Best homeschool curriculum for 1st grade in South Carolina

1st grade usually needs a strong daily rhythm around phonics, early readers, hands-on math, handwriting, read-alouds, and short science or social studies blocks. Then compare that with South Carolina's required-subject summary: reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, composition for grades 7-12, literature for grades 7-12.

Moderate. Families can choose curriculum, but each lawful option must at least cover the required subjects, and Option 1 carries the most oversight.

1. 1Start with 1st grade math and language arts before buying a full bundle.
2. 2Match the program to your child’s current level, not just the grade label.
3. 3Decide whether you want faith-based, secular, classical, literature-rich, online, or workbook-based materials.
4. 4Make sure your plan can cover South Carolina's required subjects: reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, composition for grades 7-12, literature for grades 7-12.
5. 5Keep a curriculum list and samples in case your South Carolina records ever need review.
6. 6Avoid overbuying in the first month; routines matter more than a perfect cart.

Recordkeeping depends on the option. Option 1 requires a plan book or diary of subjects and activities, a portfolio of student work, a record of academic progress assessments, and semiannual progress reports with attendance and individualized assessments. Option 3 requires educational records that include similar materials. Even when not clearly required in the same way under Option 2, families should keep attendance, work samples, course records, and high school transcripts.

It depends on the option. Option 1 requires participation in the annual statewide testing program and the Basic Skills Assessment Program. The available sources do not identify a general statewide testing requirement for Options 2 and 3.