Planning for the New School Year

What’s Ahead for the 2025–2026 School Year at Rataj Home Education

Welcome to a new year of learning, growth, and community! The 2025–2026 school year at Rataj Home Education kicks off on August 4, 2025, and runs through May 29, 2026. We’ve intentionally blended several educational approaches—including Montessori, Waldorf, Unschooling, and more—to create a curriculum that is practical, simple, and less overwhelming for families. Our goal is to encourage a genuine love of learning while supporting each student’s growth with hands-on projects, field trips, and a strong focus on real-life skills. Our core approach is holistic and flexible—drawing from nature-based, project-based, and child-led philosophies to meet each learner where they are.

Homeschool at the dinner table: learning, sharing, and growing together in a cozy family setting.

Note: The holidays and seasonal celebrations mentioned below are those our family observes as part of our own spiritual and cultural traditions. There’s absolutely no expectation that your family celebrates or learns the same way—please adapt, skip, or substitute as fits your own beliefs and needs! For those who want more in-depth resources or support for celebrating holidays, rituals, or spiritual learning, a Patreon site is coming soon with optional add-on materials and community discussions.

Semester Structure & Calendar Highlights

• Semester 1: August 4, 2025 – December 19, 2025 (20 weeks)
• Semester 2: January 5, 2026 – May 29, 2026 (20 weeks)
• Instructional Days: Monday–Friday, including field trips and seasonal Fridays (total 200 days)
• Major Breaks:
  • Labor Day: September 1, 2025
  • Fall Break: November 27–28, 2025
  • Winter Break: December 22, 2025 – January 2, 2026
  • MLK Jr. Day: January 19, 2026
  • Presidents’ Day: February 16, 2026
  • Spring Break: March 23–27, 2026
  • Memorial Day: May 25, 2026
  • Summer Break: May 30, 2026 – Early August 2026 (exact start date TBA)
• Seasonal & Family Celebrations: Lammas, Mabon, Samhain, Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, and family birthdays & anniversaries.
  (These are our family's traditions—please celebrate or learn in the way that fits your family best!)

Pre-K & Kindergarten

• Focus: Play-based learning, nature walks, music, and movement
• Core Skills: Letter and number recognition, fine motor skills, social-emotional development, early science with nature tables and seasonal crafts
• Special Activities: Storytime with seasonal tales, family rituals for the Wheel of the Year, gardening, and lots of art

1st & 2nd Grade

• Focus: Building early literacy and numeracy
• Core Skills: Phonics, sight words, basic addition/subtraction, calendar work, handwriting, and journaling
• Special Activities: Daily reading time, hands-on science (weather, plants, animals), simple history through family stories and values, and regular music/art

3rd & 4th Grade

• Focus: Independence and practical skills
• Core Skills: Reading fluency, multiplication/division, cursive writing, introduction to research projects
• Special Activities: Life skills (cooking, basic sewing, gardening), local history, earth science, and more independent work with checklists and Google Classroom

5th & 6th Grade

• Focus: Deeper subject exploration and self-management
• Core Skills: Fractions, decimals, introductory geometry, essay writing, research skills, science labs at home
• Special Activities: Cultural studies, science experiments, field trips tied to history/science, and seasonal celebrations
• Note: Fifth grade sees a shift toward more independent projects and less integration of seasonal activities into daily lessons, but those are still celebrated as a family and community

7th & 8th Grade

• Focus: Critical thinking, oratory, and personal responsibility
• Core Skills: Pre-algebra/algebra, literature analysis, formal essays, science labs, and research projects
• Special Activities: Public speaking, independent study blocks, community service, and leadership roles in family rituals or group projects
• Note: Eighth graders will prepare for high school with transcript building and career/vocational exploration

9th–12th Grade (High School)

• Focus: College/career prep, real-world skills, and mastery learning
• Core Skills: Algebra, geometry, higher-level math, literature, science with labs, history, and electives based on student interest
• Special Activities:
  • Financial literacy and budgeting (monthly shopping projects)
  • Driver’s ed (manual and video instruction)
  • GED/PERT practice for graduation readiness
  • Community engagement and leadership
  • Senior project or capstone (optional)
• Graduation Requirements:
  • Mastery of the overall curriculum 
  • Declaration of Independence recitation, and basic knowledge of current amendments
  • All coursework completed and documented
  • Demonstrates mastery of essential life skills for adulthood (such as financial literacy, independent living, communication, and responsible decision-making)

For All Grades

• School Year: August 4, 2025 – May 29, 2026 (40 weeks, 200 school days)
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 10 am–4 pm; Fridays for field trips, seasonal learning, and enrichment
• Curriculum Sources: Earthschooling, education.com, abcmouse.com (youngest), Google Classroom, Flippity, YouTube, Khan Academy, and more
• Spiritual Focus: Wheel of the Year, Chalice Circle, Soulful Home, Asatru holidays, astrology, and family rituals
  (These are part of our family’s journey—please adapt or skip as fits your own path!)
• Assessment: Monthly mastery checks (80% required to advance), with progress reviews at the end of each semester
• Accommodations: Individualized supports for ADHD, ODD, sensory needs, and other learning differences
• Record-Keeping: Assignments and grades tracked in Google Classroom, with privacy protections in place

Field Trips, Seasonal Activities & Family Traditions

• Every Friday, students participate in hands-on learning:
  • Nature hikes, museum visits, science centers, and local history tours
  • Seasonal celebrations for Pagan holidays (Lammas, Mabon, Samhain, Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha)
  • Community service and social activities with church, library, and co-op groups
  (You’re welcome to join in, adapt, or create your own Friday traditions!)

Progress Reviews & Family Feedback

• Monthly check-ins and two-semester reviews keep everyone on track with minimal paperwork
• Family meetings offer kids a chance to share what they’ve learned and give feedback

For Parents: Build Your Own Google Classroom

We encourage families to take an active role in customizing their homeschooling experience! Parents are welcome—and encouraged—to build their own Google Classroom setups. You can freely copy our class structure and adapt it for your own children. This makes it easy to personalize lessons, track progress, and maintain privacy for your family.

If you need tips or support on setting up your own Google Classroom, resources and tutorials are available. Our goal is to empower you to manage your homeschool journey with as much independence and flexibility as possible!

Looking Ahead

We’re looking forward to a year full of growth, connection, and discovery. Here’s to a magickal 2025–2026 school year at Rataj Home Education!

What's Happening in August for Eighth Grade?

8th Grade – August Curriculum Overview

Welcome to 8th Grade! This month is about critical thinking, personal growth, and preparing for high school and beyond. Our curriculum blends Earthschool, Montessori, Waldorf, and project-based learning—keeping things practical, flexible, and focused on real-world skills and self-discovery. Activities are hands-on, open-ended, and encourage both independence and collaboration.

Weekly Subjects

• Language Arts (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Read and analyze a classic or contemporary short story. Discuss themes, character choices, and connections to your life.
  • Week 2: Start a reflective journal—write about personal strengths, goals, and challenges.
  • Week 3: Research a topic of interest and present findings as a slideshow, article, or podcast.
  • Week 4: Write a persuasive essay or speech about a real-world issue or cause you care about.
  • Spelling:
    • Week 1: analyze, character, theme, conflict, resolve, decision, connect, reflect, evidence, summary
    • Week 2: journal, goal, strength, challenge, growth, mindset, habit, reflect, progress, action
    • Week 3: research, topic, source, cite, organize, present, explain, explore, share, synthesize
    • Week 4: persuasive, argument, claim, reason, evidence, speech, issue, impact, solution, voice
  • Reflection Prompt: What story, idea, or skill challenged or inspired you this month?
• Math (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Review pre-algebra concepts—practice with real-world numbers and problem-solving.
  • Week 2: Fractions, decimals, and percentages—apply to budgeting, measurements, or science experiments.
  • Week 3: Geometry and graphing—find, draw, or build examples of shapes and patterns.
  • Week 4: Data analysis—collect and interpret data from surveys, experiments, or current events.
• Science (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Physical science: Explore properties of matter or energy with hands-on experiments.
  • Week 2: Life science: Study cells, genetics, or ecology—create diagrams or models.
  • Week 3: Earth science: Research a local or global environmental issue and propose solutions.
  • Week 4: Conduct a science fair-style project—design, test, and present your findings.
  • Reflection Prompt: What did you learn about science and your world this month?
• Social Studies (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: U.S. or world history: Research a historical event or figure and present creatively.
  • Week 2: Civics: Explore rights, responsibilities, and community involvement.
  • Week 3: Geography: Map skills, landforms, and cultural studies.
  • Week 4: Current events: Discuss news stories and their impact on your life or community.
• Art & Music (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Create art inspired by a historical event or cultural theme.
  • Week 2: Build a model, sculpture, or collage related to your studies.
  • Week 3: Explore music from different cultures or eras.
  • Week 4: Free choice: finish a project, learn a new song, or try a new technique.
• Movement & Outdoor Play (Mon–Thu)
  • Each Week: Daily outdoor play, hiking, yoga/stretching, or sports. Try a new physical challenge or nature activity this month!
• Life & Study Skills (Mon–Thu)
  • Each Week: Practice goal-setting, time management, basic budgeting, and communication skills. Prepare a simple resume or portfolio of your work.

Recommended Free Resources

• Khan Academy – Math, science, and humanities lessons.
• CK-12 – Free digital textbooks and interactive lessons.
• National Geographic Kids – Science, geography, and world exploration.
• Smithsonian Kids – Science and history videos and resources.
• Code.org – Free computer science and coding lessons.

August in 8th grade is about critical thinking, self-discovery, and preparing for new challenges. Choose what inspires you, and celebrate your growth!

What's Happening in August for Seventh Grade?

7th Grade – August Curriculum Overview

Welcome to 7th Grade! August is about deepening curiosity, building independence, and connecting learning across subjects. Our curriculum blends Earthschool, Montessori, Waldorf, and practical, project-based approaches—keeping things simple, flexible, and focused on real-world understanding. Activities are hands-on, adaptable, and encourage both independent study and family collaboration.

Weekly Subjects

• Language Arts (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Read and discuss a myth, legend, or historical fiction. Summarize the story and reflect on its theme.
  • Week 2: Begin a personal or field journal—write or sketch about daily experiences and observations.
  • Week 3: Research a topic of interest and present findings through a poster, slideshow, or oral summary.
  • Week 4: Write a persuasive essay or letter about an issue you care about, supporting your opinion with facts.
  • Spelling:
    • Week 1: legend, fiction, summary, reflect, theme, character, plot, setting, culture, value
    • Week 2: journal, describe, observe, daily, habit, growth, nature, record, curious, detail
    • Week 3: research, topic, source, fact, explain, present, organize, gather, share, cite
    • Week 4: persuade, reason, change, action, voice, support, issue, improve, goal, future
  • Reflection Prompt: What story, idea, or skill did you enjoy most this month?
• Math (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Review arithmetic skills and practice with real-world numbers (population, recipes, distances).
  • Week 2: Fractions, decimals, and percentages—apply to budgeting, measurements, or science experiments.
  • Week 3: Geometry in nature—find, draw, or build examples of shapes, angles, and patterns.
  • Week 4: Data collection and graphing—track weather, habits, or survey results and display visually.
• Science (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Earth science: Model the layers of the Earth or explore local geology.
  • Week 2: Water cycle and weather: Create a simple water cycle model and keep a weather journal.
  • Week 3: Ecology: Study a local ecosystem, food web, or environmental issue. Present your findings creatively.
  • Week 4: Experiment: Design and conduct a simple science experiment (plant growth, solar oven, or water filtration).
  • Reflection Prompt: What did you learn about the Earth and your environment this month?
• Social Studies (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Map skills—draw or label a map of your state, country, or world. Include major landforms and bodies of water.
  • Week 2: Ancient civilizations—choose one to research and create a short presentation, poster, or model.
  • Week 3: Community and culture—interview a family or community member about traditions or history.
  • Week 4: Current events—read or watch news stories and discuss their impact on your life or community.
• Art & Music (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Create art inspired by a myth, legend, or culture you’ve studied.
  • Week 2: Build a model or diorama of a landform, ecosystem, or ancient structure.
  • Week 3: Explore rhythm and melody with homemade instruments or body percussion.
  • Week 4: Free choice: finish an ongoing project, learn a song, or try a new art technique.
• Movement & Outdoor Play (Mon–Thu)
  • Each Week: Daily outdoor play, hiking, gardening, yoga/stretching, or team games. Try a new physical challenge or nature activity this month!

Recommended Free Resources

• Khan Academy – Math, science, and humanities lessons.
• CK-12 – Free digital textbooks and interactive lessons.
• National Geographic Kids – Science, geography, and world exploration.
• Smithsonian Kids – Science and history videos and resources.
• Code.org – Free computer science and coding lessons.

August in 7th grade is about deepening curiosity, building independence, and connecting learning to the real world. Choose what inspires your family and celebrate each new discovery together!

What's happening in August for Sixth Grade?

6th Grade – August Curriculum Overview

Welcome to 6th Grade! August is all about building independence, exploring big ideas, and connecting learning across subjects. Our curriculum blends Earthschool, Montessori, Waldorf, and other holistic approaches—keeping things practical, open-ended, and designed to nurture curiosity and confidence. Activities are hands-on, flexible, and can be adapted for independent or family learning.

Weekly Subjects

• Language Arts (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Read and discuss a legend, myth, or folktale from around the world. Summarize the story and reflect on its lesson.
  • Week 2: Start a personal or nature journal—write or sketch about daily experiences, observations, or questions.
  • Week 3: Practice research and note-taking: choose a topic (science, history, or a personal interest) and gather facts to share with family.
  • Week 4: Write a persuasive letter or short essay about a change you’d like to see in your community or world.
  • Spelling:
    • Week 1: journey, legend, culture, wisdom, explore, reflect, story, ancient, value, theme
    • Week 2: journal, describe, observe, daily, habit, growth, nature, record, curious, detail
    • Week 3: research, topic, question, source, fact, explain, present, organize, gather, share
    • Week 4: persuade, reason, change, action, voice, support, issue, improve, goal, future
  • Reflection Prompt: What new story, idea, or skill did you discover this week?
• Math (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Review place value and operations—practice with real-world numbers (population, distances, recipes).
  • Week 2: Fractions, decimals, and percentages—use recipes, measurements, or budgeting activities.
  • Week 3: Geometry in nature—find, draw, or build examples of shapes, angles, and patterns outdoors or at home.
  • Week 4: Data collection and graphing—track weather, plant growth, or daily routines and display results visually.
• Science (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Earth science: Research and model the layers of the Earth or explore local geology.
  • Week 2: Water cycle and weather: Create a simple water cycle model and keep a weather journal.
  • Week 3: Ecology: Study a local ecosystem, food web, or environmental issue. Present your findings creatively.
  • Week 4: Experiment: Design and conduct a simple science experiment (plant growth, solar oven, or water filtration).
  • Reflection Prompt: What did you learn about the Earth and your environment this month?
• Social Studies (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Map skills—draw or label a map of your state, country, or world. Include major landforms and bodies of water.
  • Week 2: Ancient civilizations—choose one to research and create a short presentation, poster, or model.
  • Week 3: Community and culture—interview a family or community member about traditions or history.
  • Week 4: Current events—read or watch news stories and discuss their impact on your life or community.
• Art & Music (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Create art inspired by a myth, legend, or culture you’ve studied.
  • Week 2: Build a model or diorama of a landform, ecosystem, or ancient structure.
  • Week 3: Explore rhythm and melody with homemade instruments or body percussion.
  • Week 4: Free choice: finish an ongoing project, learn a song, or try a new art technique.
• Movement & Outdoor Play (Mon–Thu)
  • Each Week: Daily outdoor play, hiking, gardening, yoga/stretching, or team games. Try a new physical challenge or nature activity this month!

Recommended Free Resources

• Khan Academy – Math, science, and humanities lessons.
• CK-12 – Free digital textbooks and interactive lessons.
• National Geographic Kids – Science, geography, and world exploration.
• Smithsonian Kids – Science and history videos and resources.
• Code.org – Free computer science and coding lessons.

August in 6th grade is about building independence, exploring connections, and discovering your place in the world. Choose what inspires your family, and celebrate each new discovery together!

What's Happening in August for Third Grade?

3rd Grade – August Curriculum Overview

Welcome to 3rd Grade! August is all about exploring shelter, self-sufficiency, and our connection to the land. Activities are hands-on, nature-inspired, and designed for both independent and family learning. Choose what inspires your child and enjoy a month of discovery together!

Weekly Subjects

• Language Arts (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Read and retell a folktale or traditional story from your region or another culture. Retell it through writing, art, or drama.
  • Week 2: Start a “Shelter Journal”—write or draw about different types of homes (yours, animals’, or from history).
  • Week 3: Write a step-by-step guide: “How to Build a Simple Shelter” using materials from home or outdoors.
  • Week 4: Create a story or comic about a farmer, builder, or gardener. Share with family or friends.
  • Spelling:
    • Week 1: farm, earth, root, seed, build, home, story, friend, help, work
    • Week 2: plant, field, bread, water, stone, wood, roof, door, barn, grain
    • Week 3: grow, dig, rain, sun, leaf, soil, meal, chores, tools, fence
    • Week 4: hope, care, share, learn, plan, path, safe, strong, hands, heart
  • Reflection Prompt: What shelter or story inspired you this week? What would you build if you could build anything?
• Math (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Measure and draw your room, backyard, or a model shelter using tape measures, rulers, or even footsteps.
  • Week 2: Practice multiplication and division with real objects (beans, seeds, stones)—group and count as you would for planting or building.
  • Week 3: Explore time and money: Plan a meal or garden—add up costs, measure time for planting or baking.
  • Week 4: Graph plant growth, weather patterns, or chores completed in a week.
  • Let your child choose how to show their work: drawings, photos, or hands-on models.
• Science & Nature (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Start a small garden or care for a plant. Observe and journal changes each week.
  • Week 2: Study soil: Compare samples from different places; draw or describe what you find.
  • Week 3: Weather watch: Make daily notes about clouds, rain, sun, and wind. Discuss how weather affects building and farming.
  • Week 4: Research traditional shelters and farming in your region. Try building a small model using natural or recycled materials.
  • Reflection Prompt: How do people and animals make their homes safe and comfortable?
• Social Studies & Community (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Map your home, yard, or neighborhood. Add shelters, gardens, and important landmarks.
  • Week 2: Research how people in different cultures build homes or gather food.
  • Week 3: Interview a family member or neighbor about their home or garden growing up.
  • Week 4: Share your map, model, or story with your family or community group.
• Art & Handwork (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Draw or paint a shelter from a story or your imagination.
  • Week 2: Build a model home or animal shelter with clay, cardboard, or natural materials.
  • Week 3: Try weaving, simple woodworking, or crafting a tool for the garden.
  • Week 4: Create a mural or collage of your community, including homes, gardens, and people.
  • Focus on the process—let creativity and exploration lead the way.
• Movement & Outdoor Play (Mon–Thu)
  • Each Week: Daily outdoor play, gardening, “farm chores” (real or pretend), animal walks, and nature hikes if possible. Try building a simple fort or shelter outdoors.
  • Encourage sensory exploration—touch, smell, and listen to the world around you.

Recommended Free Resources

• Khan Academy – Math, grammar, and science lessons.
• CommonLit – Free reading passages and literary analysis.
• Ducksters – Kid-friendly history, geography, and science articles.
• Smithsonian Kids – Science and history videos and resources.
• Art for Kids Hub – Free drawing and art video lessons.

August in 3rd grade is about discovering our place in the world, building skills for independence, and connecting with the land. Choose what fits your family, and celebrate each discovery together!

What's Happening in August for Second Grade?

2nd Grade – August Curriculum Overview

Welcome to 2nd Grade! August is about strengthening skills, exploring the world through stories and science, and connecting learning to real life. These activities are hands-on, flexible, and designed for both independent and family learning. Choose what inspires your child and enjoy learning together!

Weekly Subjects

• Language Arts (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Read “Henry and Mudge.” Write or draw about a favorite pet or animal.
  • Week 2: Practice reading and writing sight words (because, friend, water, after, very, every, again, over, before, their).
  • Week 3: Create a story about a summer adventure and illustrate it.
  • Week 4: Explore word families (rain, train, main) and play rhyming games.
  • Spelling:
    • Week 1: blue, green, jump, sing, best, kind, fast, slow, cold, warm
    • Week 2: rain, train, main, pain, chain, gain, plain, brain, stain, drain
    • Week 3: light, night, right, sight, tight, bright, flight, might, fight, height
    • Week 4: boat, coat, goat, float, throat, moat, gloat, bloat, oat, note
• Math (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Counting to 100, skip counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s.
  • Week 2: Addition and subtraction within 20 using objects or mental math.
  • Week 3: Practice measuring objects with a ruler or string.
  • Week 4: Make and extend patterns with objects, colors, or sounds.
• Science & Nature (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Weather journal—draw or write about the weather each day.
  • Week 2: Observe and record changes in plants or animals during late summer.
  • Week 3: Explore the five senses with kitchen or outdoor items.
  • Week 4: Care for a plant or start a simple garden project.
• Social-Emotional & Life Skills (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Practice routines, greetings, and kindness at home or in a group.
  • Week 2: Map your neighborhood or favorite place to visit.
  • Week 3: Help sort and fold laundry or organize school supplies.
  • Week 4: Talk about ways to help at home and in the community.
• Art & Music (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Watercolor painting of a summer or fall scene.
  • Week 2: Create a collage using natural objects or recycled materials.
  • Week 3: Sing “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” and “This Little Light of Mine.”
  • Week 4: Free movement or dance to your favorite music.
• Movement & Outdoor Play (Mon–Thu)
  • Each Week: Daily outdoor play, animal walks (hop, crawl, slither), beanbag toss, and nature scavenger hunts.

Recommended Free Resources

• Khan Academy – Math, grammar, and reading videos and practice.
• ReadTheory – Free reading comprehension practice.
• National Geographic Kids – Animals, science, and world exploration.
• Science Snacks (Exploratorium) – Simple hands-on science activities.
• PBS Kids “Wild Kratts” – Animal science videos and games.

August is a great time to review, explore, and build new skills. These activities are flexible—choose what fits your family and enjoy learning together!

What's Happening in August for First Grade?

1st Grade – August Curriculum Overview

Welcome to 1st Grade! This month is about building new skills, nurturing curiosity, and connecting learning to real life. These activities are hands-on, nature-inspired, and designed for both independent and family learning. Choose what works for your child and enjoy the journey together!

Weekly Subjects

• Language Arts (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Read “Frog and Toad Are Friends.” Draw your favorite part and share with family.
  • Week 2: Practice writing short sentences about summer adventures.
  • Week 3: Explore word families (cat, bat, mat) with rhyming games.
  • Week 4: Create your own storybook with pictures and simple sentences.
  • Spelling:
    • Week 1: cat, dog, run, sun, big, hop, red, map, pen, book
    • Week 2: bat, top, bed, sit, box, lip, hot, win, cup, jam
    • Week 3: log, bun, fan, cap, wet, pig, bug, tap, web, dig
    • Week 4: nut, fox, pan, lid, hen, rag, pit, ten, zip, fun
• Math (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Counting to 50, skip counting by 2s and 5s (with claps, jumps, or steps).
  • Week 2: Addition and subtraction within 10 using objects or drawing pictures.
  • Week 3: Sorting and graphing objects by color or type.
  • Week 4: Make patterns and measure using nonstandard units (blocks, hands).
• Science & Nature (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Plant a seed; observe and draw changes each week.
  • Week 2: Nature walk—look for signs of animals or insects and record findings.
  • Week 3: Explore weather—make a daily chart or story about the sky.
  • Week 4: Compare and sort rocks, leaves, or shells by size and shape.
• Social-Emotional & Life Skills (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Make a “My Timeline” of special events (drawings or photos).
  • Week 2: Practice tying shoes and organizing school supplies.
  • Week 3: Set the table and help with meal prep.
  • Week 4: Talk about feelings and ways to be a good friend.
• Art & Music (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Collage of favorite things using magazines, paper, or drawings.
  • Week 2: Watercolor painting of a summer or fall scene.
  • Week 3: Sing “This Land Is Your Land” and “You Are My Sunshine.”
  • Week 4: Free dance or movement to favorite music.
• Movement & Outdoor Play (Mon–Thu)
  • Each Week: Daily outdoor play, “Follow the Leader,” animal walks, and nature scavenger hunts.

Recommended Free Resources

• Khan Academy Kids – Reading, math, and more for young learners.
• ReadWorks – Free reading comprehension passages and questions.
• SplashLearn – Free math games and practice (K–5).
• Mystery Science – Free mini-lessons and activities.
• Switcheroo Zoo – Animal games and habitat-building.

August is a wonderful month for building new skills, confidence, and friendships. These activities are flexible—choose what fits your family and enjoy learning together!

What's Happening in August for Kindergarten?

Kindergarten – August Curriculum Overview

Welcome to Kindergarten! This month is all about building confidence, exploring routines, and learning through hands-on, joyful experiences. Activities are open-ended, nature-inspired, and designed for both independent and family learning. Choose what fits your child and enjoy growing together!

Weekly Subjects

• Language Arts (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Read “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.” Make name trees with paper or sticks and practice letter recognition.
  • Week 2: Practice writing first names in sand, shaving cream, or with finger paint. Share stories about your family or favorite things.
  • Week 3: Explore letter sounds (A, B, C) through songs, movement, and simple word games.
  • Week 4: Draw or tell a story about your favorite summer memory. Act it out with family or toys.
• Math (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Count to 20 using blocks, snacks, or steps. Practice one-to-one correspondence.
  • Week 2: Sort objects by color, size, or shape (buttons, rocks, leaves).
  • Week 3: Make and extend patterns with toys, snacks, or movements (clap, stomp, hop).
  • Week 4: Measure items with hands, feet, or string. Compare and discuss bigger/smaller, longer/shorter.
• Science & Nature (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Weather chart—draw the weather each day and talk about changes.
  • Week 2: Collect and compare leaves, rocks, or flowers. Sort and describe what you find.
  • Week 3: Explore the senses—taste, smell, and touch with safe kitchen or outdoor items.
  • Week 4: Care for a plant or start a bean sprout in a cup. Observe and draw changes.
• Social-Emotional & Life Skills (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Practice classroom/home routines and greetings. Create a morning song or ritual.
  • Week 2: Talk about feelings and role-play sharing or helping a friend.
  • Week 3: Set the table, pour water, or help with snack prep. Practice independence.
  • Week 4: Draw or discuss ways to be a good friend and help at home.
• Art & Music (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Make collages with cut paper or natural objects.
  • Week 2: Watercolor painting with warm and cool colors.
  • Week 3: Sing “The Wheels on the Bus” and move to the rhythm.
  • Week 4: Free dance and movement to favorite songs.
• Movement & Outdoor Play (Mon–Thu)
  • Each Week: Daily outdoor play, “Simon Says,” hopscotch, and nature walks. Try balancing, jumping, and creative movement.

Recommended Free Resources

• Starfall – Early reading and math games.
• ABCya – Educational games for K–5.
• National Geographic Kids – Simple animal and nature videos.
• GoNoodle – Movement and mindfulness activities.
• Khan Academy Kids – Free learning app for ages 2–7.

August is a time for gentle transitions, joyful play, and building a strong foundation for the year. Choose what works best for your child, and celebrate every small step!

What's Happening in August for PreK?

PreK – August Curriculum Overview

Welcome to PreK! This month is all about joyful routines, exploring with our senses, and learning through play. August’s activities are hands-on, open-ended, and designed for both independent and family learning. Choose what fits your child and enjoy discovering together!

Weekly Subjects

• Language Arts (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Listen to and retell “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” Act out the story with stuffed animals or puppets.
  • Week 2: Family & Friends—Draw a family portrait, practice saying and recognizing names, and share favorite family stories.
  • Week 3: Letter Exploration—Trace and build the letters F, L, and S with playdough, sand, or nature objects.
  • Week 4: Story Creation—Make up your own story about a favorite animal or adventure and draw pictures to go with it.
• Math (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Counting—Count toys, snacks, or steps as you move around the house or yard.
  • Week 2: Sorting—Sort objects by color, size, or shape (blocks, leaves, buttons).
  • Week 3: Patterns—Make simple AB patterns with colored objects, snacks, or claps and stomps.
  • Week 4: Measuring—Use hands, feet, or blocks to measure favorite toys or spaces.
• Science & Nature (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Five Senses—Go on a senses walk: What do you see, hear, smell, touch, and taste?
  • Week 2: Nature Table—Collect leaves, rocks, pinecones, and display them at home.
  • Week 3: Weather Watch—Observe and draw the sky each day; talk about sunny, cloudy, or rainy days.
  • Week 4: Plant Care—Help water a plant and notice how it changes over time.
• Social-Emotional & Practical Life (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Routines—Practice hand washing, tidying toys, and greeting others with a smile.
  • Week 2: Kindness—Role play sharing and taking turns with a favorite toy.
  • Week 3: Feelings—Use simple faces or drawings to talk about happy, sad, and excited.
  • Week 4: Helping—Set the table or help prepare a snack together.
• Art & Music (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 1: Leaf rubbings and nature collage.
  • Week 2: Finger painting with summer and fall colors.
  • Week 3: Sing “If You’re Happy and You Know It” and play with rhythm instruments (pots, pans, shakers).
  • Week 4: Dance and free movement to favorite music.
• Movement & Outdoor Play (Mon–Thu)
  • Each Week: Daily outdoor play, “Simon Says,” animal walks (hop like a bunny, crawl like a bear), and nature walks.

Recommended Free Resources

• Storyline Online – Free video read-alouds by actors.
• PBS Kids – Educational games, shows, and activities.
• Starfall – Free early literacy and math activities.
• Cosmic Kids Yoga – Yoga and mindfulness videos for young children.
• Nature Scavenger Hunt Printables

August is a time for wonder, connection, and gentle routines. Choose the activities that fit your family, and celebrate each small discovery together!