🌟 Why Patterns Are the Secret Ingredient in Early Math
When we think about teaching math to our kids, we often jump straight to counting, adding, or memorizing facts — but there’s one powerful piece that ties it all together: patterns.
For first and second graders, seeing and understanding patterns is the heartbeat of math. It’s how they begin to make sense of numbers, spot relationships, and develop the number sense that makes more advanced math easier down the road.
🔢 What Do Patterns Look Like in Early Math?
At this age, patterns can be simple or a bit more complex:
Counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s
Seeing odd and even numbers
Spotting what comes next in a sequence
Recognizing number bonds (like how 5 can be 2 + 3 or 4 + 1)
Understanding place value and how tens and ones repeat in predictable ways
When kids begin to see that numbers behave in predictable patterns, math feels less random and more like a puzzle they can solve. It’s the “aha!” that helps them add, subtract, and eventually multiply with confidence.
✨ Why Does This Matter?
When a child notices, “Hey! If I add 2 every time, I get 2, 4, 6, 8…” they’re not just memorizing — they’re understanding. This understanding gives them tools to tackle bigger math problems down the road.
Patterns are what help kids predict, check their work, and trust their answers. They move from “I hope this is right…” to “I know this makes sense!”
💛 How Can You Help?
👉 Play with skip counting — Practice counting by 2s, 5s, or 10s using coins, toys, or steps.
👉 Use visuals — Hundreds charts, number lines, and simple dot patterns help kids see the relationships.
👉 Point out patterns everywhere — Patterns are all around us: in nature, music, art, and daily routines.
🧩 Simple Start Homeschool Is Here for You
Remember, you don’t have to tackle this alone. The resources you find here are designed to help your child build a strong number sense step by step — from counting and simple addition to recognizing patterns that make math click.
The best part? You get to watch their confidence grow as they spot connections and feel proud of what they understand — not just what they memorize.
I’ll keep sharing simple activities, worksheets, and ideas to help you make math feel clear and doable at your child’s pace.
So next time you sit down for math, pause and ask: What patterns do we see here? It might be the question that makes all the difference. 🌟
You’ve got this — and I’m so glad to be learning right alongside you.
Happy counting,
Christina
Simple Start Homeschool
Embrace Your Child’s Pace: Meeting Them Where They Are in Your Homeschool Journey
One of the greatest gifts you can give your child through homeschooling is the freedom to grow and learn at their own pace. As parents, it’s natural to wonder “Is my child behind? Should they be doing more?” — but the truth is, every child blooms in their own time.
At Simple Start Homeschool, I believe deeply that learning should never feel rushed or forced. Young children especially need the space to explore skills fully — to master them with confidence before moving on. Maybe your child is soaring through reading but needs more time with numbers. Or maybe they’re curious about science and art long before they’re ready for paragraphs and punctuation. That’s okay — that’s beautiful!
Homeschooling opens the door for you to truly see your child — to understand exactly where they are, right now, and to meet them there with love and patience. My resources are designed with this in mind. Whether you have a preschooler just learning letters or a second grader strengthening their math skills, you can easily browse activities and lessons across Pre-K through 2nd grade. You don’t have to stick to just one level — you can pick and choose what feels right for your child, today.
Remember: mastery builds confidence. When your child feels capable and strong in one skill, they’re more ready to tackle the next. There’s no race to the finish line — there’s just your unique child, on their unique journey, with you as their guide and biggest cheerleader.
This is exactly why homeschooling is so powerful — you are free to adapt, slow down, speed up, repeat, and revisit as often as needed. Here, your child is not compared to anyone else — they are exactly where they need to be.
As you walk this path, know that you’re not alone. I’m here to help you every step of the way. I’ll continue sharing more resources, ideas, and encouragement to help you feel confident and supported — whether you’re planning your next lesson or just need a reminder that you’re doing an amazing job.
So take a deep breath. Look at your child for who they are today — and embrace the pace that feels right for them. Celebrate the small wins, cherish the lightbulb moments, and trust that learning will unfold just as it should.
You’ve got this — and I’m so glad you’re here.
With care,
Christina
Simple Start Homeschool
What Are Heart Words? Why They’re So Important for Beginning Readers
If you’re teaching your child to read, you’ve probably heard of sight words — those short, common words kids need to recognize instantly. But did you know that many sight words are called Heart Words?
What Are Heart Words?
Heart Words are the words kids need to know by heart — because they don’t always follow regular phonics rules. For example, said and was don’t sound exactly how they’re spelled, so we teach kids to remember the tricky parts “by heart.”
These words pop up all the time in early readers, so it’s super helpful for kids to recognize them right away instead of stopping to sound them out every time.
Why Practice Heart Words Daily?
Practicing Heart Words every day helps your child:
Read smoothly and quickly
Understand what they’re reading without getting stuck
Build confidence as a reader
Enjoy books more!
A few minutes each day can make a big difference.
How to Practice Heart Words at Home
Use flashcards (like our Heart Words Flashcards) for quick daily practice.
Play games like Heart Word Bingo or Memory Match.
Point out Heart Words when reading books together.
Write them on sticky notes and place them around the house for fun practice!
Ready to Get Started?
If you’d like a simple tool to practice Heart Words, check out my Heart Words Flashcards Bundle — perfect for daily use at home!
Happy reading, and remember: your child’s confidence grows with every word they learn by heart!
CVC Words: Your Child’s First Step to Reading Like a Pro!
Hey there, homeschool families! Ready to kick off your little one’s reading adventure? Let’s talk about CVC words — the magic three-letter words that open the door to reading success.
What Are CVC Words Anyway?
CVC stands for Consonant-Vowel-Consonant — basically, simple words like cat, dog, and hat that follow this easy sound pattern. These words are perfect for beginners because they help kids hear each sound and blend them together to say a word.
Why Are CVC Words So Awesome?
Because they’re short, sweet, and super powerful! Learning CVC words helps your kiddo:
Hear the sounds each letter makes (hello, phonics!)
Practice blending sounds into words — like a reading superhero!
Build confidence by conquering words all on their own
How to Make CVC Words Fun & Easy
Here’s how to turn learning into a game:
Sound it out loud — Say each letter sound slowly (/c/ /a/ /t/) and then zoom! Blend them fast into cat.
Use colorful flashcards — Pictures and letters make it a visual party!
Play word games — Mix up magnetic letters and see what silly words you can create.
Read together — Pick books with lots of CVC words to practice and cheer every win!
Start With These Super Simple CVC Words
Short “a”: cat, bat, rat, hat, jam
Short “e”: bed, pen, men, hen, red
Short “i”: sit, pig, lip, win, kid
Short “o”: dog, pot, hot, mop, log
Short “u”: cup, sun, bug, run, tub
Let’s Get Reading!
Mastering CVC words is a fun way for your little reader to build a rock-solid foundation. Keep it playful, celebrate the small wins, and watch their reading skills soar!
Want some free CVC word printables and fun activities? Swing by Simple Start Homeschool and grab your CVC bundle now to make learning even more exciting!
How to Start Homeschooling a Kindergartener — Simple Tips for Parents
Starting homeschool with a kindergartener can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. You want to be sure your child learns what they need to know — but you also want learning to feel simple, playful, and doable at home.
At Simple Start Homeschool, I’m here to help you take that first step with confidence. Whether you’re planning your first lessons or just curious about what your day should look like, here’s an easy guide to help you get started!
✅ 1️⃣ Know What to Teach
The good news? Kindergarten doesn’t need to be complicated. Focus on these basics:
Early reading and writing: Letters, sounds, and simple words (like CVC words).
Early math: Counting, sorting, shapes, patterns, and simple addition.
Life skills & play: Fine motor skills, listening, following directions, and exploring the world through play.
✨ Tip: Many families use free printable worksheets and simple daily activities to cover these topics.
✅ 2️⃣ Make a Simple Daily Routine
A homeschool day for kindergarten doesn’t need to look like a full school day. Aim for 1–2 hours of focused learning plus lots of time for play, reading, and exploring.
Example daily routine:
Morning: 20–30 minutes reading & phonics practice
Math game or worksheet (15–20 minutes)
Play time, snack, outdoor time
Story time or hands-on craft
Free play
✅ 3️⃣ Keep It Hands-On
Young kids learn best when they touch and do. Use blocks for counting, letters made of playdough for spelling, or sort toys by color and size. Keep learning fun and stress-free.
✅ 4️⃣ Find Support & Resources
You don’t have to do this alone! Use free resources, connect with other homeschool families, and subscribe to blogs and newsletters that send you simple lesson ideas right to your inbox.
👉 Want an easy start? Go to simplestarthomeschool.com and grab your FREE STARTER KIT!
✅ 5️⃣ Give Yourself Grace
You’ll have good days and off days — that’s normal! The best thing you can do is focus on progress, not perfection. Keep it simple, celebrate small wins, and enjoy learning with your child.
💙 Final Encouragement
Starting homeschool doesn’t need to be scary — you’ve got this! Take it step by step, and remember: learning at home can be simple, warm, and joyful.
✨ CTA (Call to Action)
👉 Want more ideas? Subscribe to get fresh homeschool printables, lessons, and tips sent straight to your inbox each week!
📍How to Keep Homeschool Simple (and Still Effective)
It all begins with an idea.
Homeschooling your child can feel like a huge task — especially when you’re trying to do it all and make it perfect. The truth? You don’t have to do it all. And it definitely doesn’t have to be perfect.
I created Simple Start Homeschool to take the pressure off and help parents feel confident and capable — even on the messy days. If you're just getting started or feeling overwhelmed, here are five tips to keep your homeschool simple and effective:
1. 📅 Create a Simple Routine — Not a Rigid Schedule
Instead of planning every minute, build a daily rhythm with 2–3 learning blocks. Kids thrive on predictability, but flexibility keeps everyone sane.
2. 🧠 One Subject at a Time
Don’t try to teach everything, every day. Focus on 2–3 subjects (like reading, math, and one enrichment) and rotate through the rest during the week.
3. 🎒 Keep Materials Minimal
You don’t need a fancy curriculum or a classroom full of supplies. A notebook, some crayons, books from the library, and a few printable guides can take you far.
4. ✨ Progress Over Perfection
Some days will feel smooth, others won’t — and that’s okay. Celebrate the small wins: a finished worksheet, a curious question, or a peaceful morning.
5. ❤️ Know That You’re Enough
If you’re showing up with love, patience, and a willingness to learn alongside your child — you’re doing it right. The best homeschool days come from connection, not perfection.
Final Thoughts
Homeschooling doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the simpler it is, the more likely it is to work. That’s what Simple Start Homeschool is all about — giving you the tools and support to feel calm, capable, and confident as you teach at home.
Want more tips and ready-to-use resources? Grab the [Free Starter Kit] to get everything you need to begin with confidence.