The Workbooks and Curriculum We Are Using
Updated July 2026 · 6 min read
I am not a rigid, follow-every-page kind of homeschool mom, but a little structure keeps me from feeling lost. A few good workbooks give us a loose path so I always know what comes next without overplanning.
Here is what we are actually using this year. I keep it gentle and low-pressure, and we skip around when we need to. These are the pieces that give our days just enough shape.
What we reach for
An early learning all-in-one workbook
A single big workbook that covers letters, numbers, and early skills gives me an easy default when I am not sure what to do.
Shop my picks →Handwriting practice pages
Simple tracing and letter practice builds those little hand muscles. We do a page or two at a time, no pressure.
Shop my picks →Early math workbook
Gentle counting, shapes, and number recognition, one short page at a time. Bite-sized keeps it fun.
Shop my picks →Reading and phonics readers
Little early reader books build confidence as they start sounding out words. Watching that click never gets old.
Shop my picks →Reusable activity workbooks
Wipe-clean activity books are a lifesaver. We use them again and again, and they are perfect for quiet time or travel.
Shop my picks →Shop this post
All my picks from this post rounded up in one spot on my Amazon storefront.
See my Amazon picks → As an Amazon Associate I may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.Frequently asked questions
Do you follow one boxed curriculum?
Not strictly. I pull from a few gentle workbooks and readers rather than one rigid program. That flexibility lets me match what my child is ready for.
How much workbook time is enough for a young child?
A little goes a long way. A page or two of focused practice is plenty at this age. We keep it short so it stays positive.
What if my child resists workbooks?
We switch to hands-on learning and come back later. Forcing it backfires. Some days a puzzle or a game teaches the same skill with zero tears.
Janet
Orlando mom and homeschooler behind Planet Janet TV. I share the real finds, routines, and deals I actually use. Come say hi on Instagram.
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