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Best Homeschool Curriculum for 1st Grade (Full Breakdown)

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  What We Use, What We Love, and What Actually Works for a 6-Year-Old *Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for  supporting my blog   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 ...
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Complete Morning Basket Shopping List (Winter Edition)

By Nancy ~

 Everything You Need for Cozy, Connected Winter Homeschool Mornings

*Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog 

What We’re Using This Winter (Amazon Favorites)
⭐ Snowflake Art Kit – My kids LOVE this one (Amazon)
📚 Snow-Themed Kids Book (Amazon)
🎨 Winter Stampers Set (Amazon)
❄️ Winter Wonderland Sensory Bin (Amazon)
🎲 Winter Learning Game (Amazon)

Winter homeschool mornings can feel magical… or completely chaotic. If you’ve ever tried to start your homeschool day while juggling hot cocoa spills, tired kids, and a stack of random books that don’t actually go together, you already know the struggle.

And that’s exactly why I created this Complete Morning Basket Shopping List (Winter Edition)—so your mornings can feel calm, structured, and meaningful without you scrambling around trying to figure out what to put in your basket. Everything here is low-prep, winter-themed, kid-approved, and easy to order right from Amazon.

Think of this as your “winter homeschool reset”—a way to bring joy, connection, and gentle learning into short, cozy bursts each morning. Whether you're homeschooling a 12-year-old, a 6-year-old, or multiple ages like me, this guide will help you build the perfect winter basket with zero guesswork.

Let’s make your winter mornings feel warm, productive, and peaceful. ❄️
Grab your coffee—let’s dive in!

What Is a Morning Basket? (And Why Winter Is the Best Time to Use One)

A morning basket is simply a collection of books, activities, and simple learning resources you use every morning before your official homeschool day “starts.” Think of it like a gentle warm-up for the brain and soul.

During the winter months, morning baskets work especially well because:

  • Kids wake up slower and need cozy, calm routines

  • Structure helps eliminate winter burnout (for both of us as moms!)

  • Cold mornings make indoor learning feel extra inviting

  • Shorter days = more time to read, reflect, and connect

A winter morning basket gives your kids something to look forward to every day while helping you stay consistent when motivation dips—especially during January and February.

Your Complete Winter Morning Basket Shopping List

Below you’ll find every category you need to build a fully rounded winter morning basket. I included options for multiple ages and linked only items that are available on Amazon.

1. Winter Picture Books

Add a few cozy winter picture books to read aloud each morning. These bring warmth and spark curiosity.

Amazon-Available Picks:

These are perfect for a slow, gentle start to your morning.

2. Winter-Themed Chapter Books (for Read-Aloud Time)

If you read chapter books together, winter is the perfect season to choose magical, snowy stories.

Amazon Books to Add:

Choose one to start your mornings strong and sprinkle in a few pages each day.

3. Winter Poetry + Copywork

Poetry adds rhythm and calm to your mornings. And copywork is a simple way to get handwriting done without a fight.

Amazon Items:

These pair beautifully with warm cocoa.

4. Winter Nature Study Essentials

Winter nature study is underrated—there’s so much to observe, even from a window!

Amazon Tools to Add:

Ideas for quick morning nature moments:

  • Look out the window and record the weather

  • Track bird visits

  • Compare frost patterns

  • Note sunrise changes

Just 3–5 minutes a day adds a lot of value.

5. Winter STEM / Science Activities

Kids LOVE hands-on winter science. And these require almost no prep.

Amazon STEM Add-Ons:

Pick one STEM activity per week to keep things exciting.

6. Bible / Devotional for Winter

If you like adding faith-based elements to your morning basket, winter is a beautiful season for reflection.

Amazon Devotionals:

Just a few minutes a day sets a peaceful tone.

7. Winter Art & Craft Supplies

You don’t need big projects—morning basket crafts should be simple and quick.

Amazon Art Supplies to Include:

Keep these in your basket so creativity feels effortless.

8. Winter-Themed Puzzles & Quiet Activities

Perfect for keeping little hands busy while you read aloud.

Amazon Ideas:

These are small but powerful attention-holders.

9. Games + Brain Teasers (Quiet Morning Fun)

Games are amazing for waking kids up gently—no yelling, no worksheets, just learning through play.

Amazon Games:

Even 5 minutes can shift the mood.

10. Sensory Basket Add-Ons for Calm Winter Mornings

If you have a younger child (or even a sensory-seeking older one), these help keep mornings peaceful.

Amazon Sensory Items:

Rotate weekly to keep things fun.

11. Winter-Themed Flashcards (Literacy + Math)

Flashcards make learning quick and playful.

Amazon Flashcards:

12. Board Books for Toddlers (If You Have Littles Around)

Short, winter-themed board books help toddlers feel included in morning basket time.

Amazon Picks:

Perfect for moms juggling multiple ages.

13. Cozy Morning Basket Extras (Optional but Magical)

These aren’t necessary, but they transform the vibe of your mornings.

Amazon Extras:

Because let’s be honest—cozy kids learn better.

Sample Winter Morning Basket Setup (So You Can Visualize It)

Here’s a simple example of how your Morning Basket could look on a Tuesday:

  1. Light your candle.

  2. Read one winter picture book.

  3. 5 minutes of copywork from a winter poem.

  4. Add a quick winter nature observation.

  5. Kids work on a quiet winter activity (puzzle, coloring, or sensory tray).

  6. You read a chapter from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

  7. End with prayer, gratitude, or a short reflection.

Total time? 25–30 minutes.
Outcome? A calm, connected start to your entire homeschool day.

Why This Shopping List Actually Solves a Problem

Most homeschool moms struggle with:

  • starting the day consistently

  • keeping kids focused on cold winter mornings

  • finding activities that work for multiple ages

  • feeling overwhelmed with prepping lessons every day

  • burnout (especially in January/February)

A well-planned winter morning basket solves all of that by:

  • giving you a predictable routine

  • requiring almost zero prep

  • providing enough variety to keep kids engaged

  • turning winter into an opportunity instead of a hurdle

  • creating a peaceful mood that lasts the rest of the day

This is why families swear by morning baskets—they’re simple, effective, and grounding.

How to Use This Shopping List Efficiently

Here’s how to make it work without overwhelm:

Step 1: Pick 1–2 items from each category

You don’t need everything. Even a small basket works beautifully.

Step 2: Rotate weekly

Swap books, puzzles, and crafts every 5–7 days.

Step 3: Keep it all in one place

A simple basket or bin from Amazon works perfectly.

Step 4: Use a timer if needed

Some moms do a 20-minute morning basket. Others do 45 minutes.
There is no wrong way.

Step 5: Make it cozy

Blanket + candle + warm drink = instant winter magic.

My Personal Tips for Winter Morning Basket Success

These are things I’ve learned after years of doing it with my kids:

⭐ Always start with a warming-up activity.

Kids need a slow transition, especially in winter.

⭐ Include at least one “high-interest” winter book.

The more magical, the better.

⭐ Have one independent activity for each child.

So you don’t lose your mind.

⭐ Don't overload your basket.

Winter mornings are for peace, not pressure.

⭐ Keep surprises hidden.

A new winter book or sensory item can instantly boost motivation.

Your Master Winter Morning Basket Checklist

To recap, here are the categories to include:

✔ Winter picture books
✔ Winter chapter read-aloud
✔ Poetry/copywork
✔ Nature study
✔ Winter STEM
✔ Devotional/Bible
✔ Short crafts
✔ Puzzles + quiet activities
✔ Games
✔ Sensory items
✔ Flashcards (for early learners)
✔ Board books (if you have littles)
✔ Cozy extras

Everything is available right on Amazon—easy, fast, convenient.

If you want winter homeschool mornings that feel calm and intentional—not rushed and chaotic—start by building your morning basket this week using the Amazon items from this post.

And if you want even more winter homeschool inspiration, printable bundles, planners, and themed unit studies, make sure to check out my store for instant downloads you can add right alongside your morning basket routine.

Your winter mornings can feel peaceful, connected, and productive…
You just need the right tools.

Leave a Comment

I would love to know:
What are you putting in your Winter Morning Basket this year?
Share your ideas, book picks, or questions below—I always reply!

Want More Winter Ideas?

Related Posts You Might Enjoy:

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 ❤️

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