How to Choose a Homeschool Curriculum for Kindergarten
Your guide to keeping it joyful, simple, and right for your family.
Psst..No time to read? Download this article for later!
When I first decided to homeschool my kindergartener, I felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. I wanted to give my child the very best start, but I also didn’t want to mess it up. Scrolling through homeschool forums and Pinterest boards was overwhelming—so many curriculums, so many approaches, and so many opinions! If you're standing at the same starting line, take a deep breath. You’re not alone—and I promise, it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Kindergarten is a magical year. It’s less about worksheets and checkboxes, and more about nurturing curiosity, introducing structure gently, and creating a rhythm that feels good for your family. Choosing a curriculum for this age should feel empowering, not stressful. So let’s walk through the steps together and simplify the process.
1. Start with Your Child, Not the Curriculum
Every child is unique. Some are bouncing with energy from sun-up to sundown, while others prefer quiet activities and deep focus. Some love flipping through books; others want to build towers out of blocks for hours.
Before picking a curriculum, spend some time observing your child:
Do they enjoy listening to stories?
Do they prefer moving over sitting still?
Are they curious about letters and numbers already?
Kindergarteners learn best through play, storytelling, and hands-on exploration. At this stage, it’s more important to meet your child where they are than to follow a rigid plan. The best curriculum is the one that helps you connect with them.
2. Get Clear on Your Goals for the Year
Kindergarten is about laying a foundation—not just academically, but emotionally and socially too. You don’t need to mimic a public school schedule. Instead, ask yourself:
What do I want my child to experience this year?
What skills would I like them to develop?
What kind of learning environment do I want to create?
Your goals might include:
Recognizing letters and beginning to read
Counting to 100 and understanding simple math concepts
Practicing fine motor skills through play, crafts, and writing
Spending time outdoors and learning about the natural world
Building attention span and following directions in a low-pressure way
Keep your goals simple and developmentally appropriate. This will help you avoid curriculum overload.
3. Explore Different Homeschooling Approaches
There’s no one-size-fits-all method. Here’s a quick breakdown of popular homeschooling styles and how they might influence your curriculum choice:
Traditional
Structured and workbook-based. Mimics public school.
Great for: parents who prefer clear plans and benchmarks
Example: Abeka, BJU Press
Charlotte Mason
Gentle, literature-rich, nature-focused, short lessons.
Great for: families who value read-alouds and outdoor time
Example: The Good and the Beautiful, Simply Charlotte Mason
Montessori
Child-led, hands-on, focused on life skills and independence.
Great for: tactile learners, and families wanting a minimal, structured home environment
Example: Montessori at Home resources
Unschooling
Learning through life experiences, child-led interests.
Great for: free spirits, relaxed families, very young learners
Example: No formal curriculum; guided by child's questions
Unit Studies
All subjects tied to one theme (e.g., farm animals, seasons).
Great for: multi-age families, creative learners
Example: Five in a Row, Gather 'Round Homeschool
Once you identify with one or more of these styles, it’s easier to narrow down your curriculum choices.
4. Choose Subjects You Actually Need
The wonderful thing about Kindergarten curriculum is that it doesn’t need to be comprehensive! Children are just starting to retain information so focus on the essentials:
Core Subjects:
Language Arts – phonics, early reading, handwriting
Math – counting, patterns, number recognition, basic addition
Read-Aloud Time – develops vocabulary, comprehension, and bonding
Optional but enriching:
Science – nature walks, weather observation, fun experiments
Social Studies – family, community helpers, maps
Art & Music – crafts, coloring, singing, rhythm games
Bible/Character Development – if faith-based learning is important to you
If your child is already reading or has a strong interest in a subject, feel free to tailor the curriculum to meet their pace.
5. Review Popular Kindergarten Curriculums
Here are a few trusted options that many homeschooling families enjoy:
The Good and the Beautiful
Free or affordable. Open-and-go. Faith-based, literature-rich, gentle.
Ideal for: families new to homeschooling, visual learners
Math-U-See
Hands-on, mastery-based, great for tactile learners
Ideal for: parents who want a solid math foundation without pressure
Explode the Code
Phonics-based workbooks
Ideal for: kids who are ready to start reading, need structure
Five in a Row
Uses picture books to guide unit studies across multiple subjects
Ideal for: creative learners, multi-age households
Torchlight
Secular, literature-based, includes philosophy and global awareness
Ideal for: families wanting a modern, well-rounded approach
Always try to download a sample lesson before you buy. Some curriculums offer free trials, placement tests, or even full kindergarten programs for free online.
6. Create a Gentle Daily Rhythm
A kindergartener’s attention span is short—about 10–15 minutes per task! Your homeschool day doesn’t need to be long to be effective. Here’s a sample flow:
Morning snuggles and a read-aloud
Short phonics lesson (10–15 min)
Math play or activity (10–15 min)
Outside time or nature walk
Free play or hands-on project
Art, music, or a baking activity
Keep lessons short and sweet. Let curiosity and connection lead the way. Don’t be afraid to skip a day or take a detour if your child is fascinated by something unexpected—those are often the best learning moments!
7. Be Ready to Pivot
You might love a curriculum—but if it’s not working for your child, it’s okay to let it go. One of the biggest blessings of homeschooling is the flexibility to change course when needed. Give yourself permission to adapt, blend different programs, or even take a break from formal lessons if your child needs time to grow in other ways.
The curriculum is a tool, not a master. You are your child’s greatest teacher, and no boxed set or printable pack can replace the joy of learning together.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a homeschool curriculum for kindergarten doesn’t have to be stressful. Start with your child, think about your values, and keep things simple and joyful. Focus on connection over perfection. Learning at this age is happening all the time—through games, questions, stories, and play.
You’ve already made a powerful choice in deciding to be present and intentional in your child’s learning journey. That’s the hardest part—and you’re already doing it.
