Teaching Starts At Home

A simple guide to home education

Simple K–12 Curriculum Outline

Use this as a flexible roadmap. Combine subjects, go deeper where your child is interested, and adapt to your family’s rhythm.

Outline by individual grade from Kindergarten through Grade 12. For a full-year plan with daily goals and detailed lessons, see 185 Daily Lessons; each lesson links to the relevant worksheet. Adjust levels to fit your child’s readiness and your state’s requirements.

Kindergarten

  • Language Arts – Letter names and sounds; rhyming; simple sight words; read-alouds daily; printing letters and numbers.
    • Name and produce letter sounds; recognize some sight words.
    • Listen to and discuss stories; answer simple questions about a text.
    • Print uppercase and lowercase letters and numerals legibly.
  • Math – Count to 100; number recognition; comparing amounts; simple addition and subtraction to 10; shapes and patterns.
    • Count to 100 by ones and tens; count objects with one-to-one correspondence.
    • Compare numbers (more, less, equal); add and subtract within 10.
    • Identify and name 2D and 3D shapes; extend simple patterns.
  • Science – Weather and seasons; living vs. nonliving; plants and animals basics; simple observations and questions.
    • Describe weather and seasonal changes; identify living vs. nonliving things.
    • Name basic needs of plants and animals; make simple observations and predictions.
  • Social Studies – Family and home; community helpers; maps (home, neighborhood); holidays and traditions.
    • Describe family roles and the home; identify community helpers and their roles.
    • Use simple maps and symbols; recognize common holidays and traditions.
  • Other – Art, music, movement, free play; following directions; tidying and routines.
    • Participate in art, music, and movement activities; follow one- and two-step directions.

Grade 1

  • Language Arts – Phonics and decoding; reading simple sentences and short books; printing words and sentences; listening to stories.
    • Decode CVC and common short-vowel words; read simple sentences with fluency.
    • Write words and simple sentences; retell stories with beginning, middle, end.
  • Math – Addition and subtraction to 20; place value (tens and ones); measuring length; telling time to hour and half-hour.
    • Add and subtract within 20; understand tens and ones.
    • Compare lengths; tell time to the hour and half-hour.
  • Science – Plants (needs, parts); animals (habitats, life cycles); simple experiments (sink/float, magnets).
    • Describe what plants and animals need; identify plant parts and animal habitats.
    • Conduct simple tests (e.g., sink/float, magnets) and describe what happened.
  • Social Studies – Neighborhood and community; maps and symbols; past vs. present; national symbols and stories.
    • Describe the neighborhood and community; use maps and simple symbols.
    • Compare past and present; recognize national symbols and simple history stories.
  • Other – Art, music, PE; life skills; simple projects.
    • Complete simple art and music activities; practice life skills and short projects.

Grade 2

  • Language Arts – Reading fluency; comprehension (who, what, where); writing sentences and short stories; basic grammar and spelling.
    • Read grade-level text with fluency; answer who, what, where, when questions.
    • Write complete sentences and short narratives; use basic capitalization and punctuation.
  • Math – Addition and subtraction to 100; skip counting; introduction to multiplication concepts; geometry (2D/3D shapes); simple word problems.
    • Add and subtract within 100; skip count by 2s, 5s, 10s; understand equal groups (repeated addition).
    • Solve one- and two-step word problems; describe and compare 2D and 3D shapes.
  • Science – Life cycles; habitats and ecosystems; matter (solid, liquid, gas); weather and water cycle basics.
    • Describe life cycles and how living things depend on habitats.
    • Classify matter as solid, liquid, or gas; describe the water cycle in simple terms.
  • Social Studies – Local history and geography; citizenship (rules, fairness); timelines; cultures and celebrations.
    • Describe local history and geography; explain why rules and fairness matter.
    • Use timelines; compare cultures and celebrations.
  • Other – Art, music, movement; keyboarding intro; following multi-step directions.
    • Follow multi-step directions; begin keyboarding; participate in art and music.

Grade 3

  • Language Arts – Chapter books; main idea and details; paragraph writing; grammar (nouns, verbs, adjectives); spelling patterns.
    • Read chapter books; identify main idea and supporting details.
    • Write organized paragraphs; use nouns, verbs, adjectives correctly; apply spelling patterns.
  • Math – Multiplication and division facts; fractions (halves to tenths); rounding; area and perimeter; data and graphs.
    • Multiply and divide within 100; understand unit fractions and simple fractions.
    • Round to nearest 10 or 100; find area and perimeter; read and create graphs.
  • Science – Force and motion; life cycles and adaptations; earth materials (rocks, soil); simple scientific method.
    • Describe how force affects motion; explain adaptations and life cycles.
    • Identify earth materials; ask questions, make predictions, and record simple results.
  • Social Studies – U.S. or regional history (exploration, settlement); map skills; government (local, state); economics basics.
    • Describe exploration and settlement in your region; use maps, keys, and scale.
    • Explain local and state government; define basic economic terms (e.g., goods, services).
  • Other – Art, music, PE; keyboarding; short research projects.
    • Complete short research projects; use keyboarding for simple assignments.

Grade 4

  • Language Arts – Reading for meaning; summarizing; multi-paragraph writing; grammar and punctuation; vocabulary in context.
    • Summarize texts; infer meaning and identify cause/effect in reading.
    • Write multi-paragraph pieces with clear structure; use correct grammar and punctuation; determine word meaning from context.
  • Math – Multi-digit multiplication and division; fractions (equivalence, comparing, adding); decimals (tenths, hundredths); angles and symmetry.
    • Multiply and divide multi-digit numbers; find equivalent fractions and add fractions with like denominators.
    • Read and write decimals; identify angles and lines of symmetry.
  • Science – Ecosystems and food chains; energy (light, sound, heat); earth processes (erosion, weathering); experiments with variables.
    • Describe ecosystems, food chains, and energy transfer; explain erosion and weathering.
    • Design experiments that change one variable and record results.
  • Social Studies – State and U.S. history; geography (regions, landforms); civics (rights, responsibilities); timelines and primary sources.
    • Explain key events in state and U.S. history; use geography terms and maps.
    • Describe rights and responsibilities of citizens; use timelines and primary sources.
  • Other – Art, music, PE; research and presentations; note-taking.
    • Take notes from sources; present findings clearly; participate in art, music, PE.

Grade 5

  • Language Arts – Analysis of fiction and nonfiction; essay structure (intro, body, conclusion); editing and revising; book discussions and debates.
    • Analyze theme, point of view, and evidence in fiction and nonfiction.
    • Write essays with intro, body, conclusion; edit and revise; participate in discussions and debates.
  • Math – Operations with fractions and decimals; volume; coordinate grids; word problems and multi-step reasoning.
    • Add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions and decimals.
    • Find volume; use coordinate grids; solve multi-step word problems.
  • Science – Matter and chemical changes; human body systems; solar system; scientific method and lab reports.
    • Describe matter, chemical changes, and major human body systems; explain the solar system.
    • Write lab reports using the scientific method (question, hypothesis, procedure, results, conclusion).
  • Social Studies – U.S. history (e.g., Revolution through Civil War); world geography; economics (supply, demand); current events.
    • Explain key events from Revolution through Civil War; use world geography.
    • Describe supply and demand; connect history and geography to current events.
  • Other – Art, music, PE; keyboarding fluency; longer research projects.
    • Use keyboarding fluently; complete longer research projects with multiple sources.

Grade 6

  • Language Arts – Novels and nonfiction; theme and character; argument writing; grammar and vocabulary; oral presentations.
    • Analyze theme, character, and author’s purpose in novels and nonfiction.
    • Write argument pieces with claims and evidence; deliver clear oral presentations.
  • Math – Ratios and proportions; integers and rational numbers; expressions and equations; area and surface area; introduction to statistics.
    • Use ratios and proportions; operate with integers and rational numbers.
    • Write and solve expressions and equations; find area and surface area; interpret data and basic statistics.
  • Science – Earth science (plate tectonics, climate); life science (cells, heredity); physical science (energy, waves); lab investigations.
    • Explain plate tectonics, climate, cells, heredity, energy, and waves at an introductory level.
    • Conduct lab investigations and document procedures and findings.
  • Social Studies – World history (ancient through medieval); world geography; civics and government; economics basics.
    • Describe ancient through medieval world history; use world maps and regions.
    • Explain basic civics and government; define scarcity, choice, and trade.
  • Other – Foreign language intro; health; technology and digital literacy.
    • Begin a foreign language (greetings, basic vocabulary); practice health concepts; use technology safely and for research.

Grade 7

  • Language Arts – Literary analysis; research writing and citations; persuasive writing; vocabulary development; structured discussions.
    • Analyze literary elements and techniques; cite evidence from texts.
    • Write research-based and persuasive pieces with proper citations; participate in structured discussions.
  • Math – Proportional relationships; operations with rational numbers; algebraic expressions and equations; geometry (circles, angles); probability.
    • Solve problems involving proportional relationships and rational numbers.
    • Simplify expressions and solve multi-step equations; work with circles, angles, and probability.
  • Science – Life science (evolution, ecosystems); physical science (motion, forces); earth/space; designing and conducting experiments.
    • Explain evolution, ecosystems, motion, forces, and earth/space concepts.
    • Design and conduct experiments; identify variables and analyze results.
  • Social Studies – World history (early modern); U.S. history (colonial to early republic); government structure; geography and current events.
    • Explain early modern world history and U.S. colonial through early republic history.
    • Describe government structure; connect geography and current events.
  • Other – Foreign language; health and wellness; research and media literacy.
    • Continue foreign language (conversation, reading); apply health and wellness concepts; evaluate sources and media.

Grade 8

  • Language Arts – Complex texts; evidence-based analysis; formal essays; narrative and informational writing; presentations and debate.
    • Analyze complex texts and support analysis with evidence.
    • Write formal essays and narratives; present and debate with clarity and civility.
  • Math – Linear equations and functions; Pythagorean theorem; transformations; scatter plots and linear models; systems of equations intro.
    • Graph and solve linear equations and functions; apply the Pythagorean theorem.
    • Perform transformations; interpret scatter plots; solve simple systems of equations.
  • Science – Integrated physical and life science; chemistry basics (atoms, reactions); scientific reasoning and lab reports.
    • Describe atoms, chemical reactions, and integrated science concepts.
    • Write lab reports with clear reasoning and conclusions.
  • Social Studies – U.S. history (19th–20th century); civics and Constitution; economics; global connections and current events.
    • Explain 19th–20th century U.S. history; describe Constitution and civics; apply basic economics.
    • Connect global events to history and civics.
  • Other – Foreign language; health; high school readiness and study skills.
    • Continue foreign language; practice study skills, note-taking, and time management for high school.

Grade 9

  • English – Literature (drama, poetry, novel); literary analysis and essay writing; research and citations; vocabulary and grammar review.
    • Analyze drama, poetry, and novels for theme, structure, and craft.
    • Write analytical and research-based essays with correct citations.
  • Math – Algebra I: linear equations, inequalities, systems; quadratics; exponents; functions.
    • Solve linear equations, inequalities, and systems; graph linear functions.
    • Work with quadratics, exponents, and function notation.
  • Science – Biology (cells, genetics, evolution, ecology); lab work and lab reports.
    • Explain cell structure, genetics, evolution, and ecology; complete biology labs with written reports.
  • Social Studies – World history or geography; civics; introduction to economics.
    • Demonstrate understanding of world history or world geography; explain civics and basic economics.
  • Other – Foreign language year 1; PE/health; electives (art, music, tech).
    • Complete first year of foreign language; meet PE/health expectations; pursue at least one elective.

Grade 10

  • English – World or American literature; composition and argument; research papers; critical reading and discussion.
    • Analyze world or American literature; write argumentative and research papers.
    • Engage in critical reading and discussion with evidence-based responses.
  • Math – Geometry: proofs, congruence, similarity, circles, area and volume; or Algebra II start.
    • Complete geometry: proofs, congruence, similarity, circles, area and volume; or complete first half of Algebra II.
  • Science – Chemistry (periodic table, bonding, reactions) or Physics (motion, forces, energy); labs.
    • Explain chemistry (periodic table, bonding, reactions) or physics (motion, forces, energy); complete lab requirements.
  • Social Studies – U.S. history or world history; government; geography as needed.
    • Demonstrate understanding of U.S. or world history; explain government and use geography as needed.
  • Other – Foreign language year 2; PE/health; electives; career exploration.
    • Complete second year of foreign language; explore careers and interests through electives.

Grade 11

  • English – American literature (or focus area); advanced composition; SAT/ACT prep as needed; presentations and debate.
    • Analyze American literature (or focus area); write advanced compositions.
    • Prepare for SAT/ACT if applicable; deliver effective presentations and participate in debate.
  • Math – Algebra II (polynomials, functions, logarithms) or Precalculus; optional Statistics.
    • Complete Algebra II or Precalculus; optionally complete introductory Statistics.
  • Science – Physics or second year of Biology/Chemistry; continued lab work and reports.
    • Complete Physics or a second year of Biology/Chemistry with full lab documentation.
  • Social Studies – U.S. history (if not completed); government; economics; current events and civics.
    • Complete U.S. history if needed; demonstrate understanding of government and economics; connect to current events.
  • Other – Foreign language year 3; PE/health; electives; college/career planning.
    • Complete third year of foreign language; engage in college/career planning and electives.

Grade 12

  • English – British/world literature or AP/dual enrollment; senior thesis or capstone; critical analysis and public speaking.
    • Complete advanced literature and/or capstone; demonstrate critical analysis and public speaking.
  • Math – Precalculus, Statistics, or Calculus (based on goals); applied math as needed.
    • Complete Precalculus, Statistics, or Calculus (or equivalent) aligned to postsecondary goals.
  • Science – Third science or advanced (AP/dual enrollment); completion of lab requirements.
    • Complete third lab science or advanced science; meet graduation lab requirements.
  • Social Studies – Government, economics, or elective (psychology, sociology); civics and current events.
    • Demonstrate understanding of government, economics, or chosen elective; apply civics to current events.
  • Other – Foreign language year 4 or elective; PE/health; capstone, internship, or career focus; college applications.
    • Complete fourth year of foreign language or elective; complete capstone/internship as applicable; complete college applications if applicable.

Keep records of courses, materials, and hours as required where you live. This outline is a starting point—customize it to your child’s path and your state’s requirements.