Best Free Homeschool Curriculum for 1st Grade

Finding the best free homeschool curriculum for 1st grade is a foundational step in creating a vibrant and effective learning environment for your child. This is a magical year where children transition from pre-reading to becoming real readers, and this guide provides a complete, no-cost plan to make that journey a success. We have assembled a full first grade curriculum using top-tier, secular-friendly resources that are entirely free, so you can provide a high-quality education without the financial burden. This DIY plan is more than just a list; it's a structured, day-by-day framework for language arts, math, science, and social studies. Our goal is to empower you with the confidence and tools to foster a love of learning during this critical academic year.

What Should a 1st Grader Be Learning? (A Quick Overview)

First grade is arguably one of the most important years in a child's education. The primary focus is the "big three": reading, writing, and arithmetic. A 1st grader is moving from knowing letters and sounds to decoding words and reading simple sentences fluently. In math, they are transitioning from basic number sense to mastering addition and subtraction. Beyond academics, the goal is to cultivate curiosity, develop longer attention spans for seated work, and learn to follow multi-step instructions, all while keeping learning fun and engaging.

Key Academic Milestones for a 1st Grader

These milestones provide a clear picture of the learning targets for the year. They serve as a guidepost for your homeschool plan, helping you track progress and celebrate achievements.

1.  Reading & Language Arts

a. Reads and decodes CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words like "cat" and "sun."

b. Knows a significant number of high-frequency sight words (e.g., the, and, is, it).

c. Reads grade-level books with increasing fluency and can retell the main events of a story.

d. Understands basic punctuation like periods, question marks, and exclamation points.

2.  Writing

a. Prints all upper- and lowercase letters clearly.

b. Writes simple but complete sentences that begin with a capital letter and end with punctuation.

c. Uses "inventive spelling" to write about their own experiences and ideas.

3.  Mathematics

a. Counts, reads, and writes numbers up to 100 or 120.

b. Understands and applies addition and subtraction facts fluently within 20.

c. Understands basic place value (tens and ones).

d. Can tell time to the hour and half-hour and identify basic coins.

4.  Science & Social Studies

a. Learns about weather, seasons, plants, and animals.

b. Understands the concepts of past and present and can use simple maps.

c. Learns about community helpers and family traditions.

Core Subjects & Top Secular Curriculum Picks

Here is your complete, free 1st-grade curriculum. We have selected a primary "spine" for each subject to provide structure, along with supplements for practice and fun.

1. Language Arts (Reading, Writing, & Phonics)

Learning Goals: To build a confident reader through a strong phonics foundation, master sight words, and develop early writing skills.

Your Free Curriculum Plan:

Core Spine: The Good and the Beautiful Language Arts Level 1. The PDF of this curriculum is available as a 100% free download. It is a comprehensive, open-and-go program that beautifully integrates phonics, reading, writing, spelling, grammar, and even art appreciation. It is expertly designed to take a child from the basics to becoming a solid reader in one year.

Digital Practice: Starfall.com. The free version of Starfall is a perfect digital companion. It offers engaging, game-like activities that reinforce phonics rules and help children practice reading simple stories in a fun, interactive way.

Reading Material: Your local public library. Make weekly library trips a non-negotiable part of your routine. Let your child choose from a wide variety of "early reader" books to practice their new skills and discover the joy of reading for pleasure.

2. Mathematics

Learning Goals: To build a rock-solid understanding of addition and subtraction, develop number sense to 100, and introduce concepts of time, money, and geometry.

Your Free Curriculum Plan:

Core Spine: Zearn Math. Zearn is a top-tier, non-profit organization that provides its entire K-8 math curriculum for free. The 1st-grade course (Missions 1-6) includes short, engaging digital video lessons followed by practice problems and corresponding paper-based "Student Notes" that you can print. It is a complete, structured, and highly effective program.

Alternative/Supplement: Khan Academy's 1st Grade Math Course. Khan Academy offers another complete, free course with instructional videos and practice problems. It's an excellent resource for reviewing tricky concepts or for students who prefer a slightly different teaching style.

Hands-On Practice: Use household items as manipulatives. Dried beans, buttons, or LEGO bricks are perfect for practicing addition and subtraction hands-on, which is critical for deep understanding at this age.

3. Science & Social Studies

Learning Goals: To spark curiosity about the world through exposure to foundational concepts in life science, earth science, history, and geography.

Your Free Curriculum Plan:

Core Spine: Core Knowledge Foundation's Grade 1 Curriculum. This is the gold standard for free, content-rich learning. Download their detailed lesson plans and teacher guides for Grade 1 History & Geography (covering topics from ancient civilizations to maps) and Science (covering plants, animals, and the human body). The curriculum is based on read-alouds, making it easy and engaging.

Video Supplement: SciShow Kids and Crash Course Kids on YouTube. These channels provide fun, short, and scientifically accurate videos that answer the "why" questions first graders are famous for. Use them to bring topics from your Core Knowledge readings to life.

Hands-On Science: Mystery Science. While it is a paid program, Mystery Science offers a number of free, full starter lessons that are easy to follow and incredibly engaging for this age group.

How to Choose the Best Curriculum for a 1st Grader

Even with these stellar free options, tailoring the plan to your family is crucial for success.

1.  Consider Your Child's Learning Style:
Does your child thrive with digital games (Zearn, Starfall) or do they prefer beautiful worksheets and physical books (The Good and the Beautiful)? A great benefit of this DIY approach is that you can blend these resources to create a perfect balance of screen-time and hands-on work that keeps your child engaged and happy.

2.  Evaluate Your Own Teaching Style:
Are you looking for an "open-and-go" curriculum that tells you exactly what to do each day, like The Good and the Beautiful? Or do you prefer a more flexible framework like Core Knowledge, where you guide the learning through read-alouds and discussions? Choose a primary "spine" that aligns with the amount of prep time and teaching involvement you are comfortable with.

3.  Balance On-Screen and Off-Screen Time:
While digital resources like Zearn and Khan Academy are fantastic, it's vital to balance them with plenty of off-screen learning. Ensure your day includes reading physical books, writing on paper, and playing with hands-on math manipulatives. This multi-sensory approach is key to deep learning at this age.

4.  Incorporate Play-Based Learning:
First grade should not be all desk work. The best curriculum is one that leaves ample room for learning through play. Build with blocks to learn about geometry, play board games to practice counting, and take nature walks to observe the science happening all around you.

5.  Check Your State's Homeschool Laws:
Before you begin, research your state's specific homeschooling requirements. Some states require you to teach certain subjects or keep a portfolio of work. Organizations like the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) provide free summaries of these laws to ensure your plan is compliant.

A Recommended Schedule for a 1st Grader

A predictable routine helps first graders feel secure and ready to learn. This is a sample schedule; keep lessons short (15-25 minutes) and flexible.

Things to Consider When Homeschooling a 1st Grader

1.  Reading Aloud is the Silver Bullet: Even after your child begins to read independently, you should continue to read aloud to them every single day. Reading books that are above their own reading level exposes them to rich vocabulary, complex sentence structures, and fascinating stories. This single habit builds their comprehension skills and fosters a lifelong love of reading more than any other activity.

2.  Keep Formal Lessons Short and Sweet: A first grader's attention span for focused, seated work is short, typically around 15-25 minutes at most. Trying to push past this limit usually leads to frustration for both of you. It is far more effective to have short, positive, and focused lessons than to drag things out. The goal is mastery and enjoyment, not just checking a box.

3.  Hands-On is Brain-On: Abstract concepts are difficult for six and seven-year-olds to grasp. Make learning as tangible as possible. Use counting bears or dried pasta for math problems. Form letters out of play-doh. Go on a nature walk to find different types of leaves for your science lesson. This physical engagement anchors learning in their brain in a powerful way.

4.  Flexibility is Your Greatest Asset: One of the primary advantages of homeschooling is the ability to be flexible. If your child is struggling with a math concept, you can pause and spend an extra day on it without pressure. If they suddenly develop a passion for dinosaurs, you can put the planned science lesson aside and dive into a week of dinosaur-themed learning. Follow their interests and adjust to their needs.

5.  Document Their Beautiful Work: Keep a simple portfolio or binder of your child's progress throughout the year. Include samples of their handwriting, a list of books they have read, photos of hands-on projects, and maybe a video of them reading a book at the beginning and end of the year. This is not only great for any state record-keeping requirements, but it is a precious keepsake that beautifully illustrates their incredible growth.

In Summary

In summary, creating the best free homeschool curriculum for 1st grade is about thoughtfully combining high-quality resources into a cohesive and joyful plan. This guide provides the specific curriculum choices and structure to do just that, proving that a phenomenal education doesn't require a large budget. By using programs like The Good and the Beautiful, Zearn, and Core Knowledge, you can confidently cover all academic bases. The most critical elements, however, are your patience, enthusiasm, and the loving learning environment you create. With this plan, you are perfectly equipped to guide your first grader through a year of incredible discovery and growth.