Welcome to our ninth year of homeschooling! Let’s talk curriculum picks. (Inquiring minds want to know…) This year we’ve made some big changes.
Recently my oldest daughter, who’s been homeschooled from kindergarten, decided she wanted to attend high school at a hybrid program at a public charter. She’s now enrolled there as a freshman. (Baby grown-ups have no business!)
Since my younger two have expressed interest in possibly doing the same down the road, I’ve been moving them toward more structured learning. Last year was a major year of transition. Not only did we move cross-country, but we went from unschooling to using curriculum almost overnight. We joined an academic co-op so my kids could make friends in our new community and so that I could have some support while we got re-established.
This year I have another challenge: three kids at home to teach, plus one navigating high school work. My son starts first grade, which is always the big year when I start math and teaching my kids to read. To be honest, I’ve been a little anxious about being able to give him the same experiences and focused attention as my older kids got at his age. Fortunately, first grade homeschool doesn’t need to take very long, and a good picture book list covers so many things.
The strategy is to combine my two middles (5th and 7th) as much as possible so I can fit in focused time for Levi. Then in the afternoons I’ll be working with my high schooler on her assignments. Though we won’t be doing a lot of family-style learning, due to this spread of ages (which is a little sad) the mantra this year is a big Steve Gunn “make it work.”
If you’re juggling multiple ages, especially early years, my Whole Family Learning Rhythms course can help you create a schedule that gives each child attention while keeping your day manageable.
Here’s what we’re doing:
First Grade Curriculum
First grade is such a magical season with all the nostalgic read alouds and new skills. In some ways, I’m weary to start all over again, and in other ways, I’m trying to savor cracking open Charlotte’s Web and our box of math blocks one more time. Here’s what my youngest will be working on:
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Math: Math-U-See Primer – colorful blocks and a visually focused workbook that make numbers feel like play. All of my kids started math with this program.
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Phonics & Reading: Explode the Code phonics books + these classic Memoria Press Phonics Flashcards. Tried-and-true basics that actually stick. Of course, we’ll also be breaking out The Bob Books as our first reader! This is how my kids have all learned to read.
- Handwriting: Draw Write Now, A simple handwriting curriculum for kids who love to draw. We will probably do this 1-2 times a week.
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Literature, Science, History, Language Arts: Five in a Row, Volume 2. I’ve been recommended this curriculum a lot, and this year we’re finally giving it a shot. My son has been loving the books so far.
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Read-Alouds: We’re starting with Charlotte’s Web and planning to read through a list of classic, early read alouds.
With the exception of Five in a Row these programs are all tried-and-true curricula I’ve personally used with all of my children and recommend over and over again.
If you’re feeling unsure about curriculum choices for your own family, check out my course Curriculum with Confidence, which walks you step-by-step through selecting materials that match your kids and your homeschool style.
Fifth & Seventh Grade Curriculum
Having upper elementary and middle schoolers means our days are more structured, but still flexible enough to let us work together. My 5th and 7th grader will be combining in a few subjects, while also working within their own math levels.
Language Arts
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Bravewriter Partnership Writing Projects. This level is a bit low for my seventh grader, but she doesn’t enjoy writing so I thought I’d keep it approachable and fun.
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Bravewriter Arrow Literature Guide: I’m looking forward to finally trying this curriculum. The program provides a read aloud list with guides that highlight grammar and literature devices. (In the past we have done The Writer’s Box from Write-On Workshops, which has the same appeal but in a Kiwi Crate-like experience!)
History
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The Story of the World, Volume IV with student pages. Last year my kids loved this straightforward curriculum along with sheets to color as they listened. I let them choose the level, and they unanimously picked the Modern Age.
Science
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The History of Science by Beautiful Feet Books. This literature-based science curriculum is discontinued, but I tracked it down. Think biographies, experiments, and Charlotte Mason features like copywork and a timeline. We are starting with Archimedes, and I think I’m more excited about it than anyone.
Math
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Saxon Math at individual levels. My daughter chose this a few years ago as her math and I can’t believe I’m writing this: but….I love it. I grew up on Saxon math (so maybe it’s just familiar territory that my brain tracks with) but it’s been such a thorough and simple approach to math that I decided to move everyone over to it.
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Nicole the Math Lady I have come to rely on these instruction videos. They are a must with multiple kids in different levels, especially once you start to go into long arithmetic. (About fourth grade or so.)
Skills
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Typing practice on Typing.com.
Family Devotional
Alongside academics, we’re focusing on faith and biblical literacy this year. As a family, we’re reading through the New Testament using The Bible Recap commentary.
If you’re curious how to weave faith into your homeschool day, my newsletter shares monthly tips about faith, motherhood, and short reviews of what I’m reading—plus a few of my favorite things lately. It’s a great way to get inspiration and encouragement straight to your inbox.
Why This Mix Works
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My first grader gets personal attention and the experience of learning through stories.
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My older two share history, science, and language arts to keep things simple.
- My high schooler gets to test her wings with a high school experience: exams, Google Classroom, and the art classes she’s always wanted to take.
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Our devotional time gets us together in the same room at least a few times a week.
Looking Ahead
Though we have a lot of tried-and-true classic homeschool picks, there’s no guarantee we won’t cull a few things as we go!
If you’re feeling uncertain about which curriculum to choose for your family, I highly recommend my course, Curriculum with Confidence, designed to help you pick the right programs without the stress or overwhelm. It comes with a curated list of proven, crowd-tested curriculum recommendations too! (Find a short list of our favorite curriculum here along with our most-used supplies!)
Want to homeschool but not sure how to get started? Try my free course, The Simple Start Mini course!
With multiple ages in your homeschool, especially if you’re navigating the early years alongside older children, finding a smooth rhythm can feel impossible. That’s exactly why I created Whole Family Learning Rhythms, my signature course for juggling multiple children and keeping learning flowing for everyone.
Not sure whether your family leans toward unschooling or a more traditional academic approach? My most popular course, The Homeschool DNA Workshop, will help you understand your family’s natural learning style and design a homeschool that truly fits your kids and your values.
If you want monthly inspiration, tips for faith and motherhood, short reviews of what I’m reading, and a few of my favorite things lately, subscribe to my newsletter. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for snapshots of our life, resources, and encouragement along the way.
Whether you’re picking curriculum, managing multiple ages, or discovering your family’s unique learning style, there’s a course to guide you—and a community of homeschoolers cheering you on!
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