I’m all about making learning hands on, because kids learn through play, making mistakes, and manipulating the world around them. These few resources I’ve chosen are rigorous academically, but FUN! As a homeschool mom, I was at my best when I had materials in front of me that were user friendly for me as a teacher, and lesson planning was one thing I could cross off my list.
Handwriting Without Tears– While I cannot guarantee there will be no tears, this is a great handwriting curriculum that served our family well over the years. You’ll want the Beginner Kit, especially if you have a child who isn’t as fond of workbooks. If you are looking for a curriculum that will teach writing in italics I recommend D’Nealian handwriting workbooks as they transition seamlessly into learning cursive.
All About Spelling– no matter where your kids are in their spelling, start with Level 1. You can work through it quickly and it will lay a foundation for excellent spelling all the way through. My kids loved the phonogram tiles and the realization that spelling could be so simple once they understood the building blocks of words!
Early Readers– with the foundation of All About Spelling, your kids will be ready to read! Here’s a list of some of our favorite early readers: Bob Books, Frog and Toad books, Little Bear books.
First Language Lessons– Introduce your children to grammar in short simple lessons, and along the way they’ll memorize fun poetry as well!
Writing With Ease– ages 7+, this is an excellent companion to First Language Lessons. You do not need the teacher book The Complete Writer, as the lessons in full are in the student workbook.
Story of the World– History written in a way that is enjoyable to listen to is way more readily absorbed. On top of that, the student workbooks have coloring pages and map work and more to support learning. We also love the Kingfisher History Encyclopedia, and the Usborne Book of World History. We would usually spend one day per week finding and reading the pages that corresponded to what we had learned that week in Story of the World.
Horizons Math– With the teacher guide in hand, at any level, you’ll be amazed that you are teaching math. At least I was! My kids loved to use math manipulatives, and a simple kit like this one can supplement learning in almost every lesson.
Teaching Textbooks– If you want a digital option for one of your subjects, this could be it. We used this curriculum, which begins with 3rd grade math, for two years before sending our kids to a charter school. It comes with a cd rom, student workbook and answer booklet. Your student will complete lessons on the computer and their grades are recorded in a grade book for you!
Usborne First Encyclopedia of Science– Really, ALL of Usborne’s science content is great, this one is just a starting point. You can easily find Usborne books to teach and support your children in learning what they would have in school this year, but you’ll probably have a lot more fun! We loved using the Quicklinks found in the books to do more research!
If you are looking for read-alouds to enjoy with your children or excellent books to challenge them with please see my post Bonding Over Great Books.
Mommas, I hope these resources help! There is nothing easy about what we have been walking through the last 5 months, and the decisions we have been faced with as the 2020-2021 school year approaches quickly. I commend you and I’m here for you!
*This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. I earn from qualifying purchases, but rest assured your price remains the sam. Thanks for supporting South Austin Moms!