This year I’ll be homeschooling three kids: one in preschool, one in first grade, and one in third grade. While we’ll start our mornings together with rich, family-style learning (you can read all about our Bible, art, and enrichment plans in the Family Subjects post), each child will also have their own core work. These subjects are where we’ll build essential skills in math, reading, writing, and more, but we’ll still keep our pace gentle and joyful.

Our approach to curriculum is a blend of structure and freedom. I use open-and-go resources where I can, sprinkle in creativity, and always leave room to follow my children’s interests when they spark.

Here’s what we’ll be doing this year for core subjects:

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Preschool (Age 3)

I’ll begin gentle preschool this fall with my youngest. At this age, “school” will be more about rhythm and play than formal lessons. We’ll keep it relaxed and fun, leaning into connection more than structure.

• Bible
  We’ll rotate between The Beginner’s Bible (lovingly called the “Googly-Eye Bible” in our house) and my personal favorite, The Read and Learn Bible by Scholastic. We’ll read a few stories a week, talk about them, and maybe color a picture or act them out.
• Early Learning
  We’ll slowly work through the Playing Preschool curriculum by The Busy Toddler. It’s full of simple, engaging, play-based lessons that are perfect for this age. We especially love her book lists.
• Learning by Living
  Beyond that, my preschooler will be welcome to sit in on any subjects her older sisters are doing. She may listen to read alouds, join in with art, or ask to copy something from handwriting practice. It’s all optional and all joyful.

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First Grade

First grade is such a magical year. I’ll be guiding my first grader as she builds confidence in reading, writing, and problem-solving, while still keeping her days full of play, discovery, and creativity.

• Math
  We’ll be using The Good and the Beautiful Math for daily lessons. It’s hands-on, visually appealing, and gentle in its progression. We’ll also rotate in Mealtime Math cards during lunch for fun, practical review.
• Language Arts & Handwriting
  She’ll continue with The Good and the Beautiful Language Arts, which includes reading, phonics, grammar, and spelling all in one. We’ll also use their Handwriting book for practice with letter formation and copywork.
• Science
  This year she asked to study geology, so we’ll be working through a simple, gem-and-rock-themed science curriculum at home. In co-op, she’ll be doing chemistry, which will add another layer of hands-on science learning each week.
• Literature
  I’ll assign her one book per week from a curated list. After reading, she’ll complete a simple literary log to reflect on the story. This will help her grow as a reader and begin developing her own thoughts about what she reads.
• History
  We’ll be using Gather Round for history. This term, we’ll be focusing on Ancient Civilizations with a special emphasis on Ancient Egypt and Ancient Mexico. In the second semester, we’ll switch to U.S. history, also from Gather Round.
• Music
  She’ll be continuing with Hoffman Academy for piano. The video lessons and printable materials are easy to follow and very kid-friendly.
• Physical Education
  She requested to do gymnastics again this year, and we’ll also continue with our weekly family yoga class. She’ll get plenty of movement through outdoor play, bike rides, and just being a kid.
• Daily Journaling
  She’ll answer one simple journal question each day, giving her a chance to practice writing, storytelling, and expressing her thoughts.

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Third Grade

Third grade will bring a little more independence and a few exciting new challenges. My third grader is eager to read, write, and create, so I’ve planned her curriculum to reflect that.

• Math
  She’ll begin each day with a spiral-style Morning Math warm-up that I created, followed by The Good and the Beautiful Math Level 3. It’s the right level of challenge for her and encourages critical thinking through stories and real-world problems.
• Language Arts
  We’ll continue with The Good and the Beautiful Language Arts, which includes grammar, writing, reading, and spelling in one open-and-go package.
• Handwriting
  She’ll be working through a Cursive with Narnia workbook this year. It’s a beautiful way to practice penmanship while copying meaningful, literary passages.
• Literature
  Like her sister, she’ll have a weekly required reading assignment from a curated list. She’ll complete a weekly literature log to reflect on the book and share her thoughts.
• Creative Writing & Illustration
  One of her projects this year will be to study and retell four classic folk tales—like Stone Soup or The Tortoise and the Hare, and create her own illustrated versions. This will be a blend of narration, writing, and art.
• Science
  She’ll participate in our co-op chemistry class and also join her younger sister for our geology unit at home. I love that they’ll be able to share that interest together.
• History
  Her history plans will follow the same Gather Round schedule as her sister: Ancient Egypt and Ancient Mexico this fall, followed by U.S. History in the spring.
• Music
  She’ll continue piano with Hoffman Academy and will also begin a Music Appreciation course from The Good and the Beautiful, which includes video lessons and listening activities.
• Physical Education
  Like her sister, she’ll do yoga weekly, plus plenty of unstructured outdoor play. Last year she enjoyed organized sports and played basketball with a team of girls her age, and we hope to include that again this year.
• Daily Journaling
  She’ll respond to daily journal questions as well, with prompts that encourage reflection, storytelling, and creativity.
• Research Project
  One new addition this year is a self-directed term research project. She’ll choose her topic, research independently (with some help), and create a final presentation. I’ll be sharing more about this soon.

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Each of my girls will have a slightly different rhythm, but my hope is that their days will feel peaceful, purposeful, and filled with wonder. I want their schoolwork to be meaningful (not rushed)and I want them to see learning as a gift, not a burden.

Let me know if you’d like me to share our weekly schedule, daily rhythms, or book lists in another post!