This is the last year that I get to write about grade 1 curriculum choices. I feel old, and I feel like our homeschool journey has only just begun at the same time. This year, Gauge who will be six in November will be doing more school, I’ll actually be planning for him rather than letting him go only at his own pace.
Our Grade 1 Curriculum Choices
Just like in the past, I want to combine some subjects together, with the age gap between Gauge (5) and Austin (10) it is a little more difficult, however.
Social Studies
We’ll be doing social studies together, yay! In September/October we’ll be learning about past Prime Ministers for example as we will be at election time and they’ll already be hearing about it, so this is the perfect time to go a little deeper.
You can see what resources we are using for learning more about Canada in these two posts: Canadian Social Studies and History Options and Books About Canada for Your Homeschool.
Math
For grade one math we’re using RightStart Math. I think it gives them a great start and it is fun, and at 5 or 6 years old, fun is important. We have used RightStart in the past with my girls.
Language Arts Grade 1 Curriculum Choice
This year we are trying something completely new. We are using Grammar Galaxy Nebula. No boring text to read, instead of exciting mission manuals. Short, comical stories teach concepts in a memorable way. Students discover the havoc that ensues when the evil Gremlin tampers with the English language. There are now flashcard packs available as well to use with this level.
Nebula is the first in a series of language arts texts for first to sixth graders, teaches: Reading Skills, Literary Concepts, Vocabulary, Spelling, Grammar, Composition, and Speaking.
Science
I love science, in particular, I love BookShark science to be completely honest. And that is what we are going to be using this year for Gauge’s grade one science. He did sit and listen to it two years ago when we went through it with his sisters so this is will be a fun “refresher” to go through again. It is hands-on, not a lot of worksheets to do, and the books are great.
We aren’t going to focus on a lot for grade one. He’ll most likely listen to books his older sisters and I read out loud, and learn as they go along. His days will not be long, he is still young and play is the most important work for him.
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