Hello! Today, I wanted to share with you my curriculum picks specifically for my 1st grader. We do some subjects family style, and then I work one-on-one when it comes to other subjects. We do math and language arts one-on-one.
Let's get to it!
Math
Math is super simple. We use BJU Math 1 (4th edition). This has been a good fit for my son. When it comes to rigor, I would rate this slightly above average. It's straight and to the point. There's really no fluff, but my son loves math. The main workbook we use is in color, which he likes.
There are several books that come in this curriculum. There is a teacher guide. I don't use it. Math was always a strong subject for me, and this is my second time around teaching 1st grade math. I will explain any new concept to my son as we come to it. I do sometimes incorporate manipulatives when explaining something new. He is very quick to pick up new math concepts.
There is also a "Worktext" book and a "Review" book. We mainly work though the "Worktext" book. If my son does need some extra practice on a concept, we will go to the "Review" book for additional practice.
Language Arts
While math is definitely a favorite subject for my 1st grader, he does well in language arts too. This year, we are continuing to work primarily on phonics and reading. Toward the end of the year, we will also begin to gently introduce some grammar concepts.
Phonics and Reading
Last year, we used the first two out of three Dash into Learning book sets to teach Owen phonics. These worked amazingly well. This year, when it came to their final phonics book set, it feels a bit rushed to me. With more advanced phonics introduced, I feel there are too many new sounds introduced at once. I've found my son wants to get on with the story and move onto the next book before he is ready. Because of this, I've been spreading out how often we use Dash and weaving several lessons from The Well-Trained Mind's An Ordinary Guide to Teaching Reading in between.
In addition, I go through Memoria Press' Kindergarten Phonics Supplemental Workbook. While it is entitled "Kindergarten," we followed along in it as he learned phonics rule in the Dash books. Because of this, he has about a quarter of the book to continue though.
Finally, we read picture books and other readers together. These selections really vary. If the book is at his reading level, we'll take turns reading aloud. If it's above his reading level, I'll read but move my finger along the words so he can see them as I read.
That's it! First grade seems pretty short and sweet compared to our third grade homeschool curriculum picks! Keeping our focus on phonics, reading, and math facts worked really well last time around, so why change it?