Families who make the decision early to homeschool their children need to take plenty of time to find the right 1st grade homeschool curriculum that follows through until 12th grade. The importance of this decision cannot be understated because students need consistency, reliability and a curriculum that logically builds on its concepts. If children start learning from one textbook and then are switched to a different program, they may be able to adjust over time but the process takes a backward step because the new textbook’s approach may be different, repetitive or way ahead of where the student was. By choosing a quality backed program from the first day, parents can have peace of mind that their child is receiving the best education and can stay with the same homeschool curriculum through the progression of grades.
Teaching elementary students at home is a satisfying and challenging reward because it requires parents to be fully involved with the print curriculum supplied by the homeschool program. Every subject should be fully covered in detail with appropriate grade level concepts and assignments so the typical first grader can be confident that they are learning the building blocks which will help them in 2nd grade. The daily lesson planner is a great resource for parents to help keep everyone on track while still providing flexibility to change the lessons based on the family’s personal schedule and unexpected situations. When you find 1st grade homeschool curriculum in the program, take time to also look for supplemental books so the student can have extra practice for homework or to try on their own.
Since parents are the primary teachers for K-2nd grade, it is necessary to enroll in a top homeschool program but also to have an idea of the concepts that should be taught for the students to understand. These are the foundational years of education during which reading, writing and math are the priorities to help ensure students are successful in the later grades. Repetition is a great way to help younger children learn and remember the concepts they are learning in school especially if the parent can make it fun through creative activities and family outings. Don’t just rely on the textbooks as many students in this age group need more than just book work to fully comprehend the idea being taught. The best homeschool curriculum will have bright pictures, story-telling and assignments that are designed to engage the student so parents can build on this to make the experience even more educational and positive.
Math is one of those subjects that young students immediately learn to love or hate but it’s a core class that will not go away so it’s critical that parents do what they can to get students involved and moving forward even if it isn’t their favorite subject. Some of the best ways to do this is to make math fun with flashcards, online games, phone apps and even outings with the family. Parents can take their child to the grocery store and use this errand to teach math while giving the student a fun memory associated with the subject. This way, students not only see the importance of learning math at a young age but also a fun side to the challenging subject. This same approach should be applied to any subject the student struggles with so they do not give up or get frustrated about having to study it.
In addition to teaching the educational basics so students will have something to build on in later grades, parents need to encourage good habits for studying, assignments and health. In the beginning, parents should have a daily schedule that is consistent so students understand when they will be starting and stopping their school day as well as including break times, lunch and outdoor activity. As students get older, they can become more independent and gradually adjust their schedule that works with personal changes, but they will understand the concept of being organized, setting time aside for getting their work done and taking care of themselves. This holistic approach is not only beneficial in school but will help them in college and the workforce once they become adults so they can keep balance between personal and professional aspects of their lives.
The path to a successful education starts when you find 1st grade homeschool curriculum engaged with a top homeschool program. Take time to learn the process, pitfalls to avoid, how to engage kids while maintaining structure and adding onto the curriculum so that it isn’t just about learning from a textbook. These early years will help students enjoy and get through the later grades which can be more challenging and difficult as the material gets harder, but they will already have the tools to do well and preserve to the end.
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