Our 2016-2017 Homeschool Curriculum Choices (1st Grade)

It's happening, people. We have officially started our homeschool here at Pleas Snow Jr. Schools (the name of our homschool -- after my late grandpa.) We have 5 of the 6 kids in school, although I have to get printables and busy work for the toddler, too. Or else he pitches fits.

So many ask what we are doing, and since we have to roundup the great, big, fat list for the Department of Education here in Nebraska, I thought I'd share with you, too! Feel free to ask questions about the how's or why's on our Facebook page.



1st Grade (Marcus)


Marcus is just now sounding out words, is crazy obsessed with building things, and loves math. He is very curious and always happy. We chose the following based on what has worked with other kids and what we know about his personality.


Reading/Phonics



jollyliteracy.com's Jolly Phonics (Book I and II) - This is a great program, made even better with the addition of the Can Do Cubes. My son loves how it is laid out well for him, and I appreciate that it is a well-developed phonics program that is easy for parents to direct.


History


We like read-aloud's for history. In addition to having him join the older kids for their listening of the Heirloom Audio series that we enjoy, I read the following aloud to our kids in the 1st grade:


Fifty Famous Stories Retold by James Baldwin



Our Island Story by H.E. Marshall

Geography


 

Paddle to the Sea is a great read following the Charlotte Mason method of learning and full of amazing illustrations. Kids  really love this book.

Natural History/Science


When kids are this little, I'm content to have them do more read-alouds, accompanied by coloring sheets or copywork from SuperTeacherWorksheets.com or NotebookingPages.com.

The books I use for 1st - 3rd grade are:


The Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock - This is a huge book. Be prepared to spend a bit and use it for many years.

The Burgess Animals Book for Children by Thornton Burgess - Full of lovely photos, this classic book may not be available as a hard copy, but is available on ebook!

Math



For my elementary students, I'm a big fan of Singapore Math. By 1st grade, most of my kids are ready for the level 1A books. (Be sure to check out their scratch and dent section of their site for really discounted books that come up from time to time.) I recommend doing the placement test at their website if your child is beyond preschool concepts to ensure proper placement.

Health


We reviewed the Alpha Omega Horizons Health program a few years back and my boys really enjoyed it. I think that if I wanted to have a formal curriculum to supplement our daily "teachable moments" I would not hesitate to use it again.


Literature & Copywork



Good books are the foundation to any good homeschool. The Veritas Press First Favorites books are so perfect for this! Kids will read the following titles and complete activities and copywork for each one:


Physical Education


Finally, we try to exercise regularly by letting the boys play in the yard, work in the garden, or hang around the park. If you are looking for a good homeschool physical educational curriculum, however, I really recommend FamilyTimeFitness!

This is the entire curriculum for our 1st grader! We'll be posting what the rest of our kids are using this year later in the week.


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