeschool Curriculums in 1st grade
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