Math & ELA Options by Grade

Accelerated Learners are those children who learn and retain easily. Instruction will be explicit at some times and truncated at other times. They make connections between new information and existing knowledge automatically and may need only casual review. That said, they generally need help with time management, and it can be a challenge to find age-appropriate literature. Because parents are required to use grade-level curriculum, we selected rich literature and instruction that allows these children to soar.

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For kindergarten math, we’re starting with New Earlybird Math, a gentle Singapore-method introduction that’s especially approachable for parents new to teaching. Phonics instruction comes from The Ordinary Parent’s Guide to Teaching Reading, which lets you progress at your child’s natural pace. Optional flashcards add an enjoyable, hands-on element to letter and sound practice. Spelling Workout helps solidify phonics patterns through spelling lessons. We’ve selected the Getty-Dubay Italic Handwriting program to develop clear, beautiful penmanship.

Schedule: Math 5 days/week, Phonics 5 days/week, Spelling 4–5 days/week, Handwriting 5 days/week.

Recommended:

For 1st graders, we suggest Beast Academy Level 1, a challenging program that emphasizes logical thinking and problem-solving. Lessons are taught together as a family, while practice pages can often be done more independently by the student. For language arts, Lightning Literature offers a full, literature-centered approach. In Year 1, parents typically read most or all of the selections aloud (adjustable based on the child). Spelling Workout continues to build on phonics foundations through targeted spelling practice. Getty-Dubay Italic Handwriting provides structured, elegant handwriting instruction.

Schedule: Math 5 days/week, Lightning Literature 5 days/week, Spelling 4–5 days/week, Handwriting 5 days/week.

Math continues with Beast Academy Level 2, keeping the strong focus on logic and deep understanding. Parent-led instruction remains key for new concepts, with practice work allowing greater student independence. Lightning Literature serves as our complete, book-based ELA program. During Year 2, parents read roughly half the selections aloud while the child reads the other half (flexible depending on reading readiness). Spelling Workout reinforces phonics concepts alongside grade-appropriate spelling. Getty-Dubay Italic Handwriting keeps handwriting instruction consistent and refined.

Schedule: Math 5 days/week, Lightning Literature 5 days/week, Spelling 4–5 days/week, Handwriting 5 days/week.

We stay with Beast Academy for math, continuing its logic-rich, problem-solving emphasis with Level 3. Joint teaching sessions introduce material, followed by more self-directed practice. Lightning Literature remains our comprehensive literature-driven ELA curriculum. By Year 3, the student reads the assigned books independently. (If not already owned, remember to add the separate Book of Poetry.) Spelling Workout supports ongoing phonics reinforcement through spelling activities. Getty-Dubay Italic Handwriting rounds out language arts with graceful script practice.

Schedule: Math 5 days/week, Lightning Literature 5 days/week, Spelling 4–5 days/week, Handwriting 5 days/week.

*In the Lightning Literature grade 2 package, needed for level 3:

Beast Academy continues as our math choice with Level 4, delivering in-depth logical reasoning and problem-solving. Parents guide instruction together, while practice encourages increasing independence. For literature, we’ve chosen Mosdos, which features rich, high-quality reading selections paired with meaningful writing prompts—plenty of material is included so you can tailor it to your child’s pace and needs. Writing and grammar instruction come from Essentials in Writing, structured with grammar foundations early and a research paper component later. Spelling Workout provides grade-level word lists and reinforcing exercises. Getty-Dubay Italic Handwriting maintains beautiful, consistent handwriting practice.

Schedule: Math 5 days/week, Reading 5 days/week, Writing 5 days/week, Spelling 4–5 days/week, Handwriting 4–5 days/week.

Beast Academy Level 5 is out choice for 5th grade math, preserving its rigorous logic-based approach. Instruction is collaborative at first, with practice shifting toward student independence. Mosdos continues as our literature program, offering abundant high-interest readings and integrated writing tasks—extra content allows customization to fit your learner perfectly. Essentials in Writing delivers structured writing instruction, beginning with grammar skills and culminating in a research paper. Spelling Workout delivers targeted grade-level spelling practice. Getty-Dubay Italic Handwriting provides ongoing refinement of italic script.

Schedule: Math 5 days/week, Reading 5 days/week, Writing 5 days/week, Spelling 3–4 days/week, Handwriting 4–5 days/week.

Math transitions to The Art of Problem Solving in 6th Grade (the same publisher as Beast Academy), maintaining the deep focus on logical reasoning and advanced problem-solving. We continue Mosdos for literature, with its generous selection of engaging readings and writing opportunities—ample material lets you adapt to your student’s strengths and interests. Writing instruction is handled by Essentials in Writing, which covers grammar thoroughly upfront and includes a research paper toward the end. Getty-Dubay Italic Handwriting supports continued development of elegant handwriting.

Schedule: Math 5 days/week, Reading 5 days/week, Writing 5 days/week, Handwriting 3–4 days/week.

We continue with The Art of Problem Solving for 7th Grade math, building on the logical, problem-solving foundation established earlier. For language arts, we shift to a more flexible, customized approach suited to advanced learners. Select and complete 5–7 novels from the provided list, using accompanying Literature Guides that include comprehension questions, vocabulary work, and literary analysis. Parent-student discussion is highly recommended, though the teaching style can be adjusted to fit your dynamic. Jensen’s Grammar and Jensen’s Punctuation are added for targeted grammar and mechanics support—students can work sequentially or pull sections as needed during writing.  

Choose 5-7 titles from the following Novel/Literature Guide sets:

Math moves to Jacobs’ Elementary Algebra for 8th Grade, a thorough college-preparatory course with strong, clear teacher support materials. In ELA, we maintain a flexible yet guided structure for advanced students. Choose and complete 5–7 novels from the suggested list, supported by Literature Guides offering reading comprehension, vocabulary, and literary analysis questions. Discussion between parent and student is encouraged to deepen understanding, though the format remains adaptable. Jensen’s Format Writing provides structured writing support—usable cover-to-cover or selectively for composition needs.

Choose 5-7 titles from the following Novel/Literature Guide sets: