Homeschool by grade
Homeschool Kindergarten
Kindergarten at home is short lessons, lots of reading aloud, and learning through play. The two skills worth a daily lesson are phonics and early math; everything else can come from books, projects and time outdoors.
What to teach in kindergarten
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
- Count to 100 by ones and tens
- Count objects and write numbers to 20
- Add and subtract within 10 using objects or fingers
- Name and draw basic shapes
- Compare more, less and the same
Reading
- Know every letter and its main sound
- Blend short words like cat, sun and pig
- Read a small set of sight words
- Retell a story in order
Writing
- Hold a pencil correctly
- Write their name and most letters
- Write simple words the way they sound
Science
- Weather and seasons
- Plants and what they need
- Animals and their homes
- The five senses
Social studies
- Family and community helpers
- Days of the week and months
- Rules and why we have them
By the end of the year
- Recognizes all upper and lowercase letters
- Reads short words by sounding them out
- Counts to 100
- Adds within 10
- Writes their own name
A sample day
| 9:00 | Calendar, read-aloud and a song or poem |
| 9:20 | Phonics and reading practice |
| 9:40 | Math with hands-on materials |
| 10:00 | Snack and outdoor play |
| 10:40 | Handwriting or drawing |
| 11:00 | Science or history story, project or nature walk |
Tips for this year
- Stop while it is still fun: ten good minutes beats thirty frustrated ones.
- Read aloud every day, well above their reading level.
- Check whether your state requires notice for a 5-year-old: many start at 6 or 7.
Rules for notice, attendance and testing depend on where you live: see your state’s homeschool law.
Choosing curriculum
Free tools for this grade
Questions parents ask
Do I have to homeschool kindergarten officially?
It depends on your state’s compulsory school age. Many states do not require notice until 6 or 7, but some count kindergarten. Check your state’s page.
Is my child ready for kindergarten work?
Signs of readiness include interest in letters, sitting for a short story, and holding a crayon. If not yet, more play and read-alouds is the right curriculum.