Best Homeschool Curriculum for 1st Grade (Full Breakdown)

 What We Use, What We Love, and What Actually Works for a 6-Year-Old

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If you’re a homeschool mom looking for the best homeschool curriculum for 1st grade, you’re probably feeling a mix of excitement and pressure. First grade feels like such a big year—your child is not a little kindergartener anymore, and suddenly reading blends, math facts, narration, and handwriting all start to matter in a deeper way.

When I started homeschooling my daughter at age 6, I wanted a curriculum that was gentle but effective, structured but still fun, and—honestly—simple enough that I didn’t feel overwhelmed every morning. After trying different resources, adjusting our schedule, and figuring out what works for her learning style, I finally found a rhythm (and curriculum lineup!) that made our school days calm and productive.

Today I’m breaking down exactly what we use, why we use it, and what other great options you might want to explore depending on your child’s needs. My goal is to help you walk away from this post with a complete, confidence-boosting plan for your own 1st-grade homeschool year.

Let’s jump in!

Why Choosing the Right 1st Grade Curriculum Matters

First grade is such a foundational year. Your child is moving from:

• Letter recognition → true independent reading

• Counting → real addition and subtraction

• Scribbles → purposeful handwriting

• Watching you do everything → becoming an active learner

If kindergarten was planting seeds… 1st grade is when they really start to grow.

A strong curriculum will help your child:

✔ Build confidence
✔ Practice age-appropriate skills
✔ Stay engaged through hands-on learning
✔ Develop routines and independence
✔ Foster a love for reading, math, and creativity

And, most importantly, it helps you feel supported instead of stressed.

Our 1st Grade Curriculum Picks (What We Actually Use & Love)

Here is our full curriculum lineup for my 6-year-old daughter. Everything listed below is something we use daily or weekly—and yes, it all works beautifully together.

1. Language Arts: The Good and The Beautiful (Level 1)

Our main spine for reading, grammar, writing, and spelling.

I cannot say enough good things about The Good and The Beautiful Language Arts Level 1. It’s open-and-go, beautifully laid out, and it keeps lessons short and simple, which is a huge win for 1st graders.

Why We Love It:

• Short, gentle lessons (most under 15–20 minutes)

• Integrated subjects like poetry, art appreciation, and geography

• Hands-on activities without being overwhelming

• Strong phonics foundation

• Beautiful stories that my daughter actually enjoys

This program works especially well for kids who thrive on routine but still need movement and variety.

What It Covers:

• Phonics & reading

• Grammar

• Writing practice

• Spelling

• Sight words

• Narration

• Literature & art study

If you want one curriculum that does a lot for you—this is it.

2. Reading Foundations: Alpha-Phonics + All About Reading Level 1

Our two favorite tools for building confident readers.

Even though The Good and The Beautiful includes phonics, I like reinforcing reading with additional resources. My daughter benefits from repetition and gentle review, and combining these programs has made her reading take off.

Alpha-Phonics: A Primer for Beginning Readers

This book is simple, straightforward, no fluff—just pure phonics practice.

We use Alpha-Phonics for:

• Blending practice

• Segmenting

• Decoding short vowel words

• Quick review sessions

I love that a lesson can take just 5 minutes, and she always feels successful.

All About Reading Level 1

This is a very hands-on, multi-sensory program. It’s perfect for wiggly kids or visual/kinesthetic learners.

What we love:

• Letter tiles

• Flashcards

• Engaging stories

• Orton-Gillingham–based approach

The readers that come with AAR are adorable and truly kid-friendly.

Why Using Multiple Resources Works

Using more than one reading program isn’t confusing—it actually fills the gaps:

• Alpha-Phonics → straightforward decoding

• AAR → multi-sensory instruction

• TGATB → integrated reading + literature

This combination has given my daughter confidence, speed, and true enjoyment in reading.

3. Math: The Good and The Beautiful Math 1

Math was one subject I needed to feel easy and enjoyable—not a fight. Good and Beautiful Math has been PERFECT for 1st grade.

Why We Love It:

• Gorgeous visual lessons

• Short daily worksheets

• Hands-on manipulatives

• Real-life application

• Gentle spiral review

Math 1 covers:

• Addition & subtraction

• Place value

• Time & money

• Graphing

• Geometry

• Measurement

• Early word problems

It’s also extremely parent-friendly. No complicated prep, no long instructions.

If your child needs a colorful, simple, and engaging math program—this one is fantastic.

4. Reading Books (Daily)

We read every single day—picture books, early readers, seasonal books, chapter books, you name it.

Reading aloud does more for learning than almost anything else. It strengthens:

• Vocabulary

• Listening skills

• Imagination

• Reading fluency

• Grammar & writing skills

• Comprehension

Some of our favorite 1st grade read-aloud choices:

• Frog and Toad Are Friends 

• The Mercy Watson series

• Little Bear

• Magic Tree House

• Henry and Mudge

• Seasonal picture books

We usually read:

• 1–2 picture books in the morning

• 1 chapter book at night

This keeps learning relaxed and enjoyable.

Additional Curriculum and Enrichment (Highly Recommended)

Depending on your child and your family’s homeschool style, here are some excellent add-ons to round out your 1st-grade year.

5. Handwriting:

Handwriting Without Tears (1st Grade) or
The Good and The Beautiful Handwriting 1

Both are great options.

Why Handwriting Matters in 1st Grade:

• Builds fine motor skills

• Supports spelling

• Strengthens reading skills

• Encourages careful work habits

My daughter enjoys handwriting pages as a calming activity between subjects.

6. Science: Gentle Unit Studies or TGATB Science Units

Most 6-year-olds thrive with simple, hands-on science rather than heavy textbooks.

Great options:

• The Good and The Beautiful Science Units

• Evan-Moor 1st Grade Science

• Nature study journals

• Unit studies (butterflies, weather, space, animals, etc.)

Keep science fun and exploratory at this age—lots of outdoor time, experiments, and observation.

7. Social Studies

Many states don’t require formal social studies in 1st grade, but we still explore topics naturally.

Ideas:

• Community helpers

• Maps & continents

• Simple American history

• Holiday traditions

• Family heritage

• Cultures around the world

You can also use:

• TGATB History

• Story of the World (gentle narration-based)

• Books + videos + crafts

8. Art

1st graders LOVE art.

We keep it simple:

• Watercolors

• Oil pastels

• Collage projects

• Nature art

• Holiday crafts

• Coloring books

• “How to draw” books

Art strengthens creativity, fine motor skills, and confidence.

9. Music

A simple weekly music routine can be magical.

Ideas:

• Beginner piano lessons (Hoffman Academy is free)

• Singing time

• Rhythm instruments

• Listening to composers

• Children’s hymns or folk songs

Music helps with memory, math skills, and emotional expression.

10. PE / Movement

At age 6, movement is essential.

Ideas:

• Kids’ yoga

• Daily walks

• Mini workouts

• Dance parties

• Trampoline time

• Outdoor play

• Riding bikes or scooters

A moving child is a learning child.

A Sample 1st Grade Homeschool Schedule

Here’s what our school day typically looks like:

Morning:

1. Morning basket (10 min)

2. The Good and The Beautiful Language Arts (20 min)

3. Reading lesson: Alpha-Phonics or AAR (10–15 min)

4. Free reading time (10 min)

Break + Snack

Late Morning:

5. Math (15–20 min)

6. Handwriting (5 min)

7. Read-aloud (15 min)

Afternoon (Optional):

• Science or unit study

• Art

• Music

• Outdoor play

This schedule keeps our school day short, peaceful, and manageable.

What Makes a Curriculum “The Best”?

(How to Choose for Your Family)

Here are the questions I always ask:

✔ Does my child enjoy it?

If they cry over it daily—it’s not the right program.
1st grade should feel encouraging, not stressful.

✔ Is the prep realistic for me?

A program may be amazing, but if it drains you, your child won’t benefit.

✔ Does it build confidence?

This is a huge year for reading and math foundations.
Choose something that moves at your child’s pace.

✔ Does it align with our family values?

This matters more than people think.

✔ Is it financially sustainable?

Many great programs are free or low-cost.

Common 1st Grade Homeschool Problems (and Solutions)

Problem #1: “My child struggles with reading.”

Solution:

• Slow down

• Review phonics daily

• Use multi-sensory methods (AAR is perfect)

• Read aloud constantly

Problem #2: “They rush through handwriting.”

Solution:

• Use short pages

• Try a fun handwriting curriculum

• Work on fine-motor skills (beads, clay, cutting)

Problem #3: “Math time becomes frustrating.”

Solution:

• Keep lessons short

• Use manipulatives

• Try a gentle spiral curriculum like TGATB

Problem #4: “We can’t stay consistent.”

Solution:

• Stick to the basics

• Limit academic time to under 2 hours

• Use morning routines to anchor your day

Problem #5: “I feel overwhelmed.”

Solution:
Choose less.
For 1st grade, all you truly need is:

• Reading

• Math

• Handwriting

• Read-alouds
  Everything else is enrichment.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need the “Perfect” Curriculum

You just need something that works for your child and your home.

Our 1st grade homeschool year has been beautiful, simple, and honestly a blessing because we chose programs that fit our rhythm—not someone else’s.

If you are leaning toward The Good and The Beautiful, Alpha-Phonics, All About Reading, or simple book-based learning—trust me, you already have a solid foundation.

Your child will grow.
Your confidence will grow.
Your homeschool will flourish.

You’ve got this, mama. ❤️

Have Questions or Want to Share Your Favorites?

Leave a comment below! I love hearing about what other 1st-grade homeschool families are using. It helps all of us learn and grow together.

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Thank you for reading my blog! Stay tuned for more tips, resources, and printable materials to help make your homeschooling experience enjoyable and effective. Check out my store for a variety of educational products and printables to assist you on your homeschooling journey.



~With love,

Nancy at Cleverly Kindred ❤️