Homeschool schedule for 1st grade in Maryland

1. 1Opening rhythm: calendar, chores, read-aloud, or morning basket.
2. 21st grade core block: phonics, early readers, hands-on math, handwriting, read-alouds, and short science or social studies blocks.
3. 3Breaks: movement, snack, outside time, or quiet reset before attention drops.
4. 4Family subjects: science, history, art, music, or nature study can often combine ages.
5. 5Compliance block: update attendance, work samples, or notes needed for Maryland.
6. 6End-of-day reset: file work, preview tomorrow, and stop before the routine becomes unsustainable.

Maryland requires regular, thorough instruction during the school year. The state does not use a simple homeschool hour total in the main guidance, but families should teach consistently across the full school year.

For the portfolio option, keep a portfolio showing instructional materials, reading materials, and examples of the student’s work. The portfolio must be available for review at the times required by the supervising authority.

No statewide standardized testing requirement applies just for homeschooling, but the portfolio option includes regular portfolio reviews and umbrella programs may have their own oversight rules.

Start smaller than you think. A consistent two-hour routine that actually happens beats an ideal six-hour schedule that burns everyone out.