Building Your First Grader's Homeschool Curriculum
Discover how to build a well-rounded first grade homeschool experience that balances academics, creativity, and flexibility—while nurturing confidence and curiosity.
Homeschooling isn’t just school-at-home—it’s a chance to rethink what learning can look like. And in first grade, that freedom really starts to show. Some families follow a structured curriculum with clear goals and subjects. Others embrace unschooling, letting a child’s natural curiosity lead the way. Many take a blended approach, mixing hands-on projects, online classes, nature walks, or microschool-style pods to create a rhythm that fits their child.
There’s no single right way to homeschool. Some first graders are ready to dive into reading and math worksheets; others learn best by baking, building, storytelling, or asking a million “why” questions on a nature walk. What matters most is helping your learner fall in love with learning in a way that feels joyful and true to them.
This guide will help you shape a first-grade experience that’s both effective and enjoyable, with plenty of room for creativity, connection, and growth. If you’re looking to enrich your child’s learning with live, interest-led classes, Outschool offers courses that blend structure with creativity, just right for this stage.
Core subjects and learning objectives for Grade 1
A strong first-grade foundation starts with the core subjects, but that doesn’t mean it has to look like traditional worksheets or rigid schedules. The goal isn’t just to cover reading, math, science, and social studies—it’s to make these subjects come alive in ways that feel exciting and meaningful. Here’s how you can do just that!
Language arts
This is the year reading often begins to take off. Your learner may be moving from decoding individual words to understanding full sentences and short stories. Writing is still emerging for many learners, with an emphasis on forming complete thoughts, experimenting with spelling, and learning the rhythm of language.
Skills your learner might explore this year:
Reading simple books independently with basic comprehension
Recognizing and write all uppercase and lowercase letters
Identifying and use common sight words
Spelling simple CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words phonetically
Writing short sentences using proper spacing and punctuation
Beginning to using descriptive words and sequencing in stories
How to teach it meaningfully:
Create a print-rich environment: Label objects around the house, keep books within easy reach, and encourage your child to write freely—lists, signs, stories, or even notes to the cat all count.
Prioritize reading aloud together: Whether it’s picture books, early readers, or comics, reading aloud introduces vocabulary, builds comprehension, and strengthens your connection.
Follow your child’s interests: Choose books and writing prompts based on what excites them. Dinosaurs? Space? Pets? Lean into their passions to make literacy feel personal and relevant.
Offer choices for writing: Journals, drawing prompts, comic strips, or story cubes can support different comfort levels and learning styles. There’s no single “right” way to write.
Encourage storytelling in any form: Oral storytelling, puppet shows, or video-recorded "reports" help children build narrative skills and expressive language—no pencil necessary.
It is best to keep expectations flexible as a homeschooler. Some kids will be reading fluently by the end of the year, others will still be figuring it out. Celebrate progress and curiosity over benchmarks. Here are some resources that could help you along this journey.
Resources you may find helpful :
Outschool language arts classes – Outschool offers full, first-grade language arts curricula that cover phonics, reading, writing, and spelling. You can also find a wide range of creative, interest-based classes—from storytelling to poetry—that help young readers fall in love with words.
Fry Sight Word List (first 100 words) – A high-frequency word list that supports early reading fluency. Easy to print and track.
"The Reading Strategies Book" by Jennifer Serravallo – A helpful reference for parents looking to support reading comprehension in simple, practical ways.
Handwriting Without Tears: Grade 1 – A developmentally appropriate handwriting program with clear, step-by-step instruction and engaging practice pages. Also supports spelling and sentence formation.
Math
Math in first grade can be joyful, curious, and hands-on. The goal isn’t speed or memorization—it’s confidence, playfulness, and a sense that numbers make sense in their lives. Some families follow a formal math curriculum. Others build math learning into baking, building, nature walks, or games.
Skills your learner might explore this year:
Counting to 100 by 1s, 2s, 5s, and 10s
Understanding place value up to 100 (tens and ones)
Solving simple addition and subtraction within 20
Comparing numbers using greater than, less than, and equal to
Identifying and describing 2D and 3D shapes
Understanding concepts of time (to the hour/half-hour) and simple measurements
How to teach it meaningfully:
Make math part of your daily rhythm: Count snacks, compare shoe sizes, measure ingredients, or tally birds at the feeder. Real-life math helps kids see its relevance and use.
Use tools they can touch and move: Coins, blocks, buttons, or measuring cups can make abstract ideas more concrete. Sorting, grouping, and visualizing are all math superpowers.
Play with numbers through games: Card games, dice, dominoes, and board games build number sense and logic. No worksheets required.
Lean into your child’s interests: Are they into building? Try measuring and planning structures. Love animals? Graph favorite creatures or sort by habitat. Math is everywhere.
Celebrate effort over accuracy: Focus on problem-solving and strategies. Ask questions like, “How did you figure that out?” or “Can you show it a different way?”
Celebrate milestones with small rewards or visuals These can range from sticker charts to graph goals. Visible progress boosts motivation and helps kids feel proud of their efforts. You can even let them help set their own goals for the week.
Resources you may find helpful:
Outschool math classes – Outschool offers a full first-grade math curriculum designed to build confidence and number sense. Kids can master core skills like place value and addition or explore math through puzzles, real-world problem solving, and creative themes like Minecraft.
Singapore Math Primary Mathematics 1A/1B (U.S. Edition) – A highly respected program that emphasizes conceptual understanding and visual models. Great for families who value mastery over memorization.
Math With Confidence: First Grade by Kate Snow – A gentle, open-and-go curriculum that blends hands-on lessons with written practice. Ideal for parents new to teaching math at home.
RightStart Mathematics Level B – Known for its strong focus on mental math and visual strategies using an abacus. Great for learners who benefit from non-traditional methods and movement-based learning.
Miquon Math: Orange Book (First Grade) – A creative, exploratory math program that encourages pattern discovery and mathematical thinking through colorful lab-style worksheets.
Science
First-grade science taps into your child’s natural sense of wonder. This is a time for asking questions, observing the world, and experimenting in playful, hands-on ways. You don’t need a lab or fancy equipment—just a little space for curiosity to unfold.
Skills your learner might explore this year:
Making observations and ask simple science questions
Understanding the basic needs and life cycles of plants and animals
Recognizing and describe weather patterns and seasonal changes
Identifying states of matter (solid, liquid, gas)
Following the steps of the scientific method (ask, predict, test, observe, conclude)
How to teach it meaningfully:
Keep a nature journal with drawings, weather logs, and seasonal observations Encourage your child to document what they see in the backyard or on walks. This builds observation skills and gently introduces data collection over time.
Use household items for safe, hands-on experiments Explore questions like “What melts in the sun?” or “What dissolves in water?” while practicing simple predictions and observations. Add structure by recording results or drawing what happened.
Care for a plant or pet to reinforce life science concepts Talk about needs like water, light, and food while observing changes over time. You can graph growth, draw the life cycle, or take weekly photos to compare.
Incorporate books and videos on science topics Choose short, engaging content on habitats, weather, or simple machines. Follow up with open-ended questions like “What surprised you?” or “What would you explore next?”
Encourage your child to share findings with others Have them give a short “science show-and-tell” to family members or record a mini report on video. This builds confidence and helps synthesize what they’ve learned.
Connect with the real world: Visit nature centers, aquariums, or science museums. Or, bring in virtual experiences through videos and live online classes.
Let science be playful: Mud kitchens, seed planting, water play, and shadow tracing are all ways to explore big ideas like matter, life cycles, and energy, without formal instruction.
Resources you may find helpful:
Outschool science classes – Outschool features full science curriculum options for first grade, along with classes that dig into topics like animal habitats, weather, and simple chemistry. With hands-on experiments, live instruction, and the freedom to follow a learner’s curiosity, these classes make it easy to love Science.
Blossom and Root Level 1: Science – Wonders of the Earth & Sky – A gentle, nature-based science curriculum designed to inspire awe and curiosity. Ideal for families who want a secular, creative, and holistic approach that centers exploration over memorization.
Real Science Odyssey Level 1: Life Science (Pandia Press) – A secular, literature-based curriculum with structured labs and reading comprehension built into each unit. Ideal for ages 6–8.
Building Foundations of Scientific Understanding, Vol. 1 by Bernard Nebel – A comprehensive science framework that builds logical connections between topics over time. Best when used gradually, alongside hands-on exploration.
Social studies
Social studies in first grade is all about helping your child see where they fit into the wider world—starting with family, neighborhood, and community. It’s a chance to explore relationships, traditions, and simple history through stories, maps, and real-world experiences.
Skills your learner might explore this year:
Recognizing different types of communities and community helpers
Identifying needs and wants, and how people work to meet them
Understanding family traditions, celebrations, and cultural differences
Using simple maps and identify landforms or key locations
Beginning to understand past vs. present through stories and timelines
How to teach it meaningfully:
Create a simple family tree or scrapbook to explore heritage Talk about where family members are from, traditions they celebrate, or how things have changed over time. Add photos, drawings, or interviews with relatives.
Read stories from different cultures and time periods Choose books that introduce new perspectives in a way that’s relatable. After reading, ask your child to reflect: “What do we do that’s the same? What’s different?”
Draw or build simple maps of familiar places Start with a bedroom or backyard, then expand to a neighborhood map with landmarks. Use this to introduce map keys, directions, and symbols.
Role-play community jobs and create pretend spaces like a post office or store This helps children understand how people contribute to the community. Add paper money, name tags, or “helper” badges to make it more immersive.
Introduce current events in an age-appropriate way Discuss holidays, weather changes, or community happenings. Encourage simple connections like, “Why do people help after a storm?” or “What does a mayor do?”
Resources you may find helpful:
Outschool social studies classes – From community roles and family traditions to beginner geography and world cultures, you’ll find full social studies curricula available on Outschool. Kids can also explore unique topics like cultures around the globe—perfect for broadening perspectives.
Curiosity Chronicles – A secular, story-based history curriculum that introduces world cultures and historical thinking through engaging dialogue and activities.
Gallopade Social Studies Curriculum (My First-grade Weekly Reader or Community & Me) – A standards-aligned option that includes simple texts and activities on civics, history, and geography for younger learners.
Core Knowledge History & Geography: Grade 1 – A free, content-rich curriculum offering printable student readers and teacher guides on topics like early civilizations, U.S. symbols, and world holidays.
Enrichment subjects
First grade is full of big ideas—and kids need more than worksheets to explore them! Enrichment subjects like art, music, and physical activity not only support brain development but also help build emotional awareness, coordination, and confidence. These are not just “nice to haves”—they’re powerful tools for nurturing a joyful, balanced education.
Skills your learner might explore this year:
Using a variety of art materials to create original works and explore elements like color, shape, and texture
Recognizing rhythm, melody, and tempo through music and movement
Expressing feelings through drawing, singing, dancing, and pretend play
Understanding basic health habits and demonstrate increasing body control in physical activity
Practicing social-emotional skills like taking turns, sharing, empathy, and resilience
How to teach it meaningfully:
Start the day or break it up with movement-based routines Use short bursts of yoga, stretching, or dance to help kids regulate energy levels. These transitions also improve the focus of the academic work that follows.
Create an “art station” stocked with simple materials Offer a rotating supply of crayons, watercolor sets, scissors, glue, and recyclable items for open-ended projects. Give occasional themes, but let your child take the creative lead.
Use music to build memory and rhythm awareness Incorporate songs that teach concepts (like the days of the week or counting by fives), or just play music for fun sing-alongs and dance breaks. Clapping, tapping, or marching to the beat also supports motor planning.
Connect emotions to creative expression Use drawing or storytelling prompts to help kids name and express their feelings. For example: “Draw what your day felt like” or “Make up a song about something that made you smile.”
Introduce basic health and wellness routines Talk about nutrition, hygiene, and emotional safety in age-appropriate ways. Role-playing, visual charts, or read-alouds can reinforce healthy habits gently and consistently.
Create chances for social connection—even in solo learning During art, games, or enrichment activities, discuss the value of effort, flexibility, and working through frustration. Encourage kids to reflect on their feelings and choices as part of the learning process.
Resources you may find helpful:
Outschool enrichment classes – Explore live and flexible classes in art, music, movement, and mindfulness. From beginner piano to dance parties to theater games, these classes help learners stay engaged while building real-world skills.
Musictime Kids: First Steps in Music (by John Feierabend) – A playful, research-backed approach to music literacy that uses echo songs, movement games, and call-and-response to build rhythm and pitch recognition.
The Usborne Complete Book of Art Ideas – A treasure trove of age-appropriate, visually engaging art projects using household and art supplies. Great for project-based or free-choice learning days.
Spark PE K–2 Curriculum Guide – A widely used, standards-based physical education program for early learners, with lesson ideas that build motor skills and promote lifelong movement habits.
Sample daily and weekly schedules
A strong homeschool rhythm doesn’t need to follow a strict clock—it just needs to match your child’s energy, attention span, and learning style. Here’s a sample schedule to show you what that may look like:
Use morning focus for core subjects if you feel like attention and energy are high at this time Mornings often work well for reading, writing, or math, but feel free to follow your child’s natural curiosity wherever it shows up. Keep sessions short, with plenty of breaks for creativity and connection.
Break up learning with movement Add a 5–10 minute activity every 20–30 minutes—jumping jacks, stretching, or a quick walk around the room—to reset focus and keep the energy flowing.
Try themed days for variety Lightly themed days like “Science Monday” or “Art Friday” can give your week structure and spark anticipation. It’s an easy way to rotate through enrichment subjects without overplanning.
Blend independent work with support Mornings can include guided lessons or parent-led instruction, while afternoons offer quieter time for puzzles, journals, or hands-on projects your child can explore on their own.
Protect time for curiosity and connection You can set aside one day—or even one afternoon each week—for passion projects, nature walks, library visits, or field trips. These moments keep learning meaningful and build real-world connections.
Track progress, not just output Try using a simple checklist or weekly reflection page to notice what’s working, what needs adjusting, and what sparked your child’s interest.
Schedules can be a helpful tool for organizing your days and planning learning experiences, but just like every child is different, no two days are exactly the same. Staying flexible, tuning into your learner’s energy and interests, and being open to the unexpected can make homeschooling a more joyful, enriching experience for both you and your learner.
Common questions about homeschooling a first grader
Got questions about homeschooling your first grader? We’ve put together the most common ones we come across so that you can begin this journey with confidence!
How many hours a day should I homeschool my first grader?
Most families find that 1.5 to 3 hours of focused learning is plenty at this age. The rest of the day can be filled with play, reading, outdoor time, and hands-on exploration.
Do I need to follow a specific curriculum?
Not necessarily. Some states require you to report learning objectives, but you can often mix structured curriculum with interest-led learning, online classes, and real-world experiences. Check your local regulations to be sure.
What subjects should I focus on in first grade?
That depends on your child and your approach. Many families include reading, writing, and math, while others blend in science, social studies, and enrichment through everyday life, projects, or play. The goal isn’t to cover every subject—it’s to nurture curiosity, connection, and growth in a way that fits your learner.
How do I know if my child is on track?
Progress looks different for every child, especially in a personalized learning environment. You might notice growth through conversations, creative work, or newfound confidence in a skill. Some families use checklists or portfolios, while others track progress through reflection and observation. There’s no one right way—follow your learner’s rhythm.
Can my child still socialize while homeschooling?
Absolutely. Many families build in social time through co-ops, playdates, enrichment classes, or online learning communities. Live classes on Outschool are a great way for kids to connect while learning.
What if I’m not confident teaching a certain subject?
You don’t have to do it all alone. Use resources like guided workbooks, project kits, or Outschool’s live classes to supplement the areas where you’d like extra support.
Making your first grade homeschool plan work
Homeschooling a first grader works best when you stay flexible and responsive to what helps your child learn. Pay attention to what engages them, prepare materials ahead when you can, and mix in a variety of activities to keep things fresh. Simple routines and small celebrations can go a long way.
If you're looking for extra support or inspiration along the way, Outschool offers flexible classes and resources that can easily fit into your rhythm—bringing new energy to the subjects your child loves most.
