*I received this First Grade curriculum as a BookShark Ambassador for sharing our homeschool journey with you. I only share content that I love and believe in. All opinions are my own.*
As many of you know, last year was our very first year as a homeschool family. I was a nervous wreck taking this leap. I spent hours researching curriculum, planning projects, and changing my mind over and over again. But, after a MAJORLY SUCCESSFUL Kindergarten year- I knew we would be able to do it again this year for First Grade. With help from BookShark:
The 4 Day a Week Curriculum is Key
One of the main reasons we chose to homeschool, is that we don’t have to spend 6 hours a day doing it. Because I’m only teaching one kid, we can get through subjects much faster. And spend more time on the things that he loves. With BookShark, I get a whole extra day every week to do things with my son- like take co-op classes, visit museums, play sports, or learn a foreign language. (Which we’re doing this year for First Grade!). That extra day really gave me the flexibility in our homeschool life that I needed.
The Instructor’s Guide is my Best Friend.
With our core subjects spelled out for me in our Instructor’s Guide, I don’t have to second-guess what I’m teaching. I know that he’s learning enough Language Arts, History, and Science in our Level 1 All Subject Package, that I don’t have to worry he’s not learning enough. It’s a complete curriculum which totally sets my mind at ease. BookShark even sells Math options to add on to your curriculum, which makes getting everything in one place a breeze!
This year I hacked my binder to make it even easier on myself! Instead of carrying around the big binder, I separated all of the Language Arts and Science worksheets into their own separate binders so I’ll have them on hand when I need them. And it makes homeschooling on the go even easier.
That way Steven has all of his worksheets in one place (and I keep the answers in my Instructor’s Guide). I also stuck a notebook in each binder to record more assignments for each subject.
I’m also taking out 3 weeks of my Instructor’s Guide at a time and putting them in my own binder- which makes carrying it around much easier on me. When I’m finished I’ll put them back in my big BookShark binder and repeat until the end of the year. It’s such a simple hack that is going to save me a lot of energy!
As a Book Lover I’m THRILLED.
The amount of books you’re going to get to read with your kids seems a little daunting at first- especially for First Grade. But,as an avid-reader, it makes my heart so happy! We’re getting to re-read some of my childhood favorites! If your family isn’t as into reading, that’s okay too. The great thing is that it’s homeschool, so you can pick and choose what works best for you.You can add on handwriting, math, and even electives like Art or a foreign language. Whatever you’ve been looking for! It’s so easy to customize for your family. You don’t have to be nervous, and you don’t have to overthink it. That’s really the best part about being able to get everything you need all in one place.
Bring on First Grade
When we came to the decision to homeschool again this year for First Grade- it was a no brainer! Even my 6 year old couldn’t wait to get started. He’s been flipping through his books for weeks already. And if it gets your kids excited to start school- it’s definitely a win in my book!
Have you considered BookShark for your homeschool? Feel free to ask me anything in the comments! I can’t wait to share this First Grade Year with you! Stay tuned for a full homeschool room tour!!!
