How To Confidently Homeschool The First Grade

Welcome to the first grade! Just because preschool and kindergarten are behind you doesn’t mean the fun stops—in fact, it’s just beginning! Now, you get to introduce even more exciting concepts to your first grader’s learning journey. Think of it as playtime, but on a more advanced level. If you’ve read my article How to Better Teach Preschool to Kindergarten, How To Confidently Homeschool the First Grade is the natural next step, as your child continues to grow mentally, physically, and emotionally.

This article is part of our Complete Guide on Homeschooling Elementary School,  where we show you how to confidently homeschool elementary school.

Building On The Basics

First grade is all about building on the basics, taking everything your child learned in the early years and expanding on it. In reading, they’ll move from recognizing letters and sounds to forming words, reading sentences, and exploring simple stories. In fact, they might become more aware of the stories you tell them during family Bible study, by asking more questions.

Writing will evolve from basic letter formation to creating full sentences, with a growing focus on punctuation and expression. Math will take your child from counting to adding, subtracting, and solving problems in a more hands-on way.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there! First graders also dive into new worlds with science, learning about the environment, animals, and simple experiments that spark curiosity. Social studies will introduce them to their community and the wider world, building a sense of connection to others. This year is truly one of discovery and growth, where your child’s curiosity blossoms, and learning becomes a grand adventure.

How Can I Teach 1^st Grade?

Teaching 1st grade at home offers you so much flexibility and creativity. You can explore subjects in a way that fits your child’s learning style and your family’s schedule. One of the best ways to do this is through unit studies, where you pick a theme—like animals, space, or seasons—and cover multiple subjects under that topic. I’ve used them throughout my kids elementary and middle school journeys and into high school, on the side of the norms. It’s a fun, engaging way to teach science, reading, social studies, and even math all at once. Plus, unit studies allow you to teach multiple grade levels together, making things easier if you have more than one child learning at home.

Homeschooling also means shorter school days, which is much more appropriate for young elementary schoolers. You don’t need to sit for hours at a time to get things done. Focus on the essentials, like reading, writing, and math, and then sprinkle in creative projects, nature walks, or hands-on activities. This approach is especially helpful for parents working from home because you can fit lessons into pockets of time that work best for your family. You can also use educational apps, videos, and online resources to supplement your teaching, giving your child a well-rounded, enriching experience without overwhelming yourself.

Of course, if you prefer a more traditional textbook approach, that’s completely fine too! Every family is different, and the key is finding what works best for you and your child. Some parents thrive with structured lessons and clear-cut materials, and if your child enjoys learning this way, there’s no reason to change it. On the other hand, some families lean towards a more holistic approach, blending hands-on learning with everyday experiences to create a relaxed, real-world education. Whether you choose textbooks, unit studies, or a mix of both, the most important thing is that it supports your child’s growth and keeps learning fun and engaging for your family.

Start building Your Resources

This is also a good time to start building your elementary resources, listed in Ultimate Homeschooling Supplies For Elementary School Mastery.

Introduce more advanced puzzles, manipulatives, and add brand new books into your homeschool library. I like to add at least ten new books at the start of each school year. You can imagine that we have a large library, however, because my kids vary in age, we have also donated and gifted books no longer wanted.

Core Subjects

Below are the core subjects your 1st grader will need to focus on, no matter how you choose to teach them. Keep in mind that many of these can be combined through creative methods like unit studies. At this age, teaching each subject separately can lead to homeschool burnout, so my advice is to understand the essentials but tailor the learning experience to fit your child’s unique needs. Focus on what works best for your family, and don’t feel pressured to follow a traditional format if it’s not the right fit.

Reading & Language Arts:

   – Focus on phonics and early reading skills.

   – Practice writing simple sentences and begin learning about punctuation.

   – Start spelling simple words and expand vocabulary.

Math:

   – Master addition and subtraction within 20.

   – Understand place value and number sense up to 100.

   – Explore basic geometry (shapes) and measurements (time and money).

Science:

   – Introduction to the natural world, focusing on plants, animals, and the environment.

   – Begin simple experiments, like observing plant growth or mixing basic ingredients.

   – Study weather patterns and seasons.

Social Studies:

   – Learn about family, community, and basic geography.

   – Introduction to important national symbols and holidays.

   – Discuss the roles of community helpers (police, firefighters, etc. You can use manipulatives and YouTube videos to teach this!).

Physical Education:

   – Emphasize the importance of movement and play.

   – Introduce basic sports and cooperative games.

Art & Music:

– Encourage creative expression through drawing, painting, and crafting.

– Introduce basic music concepts, such as rhythm and melody.

Is My Child Ready For The Next Grade?

As you wrap up the first grade, it’s natural to wonder if your child is ready for the next step. There are a few key areas to consider: Is your child participating in regular physical activities and engaging in creative arts? Are they showing an understanding of the natural world, such as recognizing different plants and animals or basic weather patterns? Have they mastered basic geography concepts, like identifying their country or understanding community roles? Academically, it’s important to assess whether they can perform basic addition and subtraction, and if they are able to read simple books independently.

While this list serves as a helpful guide, remember that it shouldn’t hold your child back from advancing to the next level. Every child progresses at their own pace, and some may be stronger in certain areas than others. These benchmarks are simply tools to help you pinpoint areas that may need a little extra attention. You can always work on any gaps now or as they enter the next grade, ensuring that learning continues to be fun and stress-free for both of you!

For example, one year my daughter didn’t finish her third grade math before entering Fourth grade, because it was hard, so, we kept right at that level until she caught up to her regular fourth grade math level.

In conclusion

Homeschooling the first grade is an exciting journey filled with growth, discovery, and plenty of room for creativity. Whether you choose to teach through unit studies, mix and match subjects, or stick to a more traditional textbook approach, the key is finding what works best for your child and your family. Remember, this is a foundational year, not only for academic skills but for fostering a lifelong love of learning. By keeping things flexible, fun, and tailored to your child’s unique needs, you can confidently guide them through this stage of their educational adventure. So, embrace the joy of learning together, take it one step at a time, and make this year your own!

Also download The Full Homeschooling Elementary School Checklists, which follows our Complete Guide On Homeschooling Elementary School, allowing you to check off your students successes as they advance, helping you to create a scrapbook of their best works, for your homeschool records.

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