First grade is one of my favorite years to teach. I love how active the imagination is at this age and all of the conversations that go with it. First grade is a time of wonder. Children are asking big questions, building new skills, and discovering how the world works… all while still needing play, movement, and emotional connection. I believe learning should feel like an adventure, not a checklist. We spend a lot of time outside exploring nature, visiting museums, and finding history in person but in addition we have some curriculum we use aside it. I love curriculum resources that blend structure with imagination. Again, I do not earn anything for recommending these resources. They are just some of my favorites.
*Additionally, any of the kindergarten resources are great alongside these!
Hooked on Phonics
Reading opens every door and Hooked on Phonics makes that journey feel exciting and achievable. The great thing about Hooked on Phonics is that you can either start at the beginning or jump to your child’s level. It’s usually about $50 for a year’s curriculum.
Click Here: Hooked on Phonics First Grade Curriculum
Why we love it:
Step-by-step phonics instruction that builds confidence
Interactive games and songs that feel like play
Short, engaging readers that reinforce new skills
Great for independent practice or parent-led sessions
It’s a gentle way to help first graders become proud, capable readers.
Handwriting Without Tears
Still a favorite in first grade, this program continues to support fine-motor development and writing fluency. It’s about $120 for the full year’s curriculum.
Click here: Handwriting Without Tears Materials
What makes it great:
Developmentally appropriate pacing
Multisensory activities that feel playful
Clear letter formation without overwhelm
Builds writing stamina while keeping it fun
(Perfect for kids who are still mastering pencil grip or need extra encouragement.)
Beast Academy
Math becomes a story-driven puzzle with Beast Academy — a comic-style curriculum that turns logic into play. The great thing about Beast Academy is that it has an online version and a physical version. You can use one or the other. Another option is getting both but the cost is substantially more. The online version is about $100 a year or the physical books are about $108 a year.
Click Here: Online Curriculum or Physical Curriculum
Why it stands out:
Ideal for kids who enjoy challenges and creative thinking
Engaging comic book format that kids love
(It’s rigorous, but in a way that feels like solving mysteries… not doing worksheets.)
Deep thinking and problem-solving, even for young learners
Encourages curiosity and persistence
Sassafras Science
Science through storytelling? Yes, please. Sassafras Science takes kids on a global adventure while teaching real science concepts. Two Books are one full school year. There are many options for learning… the whole package, just the books, or just the audio.
Options for Sassafras:
Just the Books for half the year $50,
Just the Audio recording (First 4 books) $60
What makes it magical:
Narrative-based lessons that follow two siblings on a science journey
Covers biology, anatomy, and more through engaging stories
Includes hands-on activities and note booking
Sparks wonder and connection to the natural world
It’s perfect for families who want science to feel alive and personal.
Story of the World (First Grade Adaptation)
History becomes a captivating tale with Story of the World — especially when tailored to a first grader’s developmental level. For first grade I don’t think you need the teachers manual or student workbook but if you want it the complete set is around $100 for the year. If you choose not to get it then you can get the book for about $12 and the activity book for about $40. For first grade these would be just fine. However, if you have the extra budget for it the audio books are well worth it (usually around $50 but sometimes go Oncale for $25)!
Options for Story of the World:
Story of the World Complete Package
Why we recommend it:
Rich storytelling that introduces global cultures and events
Can be adapted with crafts, maps, and dramatic play
Encourages empathy and historical thinking
Builds a foundation for understanding time, place, and people
(We love using picture books, puppets, and play-based activities to make it first-grade friendly.)
This eclectic curriculum mix supports the whole child: Together, they create a first-grade experience that’s rich, playful, and deeply meaningful.
- Hooked on Phonics builds literacy through joyful repetition
- Handwriting Without Tears strengthens motor skills and writing fluency
- Beast Academy challenges young minds with playful logic
- Sassafras Science nurtures curiosity through story
- Story of the World connects children to history through imagination
First Grade Reading Recommendations (ages 6-8)
– We the Kids: The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States
– Aesop’s Fables Hardcover: The Classic Edition by acclaimed illustrator, Charles Santore (Charles Santore Children’s Classics)
– The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: Picture Book Edition (Chronicles of Narnia)
– Maybelle the Cable Car
– Where the Wild Things Are: A Caldecott Award Winner
– If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
– My Mouth Is A Volcano: A Picture Book About Interrupting
– We Don’t Eat Our Classmates: A Penelope Rex Book
– An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! (An Elephant and Piggie Book)
– Firebird
– The Entire List can be found here: Amazon