First grade curriculum that honors the unfolding literacy and the independence of early learners.
In first grade, students explore the world with growing curiosity and confidence. Oak Meadow’s curriculum meets this developmental stage with a blend of storytelling, creativity, and hands-on learning that supports the whole child—head, heart, and hands.
Each week brings a thoughtful rhythm of lessons that help children build strong foundations in reading, math, and self-expression. Literacy skills grow through classic stories, poems, and songs, while word families, consonant blends, and handwriting practice support emerging readers.
Math lessons come alive through stories, games, and natural materials, introducing the four processes alongside patterns, money, and geometric shapes. In social studies, students create maps, calendars, and explore their sense of time and place through tales and traditions from around the world.
Science, arts and crafts, music, and health round out the year with nature walks, watercolor painting, recorder playing, and projects that spark curiosity and creativity.
Download Two Weeks of Lessons
The Oak Meadow First Grade curriculum nurtures creativity, confidence, and connection.
Oak Meadow offers a secular, print-based, developmentally appropriate first grade curriculum that builds on the imaginative foundation of the early years.
With weekly lesson plans, stories, poems, and creative projects, students develop essential academic skills while maintaining a playful and engaged relationship with learning. The curriculum encourages self-expression and purposeful work while gently guiding children toward greater independence and self-awareness.
If you’re homeschooling independently, Oak Meadow’s First Grade curriculum is available in our online shop.
What makes Oak Meadow First Grade different?
Print-Based Materials
We believe young learners thrive through tactile and sensory learning.
The curriculum is designed to be explored away from screens, using rich printed materials and physical activities.
- Printed books foster meaningful engagement with literature, math, and art.
- Tactile learning supports deeper comprehension and focus.
- Digital versions are provided for enrolled families.
Integrated Learning
Subjects are woven together through story, rhythm, and creativity.
- Fairy tales support language arts and social-emotional development.
- Math concepts appear in stories, crafts, and movement.
- Seasonal rhythms guide the flow of the year.
Language Arts
First grade is a time of blossoming literacy.
- Handwriting and phonics are taught through story-based activities.
- Language arts lessons include copywork, retelling, and drawing.
- Classic tales and fables provide a foundation for comprehension and vocabulary.
Mathematics
Math is introduced through movement, story, and discovery.
- Concepts include number bonds, place value, counting, patterns, and the four processes.
- Math stories and games make learning memorable and joyful.
- Visual and physical models support lasting understanding.
Science and Nature Study
Students investigate the natural world with curiosity and wonder.
- Activities include nature journaling, weather observation, and seasonal projects.
- Topics range from animal homes to plant growth and the changing seasons.
- Children learn to ask questions, make predictions, and record findings.
Arts and Crafts
Creativity is part of every subject.
- Watercolor painting develops fine motor control and color sense.
- Crafts reflect the natural world and deepen engagement with the seasons.
- Artistic expression supports academic learning and emotional growth.
Music and Movement
Songs and movement keep learning joyful and embodied.
- Songs enhance memory, coordination, and language development.
- Movement activities support spatial awareness and focus.
- Music connects learning to joy and rhythm.
Social Studies
Social learning is rooted in storytelling and daily life.
- Classic fables and folktales explore human values and ethics.
- Children reflect on their own experiences and begin to understand others.
- Activities foster empathy, cooperation, and social awareness.
Rhythm and Independence
First grade gently builds the skills for self-direction.
- Weekly rhythms provide predictability and structure.
- Activities promote focus, follow-through, and pride in work.
- Home teachers are supported with clear guidance and planning tools.
Ready to learn more?
- View First Grade Curriculum Samples
- Explore Oak Meadow’s Elementary Grades to see how learning progresses after first grade
- Attend a Virtual Info Session to learn more about using Oak Meadow’s curriculum at home or through our distance learning school.
