Language arts85 pages
Story-Based Reading Program
Develop fluency and comprehension through rich literature selections, guided questions, and creative writing prompts.
Lesson plan
Grades 3–5
Where to Begin:
Everything you need to begin with confidence
Beginning Your Homeschool Journey Choosing to homeschool is one of the most important decisions a family can make. For some, the decision comes after much prayer. Others arrive at it because of a child's learning needs, concerns about the school environment, family circumstances, or a desire to place Christ at the center of everyday learning. Whatever has led to this decision, one truth remains the same. God loves your children even more than you do, and He promises to give wisdom to parents who seek Him. You do not have to know everything before you begin. You simply need to be willing to take the first step in faith. Start with Prayer Every worthwhile journey begins with prayer. Before ordering curriculum or organizing a schoolroom, spend time asking God for wisdom and direction. James 1:5 offers this encouraging promise: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without finding fault." Before beginning, parents should become familiar with the regulations where they live. These may include notifying local authorities, keeping attendance records, maintaining a portfolio, or completing evaluations. Understanding the legal requirements early allows families to homeschool with confidence and peace of mind. Find a Christian Community God designed His people to encourage one another, and homeschooling is no exception. Look for Christian homeschool groups, church ministries, co-ops, or local support organizations where families can share ideas, ask questions, and build lasting friendships. Experienced homeschool parents often remember what it was like to be new, and many are eager to encourage those who are just beginning. Children also benefit from friendships with other homeschool students who are growing in faith and learning alongside them. See the Complete Homeschool Legal Regulations in the box below.
Finding your fit
Homeschool Curriculum Styles Explained
There is no single right way to homeschool. Most families land on a style — or a thoughtful blend — that fits their children's learning personalities and their own strengths as a teacher. Here is a plain-language overview of the most common approaches.
Core structured & philosophy-based styles
Classical
The Trivium: Grammar, Logic, Rhetoric
Follows the "trivium" — grammar, logic, and rhetoric stages — matching a child's natural mental growth from memorizing facts to critical thinking and persuasive speaking.
Charlotte Mason
Living Books, Nature, and Narration
Uses short 15-minute lessons, "living books" instead of dry textbooks, nature study, and art appreciation to nurture a natural love for learning.
Traditional
School-at-Home Structure
Replicates a standard classroom at home using boxed curricula, textbooks, grade levels, and a fixed daily schedule. The most familiar starting point for families new to homeschooling.
Montessori
Hands-On, Self-Directed Discovery
Focuses on independent, hands-on learning with tactile objects where children guide their own progress in a carefully prepared environment. Especially powerful for ages 2–12.
Waldorf
Whole-Child: Mind, Body, and Soul
Teaches the whole child by delaying formal academics for young children and focusing heavily on arts, music, crafts, and nature. Academic subjects are introduced gradually as the child matures.
Flexible & child-led styles
Unschooling
Curiosity-Led, No Curriculum
Leaves education entirely up to the child's daily curiosity and real-life experiences rather than a set curriculum. Learning happens through play, projects, and following interests wherever they lead.
Interest-led
Deep Dives Into What They Love
Centers studies around deep dives into specific topics the child loves, blending projects, field trips, and books. More structured than unschooling but still driven by the child's passions.
Unit studies
All Subjects Through One Theme
Connects all core subjects — math, history, science, reading — to one single theme or central topic. Highly engaging and ideal for teaching multiple ages at the same time.
Eclectic
Custom-Built for Your Child
Mixes parts of different homeschool styles and curricula to custom-build an approach that fits each unique child. Most experienced homeschool families land here eventually.
Not sure which style fits your family?
Most families do not fit neatly into one category — and that is completely fine. Browse Cathy Duffy Reviews to compare specific curricula across every style and subject, or read The Homeschool Mom's style overview for a plain-language tour of every major approach. The age-group spotlights in the resource library below can also help you see what other families are using at your child's stage.
Featured resources
Choosing to homeschool is one of the most important decisions a family can make. For some, the decision comes after much prayer. Others arrive at it because of a child's learning needs, concerns about the school environment, family circumstances, or a desire to place Christ at the center of everyday learning. Whatever has led to this decision, one truth remains the same. God loves your children even more than you do, and He promises to give wisdom to parents who seek Him. You do not have to know everything before you begin. You simply need to be willing to take the first step in faith.All 50 states covered
Know Your State's Homeschool Laws
Every state has different requirements — notification, attendance records, portfolios, or evaluations. Understanding the rules where you live lets your family homeschool with confidence and peace of mind from day one.
View complete regulations by stateFree classOpen to all homeschool families
How to Use AI in Your Homeschool Classroom
You are lesson planner, tech coordinator, counselor, and janitor, all in one. This free e-mail class is designed with you in mind. Learn how AI can become your quiet classroom assistant, helping you plan, organize, and teach more effectively.
Request your free spotChoosing your approach
Curriculum Styles Worth Knowing
Before choosing a curriculum, it helps to understand the major teaching philosophies behind them. Most families settle into one style — or a thoughtful blend — that fits their children and their own strengths as a teacher. Here are the approaches you will encounter most often, with trusted resources for each.
Classical
The Trivium: Grammar, Logic, Rhetoric
Classical education moves through three stages that match how children naturally develop — absorbing facts early, learning to analyze in the middle years, and mastering persuasion and communication in high school. It is literature-rich, writing-intensive, and produces strong independent thinkers.
Charlotte Mason
Living Books, Nature, and Narration
Charlotte Mason believed children deserve to be educated by ideas, not just facts. Her method centers on living books, nature study, narration, and short focused lessons. It is gentle, literature-soaked, and deeply respectful of childhood — and many families find it the most joyful and sustainable approach over the long haul.
Eclectic
The Best of Everything, Mixed to Fit Your Child
Eclectic homeschooling draws from multiple methods and curricula to build a custom approach for each child. A family might use Saxon for math, Ambleside for history, and IEW for writing. It requires more planning but gives you the freedom to match every subject to what actually works. Most experienced families land here eventually.
Unit studies
All Subjects Through One Central Theme
Unit studies organize all subjects around a single theme — history, science, language arts, and art all woven together. A unit on Ancient Egypt might include reading mythology, calculating pyramid dimensions, writing a pharaoh's journal, and painting hieroglyphics. Highly engaging and ideal for teaching multiple ages at once.
Unschooling
Child-Led, Interest-Driven Learning
Unschooling trusts children to pursue knowledge naturally when given freedom, resources, and a rich environment. There are no formal lesson plans or curricula — learning happens through play, projects, conversation, and following curiosity wherever it leads. It works remarkably well for highly self-motivated children and families willing to embrace a very different rhythm.
School at home
Traditional Structure, at Your Own Pace
School-at-home mirrors the structure of a conventional classroom — textbooks, workbooks, scheduled subjects, grades, and tests — but delivers it one-on-one at home. It is the most familiar approach for families transitioning out of traditional school, and all-in-one boxed curricula make it especially accessible for those just starting out.
Not sure which style fits your family?
Most families do not fit neatly into one category — and that is completely fine. Browse Cathy Duffy Reviews to compare specific curricula across every style and subject, or read The Homeschool Mom's style overview for a plain-language tour of every major approach. The age-group spotlights in the resource library below can also help you see what other families are using at your child's stage.
All ages — K–12 essentials
The Resources Every Homeschool Family Should Know
Some resources are not tied to a grade level or a single subject — they are the ones homeschool families return to year after year, from the first day of kindergarten through high school graduation. These are the books, websites, and organizations that have earned their reputation across decades and hundreds of thousands of families. Whether you are brand new to homeschooling or a seasoned veteran looking to fill a gap, this is the list to start with. Select an age group above to see resources tailored to a specific stage, or use the subject filters below to narrow by topic.
Featured article
Welcome to the Homeschool Companion Family
If you've found your way to Homeschool Companion, there's a good chance homeschooling has been on your mind for a while. Maybe you've been reading books, watching videos, talking to friends, or quietly praying, "Lord...can I really do this?"
The short answer? Yes...you can.
Homeschooling isn't about knowing everything before you begin. It's about loving your children enough to take the first step and trusting God to guide you through the rest. Before you buy a single workbook, answer one simple question: Why do you want to homeschool? That's your vision — and your vision becomes the compass that guides every decision you'll make.
God didn't call you to homeschool someone else's children. He called you to love and teach yours. And remember — you don't have to figure this out by yourself. That's why we're here.
Have questions or want to share your thoughts?Reply to this article
The Well-Trained MindClassical
Susan Wise Bauer's comprehensive guide to classical homeschooling from kindergarten through high school. The single most recommended book for families who want a coherent, rigorous K–12 plan — covers curriculum choices, scheduling, and what to expect at every stage.
Visit siteKhan Academy (All Grades)Free
Free, mastery-based video lessons and practice problems covering math, science, language arts, history, and more from kindergarten through college. An invaluable supplement at every grade level — use it to fill gaps, reinforce concepts, or let a motivated student run ahead.
Visit siteRead-Aloud RevivalFree
Sarah Mackenzie's beloved podcast and book list resource makes the case — backed by research — that reading aloud together is the highest-leverage thing a homeschool family can do at any age. The book lists alone are worth the visit.
Visit siteCathy Duffy ReviewsReviews
The most trusted independent curriculum review site in homeschooling. Cathy Duffy has reviewed hundreds of programs across every subject and grade level — an essential first stop when you are comparing curricula and trying to find the right fit for your learner.
Visit siteAmbleside OnlineFree
A free, Charlotte Mason-inspired curriculum spanning K–12. Built around living books, nature study, narration, and short lessons. One of the most complete free curriculum frameworks available — used by thousands of families worldwide.
Visit siteThe Homeschool MomCommunity
A warm, practical resource hub covering curriculum reviews, homeschool styles, state laws, and encouragement for families at every stage. Especially helpful for parents who are just starting out and need a trustworthy, non-overwhelming overview of their options.
Visit siteHSLDA — Home School Legal Defense AssociationLegal
Legal support, state-by-state law summaries, and advocacy for homeschool families across the country. Whether you are just starting out and need to understand your state's requirements, or you are a veteran family who wants legal protection, HSLDA is the go-to resource.
Visit siteHomeschool.comHub
One of the longest-running homeschool resource hubs on the internet. Covers curriculum reviews, teaching styles, co-ops, conventions, and community — a reliable starting point for families researching their options at any grade level.
Visit siteWhere to start if you are new
If you are just beginning your homeschool journey, start with two things: understand your state's legal requirements at HSLDA, then read The Well-Trained Mind to get a clear picture of the road ahead. From there, Cathy Duffy Reviews will help you compare specific curricula for your child's age and learning style. Khan Academy and Ambleside Online are both free and can serve as a complete starting point while you find your footing. The Homeschool Mom and Homeschool.com are great places to browse when you want a broader sense of the community and your options. And no matter what else you do, read aloud together every day — Read-Aloud Revival will show you why it matters more than almost anything else.
Showing all 12 resources
Science64 pages
Nature Science Explorer
Hands-on science activities using everyday materials. Covers life cycles, weather, simple machines, and the natural world.
Activity pack
K–8History200 pages
American History Through Stories
Narrative-driven history curriculum that brings key events and figures to life through primary sources and project-based learning.
Curriculum guide
Grades 6–8Where to begin:150 pages
Pre-Algebra Mastery
Bridge the gap between arithmetic and algebra with clear explanations, worked examples, and progressive practice sets.
Curriculum guide
Grades 6–8Language arts72 pages
Creative Writing Workshop
Spark imagination with structured prompts, genre studies, and editing checklists. Covers fiction, poetry, and persuasive writing.
Activity pack
Grades 3–5History96 pages
World Geography & Cultures
An engaging tour of world regions with map skills, cultural studies, and project ideas that connect learning to real places.
Lesson plan
Grades 3–5Science280 pages
High School Biology
Rigorous yet accessible biology curriculum with lab activities, diagrams, and assessments aligned to college-prep standards.
Curriculum guide
Grades 9–12Arts & music58 pages
Music Appreciation & Theory
Introduce music history, notation, and ear training through listening activities, composer studies, and simple instrument exercises.
Activity pack
Grades 3–5Life skills88 pages
Financial Literacy for Teens
Practical life skills curriculum covering budgeting, saving, investing basics, and understanding credit — essential for young adults.
Lesson plan
Grades 9–12Language arts110 pages
Early Phonics & Literacy
Systematic phonics instruction with decodable readers, letter activities, and sight word practice for beginning readers.
Curriculum guide
K–8Arts & music76 pages
Visual Arts Exploration
Guided art projects spanning drawing, painting, and mixed media — with art history connections and technique breakdowns.
Activity pack
Grades 6–8Life skills95 pages
An introduction to Technology and using AI in your homeschool.
Curriculum guide
Grades 3–5Can't find what you're looking for?
Join our community and ask thousands of experienced homeschool families for recommendations.