Homeschool by grade
Homeschool 1st Grade
First grade is the year most children become readers. Daily phonics, a short math lesson and plenty of read-alouds are the core; science and history can be stories and hands-on projects.
Ages 6 to 7About 1.5 to 2.5 hours a day
What to teach in 1st grade
What children typically learn by the end of the year. Use it as a guide, not a rule: homeschoolers can go faster or slower in each subject.
Math
- Add and subtract within 20 quickly
- Understand tens and ones
- Count, read and write to 120
- Tell time to the hour and half hour
- Measure length with objects
Reading
- Read short and long vowel words
- Read blends and digraphs (sh, ch, th)
- Read simple books aloud smoothly
- Answer who, what, where questions about a story
Writing
- Write complete sentences with a capital and a period
- Spell common short words
- Write a few sentences on one topic
Science
- Life cycles of plants and animals
- Light and sound
- Sun, moon and stars
Social studies
- Maps and directions
- Then and now: how life has changed
- National symbols and holidays
By the end of the year
- Reads simple books independently
- Knows addition and subtraction facts to 10 from memory
- Writes 3 to 5 related sentences
- Tells time to the half hour
A sample day
| 8:30 | Read-aloud and memory work |
| 9:00 | Phonics, reading and spelling |
| 9:40 | Math lesson and practice |
| 10:20 | Break and outdoor time |
| 10:45 | Handwriting and writing |
| 11:15 | Science or history (alternate days) |
| Afternoon | Independent reading, art, music, chores |
Tips for this year
- Have your child read aloud to you every day, even for five minutes.
- Use objects for math before worksheets.
- Keep one work sample a month for your records.
Rules for notice, attendance and testing depend on where you live: see your state’s homeschool law.
Free tools for this grade
Questions parents ask
How long should 1st grade homeschool take?
Most families finish focused work in 2 to 3 hours, with reading, play and chores filling the rest of the day.
What if my 1st grader is not reading yet?
Many children click between 6 and 8. Keep phonics short and daily, and talk to a specialist if letters and sounds stay confusing.