READING, PHONICS, LITERATURE:
TEACH YOUR CHILD TO READ IN 100 EASY LESSONS (Gr. K-1)
This program is the SRA/DISTAR reading program that teaches phonetic sounds by creating a set of
symbols to represent each sound and then transitioning the student to standard alphabet
combinations later on. This program has 100 twenty-minute lessons that are scripted. After 100
lessons, students read on a solid second grade level. Includes optional spelling and writing exercises.
http://www.amazon.com/Teach-Your-Child-Read-Lessons/dp/0671631985
THE ORDINARY PARENTS GUIDE TO TEACHING READING (Gr. K-1)
Using the explicit phonics method (rather than sight word), the lessons begin with short
vowel sounds, and then move through consonants, blends, long vowels, silent letters, r-changed
vowels,, two and three syllable words, possessive words, contractions, and more.
Each lesson is organized with notes to the teacher, scripted lesson content for the teacher to give to
the student, and words for the child to repeat after the teacher or read to himself. There are no
pictures on the pages, and this keeps students from being distracted or from becoming dependent
upon pictures for guessing. Guessing is not the goal; mastery is.
http://peacehillpress.com/index.php?p=product&id=25
EXPLODE THE CODE (Gr. K-4)
GET READY FOR THE CODE A (Gr. K)
GET SET FOR THE CODE B (Gr. K)
GO FOR THE CODE C (Gr. K)
This is a student centered format encouraging independent work. Students practice writing, reading,
matching, spelling, and copying sounds and words. Not too much writing required on each page.
Large space for writing answers; no dotted lines for answers. Helpful reinforcement for early readers
and struggling older readers.
http://www.explodethecode.com/01_overview/
SING, SPELL, READ AND WRITE (Gr. K-1)
Sing, Spell, Read and Write (SSRW) is a multi-sensory, song-singing, game-playing, colorful and very
creative program. The curriculum focuses on the language as a whole while making learning exiting and
fun. SSRW covers: grammar, spelling, reading, vocabulary, handwriting. The teacher’s manual details the
specifics of each lesson and gives an estimate of how much time should it should take. The author, Sue
Dickson, has systematically laid out the various objectives for each lesson.
http://www.rainbowresource.com/proddtl.php?id=SSRWL1&subject=5&category=
773
HOUGHTON MIFFLIN READING (Gr. K-6)
Traditional Textbook: The anthologies in this series provide research based
instruction that covers a variety of genres, cross curricular literature,
award winning selections, authors, and illustrators. Supplemental workbooks are available.
http://www.hmhco.com/shop/education-curriculum/reading/core-readingprograms/houghton-mifflin-reading
FIVE IN A ROW (Gr. K-1)
Provides students with a unit study approach to early education, based on outstanding children's
literature. These volumes of Five in a Row provide lesson plans covering Social Studies, Language,
Art, Applied Math, and Science in a way that causes children to fall in love with learning. This
program does not teach reading strategies.
http://fiveinarow.com/
BLACKBIRD AND COMPANY (Gr. K-8)
Blackbird and Company Literature Guides are written for well-known children’s literature, with
guides and their corresponding books divided into four levels: early bird for grades 1-2, level 1 for
grades 2-3, level 2 for grades 3-5, and level 3 for grades 5-8. Students are guided through
assignments to strengthen comprehension and analysis skills. Extensive critical thinking and writing
opportunities.
http://www.blackbirdandcompany.com/
BRAVEWRITER LANGUAGE ARTS PROGRAMS (Gr. K-8)
Brave Writer language arts programs (Arrow, Boomerang and Slingshot) use classic literature to teach the
mechanics of writing (such as spelling, grammar and punctuation) while also featuring literary elements
(3rd-6th grade), and analysis questions (7th-8th).
http://store.bravewriter.com/collections/language-arts-programs
LINGUISTIC DEVELOPMENT THROUGH POETRY MEMORIZATION (Gr. K-8)
This teaching tool includes a book with over 75 complete poems, plus speech and soliloquy
recommendations, as well as all the poems read on CD for ease of memorization. Instructions,
memory charts, certificates, and poet biographies are included. This program can help enrich a
student’s vocabulary and help them to internalizing correct and sophisticated language patterns.
Usable over several years with various levels of poetry provided.
http://iew.com/shop/products/linguistic-development-through-poetrymemorization-book-cds
WRITING:
WRITING WITH EASE (Gr. 1-5)
WRITING WITH SKILL (Gr. 6-8)
With the Complete Writer series, Susan Wise Bauer turns every parent into a writing teacher. No
experience is needed. A carefully designed sequence of steps will teach every student to put words on
paper with ease and grace. This alternative plan for teaching writing combines the best elements of
old-fashioned writing instruction with innovative new educational methods. Each lesson is explicitly
detailed and student work pages are provided.
Writing With Ease: http://peacehillpress.com/index.php?p=catalog&parent=34&pg=1
Writing With Skill: http://peacehillpress.com/index.php?p=catalog&parent=35&pg=1
IEW (INSTITUTE FOR EXCELLENCE IN WRITING) (Gr. 2-8)
This highly focused approach to writing is quite structured, and its assignments help students
develop skills that become stepping stones for creativity and expression of original ideas. From
primary school through high school, IEW Homeschool Curriculum encourages and develops a
students writing skills with age-appropriate lessons in writing, spelling, grammar and literature.
Print curriculum, as well as extensive DVD-based courses, available for all levels.
http://iew.com/taxonomy/term/15/?f%5B0%5D=im_field_category%3A15
WRITING ADVENTURES (Gr. 2-8)
Workbooks, journals and games providing a process and activity oriented approach to teaching
writing. This curriculum focuses on teaching the process of learning rather than on teaching content
alone.
Create! Press: http://www.createpress.com/pages/product.htm
SAXON GRAMMAR AND WRITING (Gr. 5-8)
This program presents incremental teaching material in a simple format. It consists of a series of daily
lessons, review sets, and tests that are carefully sequenced to develop a variety of skills and concepts.
In addition to the daily language and grammar lessons, this program includes a series of writing lessons,
suggested journal topics, and dictations for spelling and punctuation practice.
http://www.hmhco.com/homeschool/language-arts
GRAMMAR:
FIRST LANGUAGE LESSONS (LEVELS 1-4) (Gr. 1-5)
Complete grammar text for young students, using dictation, narration, picture study and other classical
techniques. Scripted lessons cover parts of speech, foundational rules of punctuation and usage, sentence
diagramming, beginning writing and storytelling, dictionary skills and letter writing.
http://peacehillpress.com/grammar/
GROWING WITH GRAMMAR (Gr. 1-8)
This is a workbook based grammar program for the elementary grades which includes sentence
diagramming. Each course is laid out for a 36-week school year, with grammar lessons for about
three days per week, although this can certainly be adjusted. Consistent review, quizzes and chapter
tests are included. Simple for parent to deliver and allows for independent practice.
http://www.growingwithgrammar.com/1gwgProduct_Page.html
EASY GRAMMAR (Gr. 1-8)
Easy Grammar teaches grammar in a cyclical style with one of the key components being identification of
prepositional phrases. This is an easy to use, workbook based curriculum with plenty of reinforcement.
http://www.easygrammar.com/index.html
DAILY GRAMS (Gr. 3-8)
These short, daily lessons take only 5 to 10 minutes and serve to reinforce grammar concepts being taught
in the Easy Grammar book.
http://www.easygrammar.com/index.html
DAILY LANGUAGE REVIEW (Gr. 1-6)
Daily Language Review provides the frequent, focused practice necessary to master and retain
language skills. Grammar rules are not presented in this program, but it provides the opportunity for
the needed practice to understand and apply the grammar rules.
http://www.evan-moor.com/t/daily-language#review
ANALYTICAL GRAMMAR (Gr. 4-8)
Analytical Grammar teaches English grammar, punctuation, and usage. It is designed to be taught in three
grammar “seasons” (see timeline) over three years; however, it is flexible enough to be adapted to a one- or
two-year schedule. AG has been used successfully with all students from the learning disabled to the highly
gifted. This innovative and logical method is not only extremely effective, but makes learning grammar
fun. Analytical Grammar is an easy-to-follow, step-by-step approach that will prepare your student for high
school and college-level work. The home teacher does not need to be a grammar expert but can learn along
with the student. Junior Analytical Grammar is appropriate for grades 4 and 5.
http://www.analyticalgrammar.com/analytical-grammar
G.U.M. DROPS (GR. 1-8)
These workbooks provide grammar, usage, and mechanics practice presented through short daily
doses of editing practice! Editing is a valuable skill for children to learn, both as a stand alone skill
and to help them become better writers themselves. Good writers are also frequently those students
who actively read good writing. This series combines these two elements by focusing students on
editing passages from classic literature, covering grade appropriate concepts in grammar, usage, and
mechanics at each level.
http://www.rainbowresource.com/searchspring.php?q=GUM+drops
FIX-IT GRAMMAR (IEW) (Gr. 3-8)
The Fix-it series presents students with a short excerpt from an ongoing story each day. Students
define bolded vocabulary words; make grammar, punctuation, usage, and spelling corrections;
identify parts of speech, phrases, and clauses; and work with dress ups, sentence openers, and other
style elements. Students then recopy each passage once they’ve fixed it . Fix It! encourages students to
immediately apply new grammar knowledge in context, aiding in the transfer of grammar skills into
their own writing. Teacher’s manuals include downloadable student pages. Stories in the series
include Robin Hood, Frog Prince, Little Mermaid, Chanticleer, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Highly
engaging for students!
http://iew.com/taxonomy/term/17/?f%5B0%5D=im_field_category%3A17
SPELLING AND VOCABULARY:
SPELLING WORKOUT (GR. 1-8)
This program uses kid-friendly themes to help make learning spelling systematic and fun! Student
edition includes cross-curricular reading selections, high utility list words, writing/proofreading
exercises, and a dictionary at the back of each book. The beginning of each lesson has a spelling “rule”
clearly stated so children may memorize it. Independent workbook format.
http://www.pearsonschool.com/index.cfm?locator=PSZu68&PMDbSiteId=2781&P
MDbSolutionId=6724&PMDbSubSolutionId=&PMDbCategoryId=3289&PMDbSubCa
tegoryId=28139&PMDbSubjectAreaId=&PMDbProgramId=836
ALL ABOUT SPELLING (Gr. 1-6)
All About Spelling is a seven level program. It teaches encoding skills, reliable spelling rules, and
multisensory strategies to help your student become a proficient speller for life. Based on the latest
research, this award-winning program provides complete and comprehensive instruction using the
Orton-Gillingham approach. This program is especially helpful for students who are not mastering
spelling through traditional methods.
http://www.allaboutlearningpress.com/
SEQUENTIAL SPELLING (Gr. 1-6)
Sequential Spelling is based on the Orton-Gillingham approach of multi-sensory instruction. Rather
than teaching lists of thematic words, Sequential Spelling teaches spelling word families (e.g.
consonant + eg family....Leg, Peg, Beg). This enables the child to learn spelling inductively, the exact
same way they learned to speak and to walk. This form of instruction is especially effective for
children who struggle with rules, have attention challenges or are dyslexic because the letters are
learned in sound context rather than through rote memorization.
http://www.avko.org/
WORDLY WISE (Gr. 2-5)
This workbook based program provides exercises that encourage students to apply word meanings,
think critically, and discover word relationships. Skills covered include vocabulary development,
reading comprehension, critical thinking, Dictionary usage, word usage, test taking/assessment,
context clues, synonyms and antonyms, multiple meaning words, using word parts to determine
meaning: prefixes, suffixes, Greek and Latin roots, and much more. Audio CD supplements available.
WORDLY WISE (Gr. 6-8)
Offers carefully selected words from literature, textbooks, and SAT--prep books to instruct by using
reading, writing, and a variety of exercises. Each 15--word lesson begins with an alphabetized word
list that gives pronunciations, parts of speech, and concise definitions, and uses each word in a
sentence. Engaging sentences provide a mnemonic anchor for the word. Exercises in each lesson
encourage students to apply word meanings, think critically, and discover word relationships. Short
narratives are featured in each lesson and allow students to experience words in context.
http://www.wordlywise3000.com/
VOCABULARY FROM CLASSICAL ROOTS (Gr. 6-8)
Vocabulary from Classical Roots is a challenging vocabulary series that teaches strategies for
determining unknown word meanings using Greek and Latin roots. Understanding and applying
knowledge of Greek and Latin roots helps increase vocabulary and reading comprehension,
providing students with a useful, transferable technique for making sense of unfamiliar vocabulary
across content areas and on standardized tests including the SAT.
http://www.amazon.com/Vocabulary-Classical-Roots-NancyFlowers/dp/0838822525
MATHEMATICS:
MATH IN FOCUS (Gr. K-8)
This program provides an authentic Singapore math curriculum—highlighting problem solving as
the focus of mathematical learning. This complete program teaches concepts using a concrete–
pictorial–abstract learning progression to anchor learning in real world, hands-on experiences.
This curriculum is on the California Adoption List of materials for teaching the Common Core State
Standards.
http://www.hmhco.com/shop/education-curriculum/math/math-in-focussingapore-math/shop-now
SINGAPORE MATH-PRIMARY MATHEMATICS (Gr. K-6)
Mathematical concepts are introduced in the opening pages and taught to mastery through specific
learning tasks that allow for immediate assessment and consolidation. New mathematical concepts
are introduced throughout a spiral progression that builds on concepts already taught and mastered.
https://www.singaporemath.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=272
SAXON MATH-PRIMARY (Gr. K-2/3)
The heart of each K-3 program is the teacher’s manual, which employs a unique instructional format.
It contains daily lessons, each of which includes pre-instruction preparation instructions, a list of
materials, and the entire scripted lesson. Skills are taught in incremental fashion with lots of
reinforcement in ensuing lessons. Students complete lessons in a tablet and use manipulatives to
gain understanding of mathematical concepts.
http://www.hmhco.com/homeschool/math
SAXON MATH-UPPER GRADES (Gr. 3-8)
This program is based on introducing a topic to a student and then allowing the student to build
upon that concept as they learn new ones. Topics are never dropped, but are instead increased in
complexity and practiced every day, providing the time required for concepts to become totally
familiar. This program for upper grades includes a student text, tests and worksheets, and a solutions
manual that has full, step-by-step answers to all of the lesson problems.
http://www.hmhco.com/homeschool/math
MATH-U-SEE (Gr. 1-6)
Math-U-See is designed to teach students specific skills that build as the student progresses. This
systematic and cumulative approach uses a definite, logical sequence of concept instruction. The
Math-U-See system is structured with step-by-step procedures for introducing, reviewing, practicing,
and mastering concepts. Each lesson teaches using multi-sensory tools such as videos, manipulatives,
and other resources, designed to appeal to any type of learner. DVD lessons included to assist parent
in teaching concepts.
http://store.mathusee.com/catalog/math-u-see/
MATH MAMMOTH (Gr. 1-7)
Math Mammoth are affordable, yet quality math worktexts and workbooks, available as both downloads
and printed books. Math Mammoth books concentrate on conceptual understanding and are strong in
mental math. The directions in the worktexts are written directly to the student and require little
preparation. Extensive supplements available for students who need extra practice.
http://www.mathmammoth.com/complete-curriculum.php
CHALKDUST MATH (Gr. 6-8)
Professor Dana Mosely is your video instructor in this outstanding series of math courses for sixth
grade through early college levels. High production quality and skillful presentation combine to make
these top-notch video courses. Mosely's many years of teaching experience are obvious as he clarifies
commonly confusing issues. He keeps the presentation moving at just the right pace, although
students can always rewind and review if they don't catch it the first time around.
http://www.chalkdust.com/courseindex.html
KEY TO MATH WORKBOOKS (Gr. 4-8)
These self-paced, self-guided workbooks—covering topics from fractions and decimals to algebra
and geometry—motivate students and build their confidence with bite-size, easy-to-follow lessons.
With Key to…® workbooks, you can customize curriculum for individual learners. Effective
supplement for students who are struggling with specific math concepts.
http://www.keycurriculum.com/products/key-to
SOCIAL STUDIES:
HOUGHTON MIFFLIN HARCOURT--TRADITIONAL TEXTBOOK SOCIAL STUDIES (Gr. 1-8)
Employs a content rich, relevant narrative to provide an integrated approach to skills development
and reading support. Standard public school textbook with learning activities. This program is
aligned to grade level California Content Standards in History--Social Science. Traditional textbook
with student workbook available.
http://www.hmhco.com/educators/education-curriculum/social-studies
THE STORY OF THE WORLD, VOL. 1-4 (Gr. K-5)
Volume 1: The Ancients (5000 BC – 400 AD)
Volume 2: The Middle Ages (400 – 1600)
Volume 3: Early Modern Times (1600 – 1850)
Volume 4: The Modern Age (1850-1994)
Told in a straightforward, engaging style this four volume set covers the sweep of human history
from ancient times until the present. This series is designed for parents to share with elementary
school children. Activity books, tests, and student pages available for all four volumes.
http://peacehillpress.com/index.php?p=catalog&parent=28&pg=1
PEARSONS MY WORLD HISTORY (Gr. K-8)
Pearson’s myWorld Social Studies series for kindergarten through eighth grade was developed for
the public school market, but they have created affordable homeschool packages by providing the
teacher’s guide on DVD-ROM. Each homeschool bundle includes a student workbook and two DVDROMs: myStory Video and Teacher Resource Library. Chapters often open with a story to engage
student interest. The myStory Video DVD-ROM for each level has short video presentations that
might be used at this point. These might be interviews, animated stories, or documentary type
presentations. Lessons are meant to be interactive with a parent or teacher leading discussion, but by
about fourth grade level, students should be able to work fairly independently through most of each
lesson.
K-5:
http://www.pearsonschool.com/index.cfm?locator=PS19Ie&PMDbSiteId=2781&PM
DbSolutionId=6724&PMDbSubSolutionId=&PMDbCategoryId=815&PMDbSubCateg
oryId=25661&PMDbSubjectAreaId=&PMDbProgramId=85502
Gr.6-8:
http://www.pearsonschool.com/index.cfm?locator=PS19Dt&PMDbSiteId=2781&P
MDbSolutionId=6724&PMDbSubSolutionId=&PMDbCategoryId=815&PMDbSubCat
egoryId=24839&PMDbSubjectAreaId=&PMDbProgramId=75201
DO CALIFORNIA! (Gr. 4)
The Do California! social studies curriculum was designed for California History teachers and
parents searching for a comprehensive California unit study or homeschool social studies curriculum
closely aligned with California State Standards. The program is divided into four sections and each
lesson requires students to complete vocabulary cards, read about a California topic, and complete a
comprehension activity that will expose them to various standardized test formats. In addition, each
lesson includes a balanced mix of lower and higher level activities for the students to complete.
Vocabulary quizzes, mapping, graphing, puzzles, research, writing, time lines, and following
directions are the types of activities that will help students learn more about California. Additional
supplemental materials are available. This program is aligned to grade level California Content
Standards in History Social Science.
http://www.splashpublications.com/californiahistory1.html
THE HISTORY OF US (Gr. 5-8)
Your child will learn all about American history in an interesting format. Each volume covers a
specific period of our history. These books are filled with historical photographs, political
cartoons, and first hand accounts of history. They work great as a backbone of a Unit Study as well as
for read-aloud and private readings. Multi-volume set of non-consumable readers with reproducible
study sheets and tests available.
http://www.amazon.com/History-US-Eleven-Volume-SetPaperback/dp/0195327276
HISTORY ODYSSEY (Gr. 1-8)
History Odyssey brings history to life through a comprehensive study of the literature, historical events,
and geography of each time period. Each study guide is intended to lead the instructor and student through
a year-long study of the Ancients, the Middle Ages, Early Modern, or Modern Times. They provide the
framework and structure for using and organizing many of the best resources available for history and
literature. The study guides include easy-to-follow lessons that present history chronologically and include
reading and writing assignments, map work, and activities. Level 1 appropriate for grades 1-5 and Level 2
is appropriate for grades 6-8.
http://www.pandiapress.com/?page_id=64
SCIENCE:
HARCOURT SCIENCE
(Gr. 1-6)
A traditional public school text teaching science that is supported by optional online activities
(through Discovery Education and Science AZ). Comes with a textbook and workbook for the student
and includes a number of lab experiments in each chapter of the text. This program is aligned to
grade level California Content Standards in Science.
STECK-VAUGHN FOCUS ON SCIENCE
(Gr. 1-6)
The workbooks combine short, readable science lessons with workbook-style activities, hands-on
activities, and suggestions for taking the student’s interest beyond the lesson. Each workbook covers
the larger science areas in three units: Life Science, Earth Science, and Physical Science. Each unit is
then broken down into chapters, each of which is made up of 6 lessons. The lessons consist of a short
reading, tailored to grade level, followed by a typical workbook-style activity such as true/false,
matching, circling, etc, depending on the grade level. At the end of the chapter, a hands-on activity is
offered, and it is designed so that very few (and only commonly-had) materials should be needed.
https://www.learningthings.com/showcategory.aspx?CategoryID=478&SEName=fo
cus-on-science
SCIENCE FUSION (Gr. K-8)
More than a traditional science program and more than an online science textbook, ScienceFusion offers
interactive lessons, simulations, videos, virtual labs, and animations in an environment fusing print and
digital experiences. ScienceFusion kits for Grades K–5 include a full-year science curriculum in one
package, while the middle grades homeschool kits offer life, earth, and physical science modules that can
be organized according to your needs and interests.
http://www.hmhco.com/educators/education-curriculum/science/elementaryscience
REAL SCIENCE FOR KIDS (Gr. K-8)
Real Science-4-kids is unique science program that introduces young children to the core scientific
disciplines of chemistry, biology, physics, astronomy and geology. With Real Science-4-Kids students
learn science in a sequential order, starting with the very basic building blocks of science. It includes
hands-on activities based on the scientific method and colorful illustrations to hold their interest.
http://store.gravitaspublications.com/
NANCY LARSON SCIENCE (K-4)
A science program for grades K through 4 that incorporates some of the same ideas she applied to
math—highly structured lesson plans, hands-on activity, and a variety of types of interaction.
Lessons are completely scripted with explicit instructions, worksheets, and assessments. Real books
(three to six books per level) and hands-on activities mix with structured discussions, worksheets,
drawing activities, and assessments to provide challenging science content in a format that is easy for
a parent to deliver.
http://www.nancylarsonstore.com/Nancy-Larson-Science-Real-Science-RealResults_ep_47-1.html
SCIENCE IN A NUTSHELL (K-5)
Explore and discover science concepts and processes through inquiry and hands-on learning. Fun,
meaningful activities for student directed individual or small group learning. Each Nutshell includes
activities that develop a specific science topic, with an activity guide that has simple, clearly written
instructions, and an activity journal in which students may record observations and data. Materials
for lab experiments are included, except for common household materials. Strands cover Earth,
Physical, Life, and Human body topics.
http://www.delta-education.com/siansplash.aspx?subID=5&menuID=17
REAL SCIENCE ODYSSEY (Gr. 1-5)
This science curriculum provides a scientific foundation for elementary students. Kids are
encouraged to explore science through engaging text and activities. Each lesson is presented in a
short story-like format followed by multiple home-friendly labs that reinforce and expand the
concepts. Real Science Odyssey introduces the scientific method and a rich scientific vocabulary, all
while teaching observation and analytical skills. Each book contains all the student pages, instructor
sheets, plus lab sheets and it provides a full year of science.
http://www.pandiapress.com/?page_id=50
http://www.rainbowresource.com/searchspring.php?q=science+odyssey