So with four kiddos and homeschooling for over 14 years now, we may have learned a lot over the years! We just graduated our first daughter at 17 last May, and it is bitter sweet! So very bitter sweet! We have learned what does not work and what works for us, and we are forever tweaking our curriculum as it suits our family’s needs! Our kiddos are now in 5th, 7th, and 8th (as I’m updating this post for new friends)! So here are our 1st grade picks (for when we had first graders)!

1st Grade Curriculum:
- Handwriting: The Good and the Beautiful
- Math: Masterbooks 2 (and we supplement with Math Facts. I do like Singapore for my girls…but my boys like Masterbooks better…but if using Masterbooks, I’d go up a grade level because I felt it was too easy for my kiddos!)
- Bible: ABC Bible Verses by Susan B Hunt
- Spelling BJU Spelling 1
- Reading: ABC Hear, See Do (Books 1-5), Bob Books, Raz-Kids App (and/or Reading A-Z My kiddos love love love Raz kids app). We supplement with Sight words and Dash Into Learning Books Set 1 and 2 and 3.
- Science: BJU Science 1 Book and Activity Manual. Get the answer key if you think you need it! And we do interest led science as well! Tons of library books based on their interests!
- Social Studies (we are using a ton of books on diversity, inclusion, and black history)
- Finances: Kids Finance Camp app (free to download); and Kids Finance Flash Cards.
  So for clarification: we do not do every subject every single day! We definitely only do Math, Reading, Bible, phonics, Spelling/handwriting daily. The other subjects we integrate every other day! So don’t try to get everything done! An hr to an hour and a half is plenty of work time for a 1st grader with breaks! Go to the library, take walks, go to the zoo! 1st grade should be tons of fun! So use the seasons to integrate fun into your day!
  So here are my thoughts so far on the curriculum we chose! The Good and the Beautiful for handwriting has been absolutely amazing! We love it! Our little one can do it independently while her brothers are working on their handwriting as well! I’m usually reading bible or history during handwriting! And it works out well! Math 2 Masterbooks for our daughter is not challenging enough, so we supplement with Math Facts! I would go up a level for Math using Masterbooks! I personally like Singapore Math better for my girls, but that’s just my personal preference!
  We love ABC Bible verses and have used it for years! Reading we absolutely love love love ABC Hear See Do! It is super easy, and easy to follow, and our little one has learned so much! We also love Dash into Learning Book Set! We have not started science yet because our book is on backorder, but I will review it soon! Our social studies lessons have been so good and enriching! I’m simply reading books that people send me! And it has been amazing! I’ll share more soon!

PS. I’ll be sharing what we are using for 2nd grade in a later blog post or follow me on Instagram!

Update: as a mom who has just graduated her oldest baby girl, looking back on the little years. Relax! You’re doing enough! Back then, I always thought I wasn’t doing enough, and that she would be so far behind. But guess what! One year, she went to school and she was 2 grades ahead! And ended up graduating a year early! Well really, she could’ve graduated 2 years early, but who's counting. So give yourself some grace mom or dad! You’re doing enough! Society and comparison can make you think otherwise, but you know what your child needs! Trust yourself. Relax. And have fun! This is the best journey ever!

Some days you’ll feel like a rockstar! Other days you’ll feel like a failure! And guess what! Your child is just thankful to have you! However you show up! So pick up your coffee, plan, prep, do all the things mama! But most of all, believe that homeschooling is possible, and you are perfect for the job! Until next time friend!

Shelly (updated Sept 19, 2025)