Reading And Spelling Curriculum for Homeschooling Families
Are you trying to find the right tools to make reading and spelling both effective and enjoyable for your homeschooler?
Homeschooling is an exciting opportunity to shape your child’s education in a way that works best for your family. However, for many parents, the challenge isn’t just choosing a curriculum—it’s finding ways to make reading and spelling engaging, effective, and fun.
Are you new here? Welcome! I’m Miss Beth, the founder of Big City Readers—a different kind of early childhood development. I believe children need flexibility and fun to engage and grow as readers. Not all kids learn from sitting at a desk, and my job as an educator is to find the best solution for every child. I use the 5 building blocks of early literacy: read, write, sing, talk, and play, along with the Orton-Gillingham method, which taps into the three learning pathways—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic.
If you’re feeling unsure about where to begin or overwhelmed by the many options available, don’t worry—I’m here to help! This guide will walk you through the most important factors to consider when homeschooling literacy and introduce supplemental tools that can make reading and spelling both effective and enjoyable. Together, we’ll simplify the process so you can confidently support your child’s learning journey.
It’s Completely Okay To Supplement Your Homeschool Curriculum
No homeschool curriculum is a perfect, one-size-fits-all solution—and that is okay!
Supplemental resources are a great way to enhance your child’s homeschool experience without committing to a complete curriculum overhaul. They allow you to focus on specific areas, like reading comprehension or spelling rules, while keeping learning fun and manageable.
These tools provide flexibility and targeted support, helping you address challenges or strengthen skills in a way that complements your current approach. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or looking to refine your methods, supplemental resources can make a big difference in your child’s learning journey.
The key is to choose tools that align with your child’s unique needs and learning style. With the right resources, you can create a personalized, engaging environment where your child feels confident and excited to learn—all while keeping things simple and stress-free for you as the educator.
Supplemental Tools For Reading Success
Reading is one of the most important skills a child will develop—but no single approach works for every learner. If your child could use extra support with blending, phonics, or early reading skills, these resources can help!
Big City Readers On Demand offers engaging, research-backed lessons designed to build strong literacy skills:
Kindergarten Ready: This course focuses on fun, hands-on activities for phonological awareness, early reading, and sight words—everything your child needs to thrive in kindergarten.
First Grade Bootcamp: This course is designed for short, structured lessons in phonemic awareness, blending, and writing words and sentences—all the tools first grade focuses on to ensure your child has a strong foundation to read for life.
Each course makes reading feel approachable, engaging, and stress-free—so you can confidently support your child’s literacy journey at home.
Whether you’re reinforcing what they already know or filling in gaps along the way, these courses provide the guidance and structure you need to make reading success feel simple.
Supplemental Tools For Spelling Success
Spelling can be one of the trickiest areas of literacy—but with the right tools, it doesn’t have to be! If your child struggles with spelling rules or patterns, consider adding this resource:
Mastering Spelling Rules: This video-based course is designed specifically for children ages 6–9 who need extra support with spelling concepts like long vowels, digraphs, and when to use “c” vs. “k.” Through 20 guided lessons with me, Miss Beth, children will not only learn essential spelling rules but also build fine motor skills and fluency along the way.
What makes this course stand out?
It combines clear instruction with fun activities that keep kids engaged.
Lessons are short and manageable—perfect for busy homeschooling days.
It focuses on building confidence so children feel empowered as writers.
Whether used as a standalone supplement or alongside another program, Mastering Spelling Rules provides targeted support that helps children master tricky concepts while having fun.
Not All Homeschool Resources Are Equal. This Is What You Need To Consider…
Not all homeschool resources are the same, and it can feel overwhelming to figure out which ones are the best fit for your child. The most important thing is to focus on what works for your family’s unique needs and goals.
By choosing materials that complement your homeschool curriculum and support your child’s learning style, you can create a well-rounded approach that fosters both growth and confidence. Here are some key factors to keep in mind as you explore your options:
Understand Your Child’s Needs
Every child learns differently, so it’s important to choose resources that align with their strengths and challenges. For example:
Does your child struggle with phonics or decoding words? Look for tools that emphasize sound-letter connections.
Are they strong readers but need help with spelling patterns? Focus on programs that teach rules in a clear, engaging way.
Understanding your child’s needs will help you narrow down options and find resources that truly work for them.
Look For Research-Based Approaches
Effective reading and spelling programs are grounded in evidence-based methods like phonics instruction or Orton-Gillingham techniques. These approaches connect letters to sounds using visual, auditory, and kinesthetic pathways, ensuring children build strong foundational skills while staying engaged.
Prioritize Engagement And Accessibility
Children learn best when they’re having fun! Choose materials that incorporate games, hands-on activities, or interactive elements to keep them motivated. At the same time, look for resources that are easy for you to implement—whether it’s a video-based course or printable activities you can use on busy days.
Balance Structure With Flexibility
A good program provides structure without being rigid. While consistency is important, flexibility allows you to adapt lessons based on your child’s progress or interests. Supplemental tools like Raising Readers or Mastering Spelling Rules can add variety without disrupting your overall plan.
Tips For Using Supplemental Resources Effectively
When incorporating supplemental resources into your homeschool routine, it’s important to approach the process with intention and flexibility. These tools are designed to enhance your child’s learning experience without overwhelming them—or you!
Here’s how to use supplemental resources to blend seamlessly into your child’s daily curriculum:
Start Small: Introduce one new tool at a time rather than overwhelming yourself (or your child) with too many changes at once.
Make It Fun: Use games, songs, or creative projects from resources like Raising Readers or Mastering Spelling Rules to reinforce skills playfully.
Track Progress: Keep an eye on how your child is improving so you can adjust lessons as needed.
Be Consistent: Regular practice—even in small doses—can lead to big results over time.
Adapt When Needed: Don’t be afraid to tweak activities or combine approaches if something isn’t working.
Ready To Take The Next Step In Your Child’s Homeschool Journey?
Homeschooling doesn’t have to mean doing everything alone—it means finding the right tools and strategies to support your family’s unique journey. By focusing on supplemental resources, you can enhance your child’s reading and spelling skills without adding unnecessary stress or complexity.
Remember: there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to education. The best approach is the one that works for your family—and with these tools in hand, you’re well on your way to creating a learning experience that’s both effective and enjoyable!
Do you have any further questions on how to choose the right supplemental homeschool reading and spelling curriculum? Please ask me in the comments! And to keep up with all the latest childhood development topics, check out my recent posts:
