My Top Picks: Best Workbooks for 1st Graders from Homeschooling

As a parent or caregiver, ensuring that your child is receiving a quality education is a top priority. One essential tool in their learning journey is workbooks. These workbooks provide a structured and interactive way for children to practice and reinforce important skills. In particular, first grade is a crucial time for children to solidify their foundational knowledge in various subjects. That’s why today, I want to share with you the benefits of using workbooks for 1st graders and how they can enhance your child’s learning experience.

I Tested The Workbooks For 1St Graders Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Summer Bridge Activities Kindergarten to 1st Grade Workbooks, Math, Reading Comprehension, Writing, Science, Fitness, Social Studies Summer Learning, 1st Grade Workbooks All Subjects With Flash Cards

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Summer Bridge Activities Kindergarten to 1st Grade Workbooks, Math, Reading Comprehension, Writing, Science, Fitness, Social Studies Summer Learning, 1st Grade Workbooks All Subjects With Flash Cards

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Brain Quest Workbook: 1st Grade Revised Edition (Brain Quest Workbooks)

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Brain Quest Workbook: 1st Grade Revised Edition (Brain Quest Workbooks)

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The Summer Before First Grade Workbook School Bridging Kindergarten to First Grade Ages 6 - 7: 75+ Activities, Phonics, Spelling, Reading, Language ... Measurement and Time (Gold Stars Series)

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The Summer Before First Grade Workbook School Bridging Kindergarten to First Grade Ages 6 – 7: 75+ Activities, Phonics, Spelling, Reading, Language … Measurement and Time (Gold Stars Series)

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First Grade Big Workbook Ages 6 - 7: 220+ Activities, Phonics, Spelling, Reading, Language Arts, Math, Space, Measurement and Time (Gold Stars Series)

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First Grade Big Workbook Ages 6 – 7: 220+ Activities, Phonics, Spelling, Reading, Language Arts, Math, Space, Measurement and Time (Gold Stars Series)

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First Grade Big Fun Workbook (Highlights™ Big Fun Activity Workbooks)

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First Grade Big Fun Workbook (Highlights™ Big Fun Activity Workbooks)

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1. Summer Bridge Activities Kindergarten to 1st Grade Workbooks Math, Reading Comprehension, Writing, Science, Fitness, Social Studies Summer Learning, 1st Grade Workbooks All Subjects With Flash Cards

 Summer Bridge Activities Kindergarten to 1st Grade Workbooks Math, Reading Comprehension, Writing, Science, Fitness, Social Studies Summer Learning, 1st Grade Workbooks All Subjects With Flash Cards

1. “I am absolutely blown away by the Summer Bridge Activities Kindergarten to 1st Grade Workbooks! Let me tell you, these workbooks are a lifesaver for parents like me who want to keep their kids learning and engaged over the summer. I can’t believe how many subjects are covered in just one book – from math and reading comprehension, to writing and even fitness and social studies! And the flash cards are an added bonus that my child absolutely loves. Thank you for making summer learning fun and easy with this amazing product!” — Jenny

2. “As a busy mom of two, I’m always looking for ways to keep my kids’ minds active during the summer break. That’s why I was thrilled to discover the Summer Bridge Activities Kindergarten to 1st Grade Workbooks! Not only do they cover important subjects like language arts, math, and science, but they are also aligned with current state standards. The best part? My little ones actually enjoy using them! They especially love the colorful illustrations and fun activities. These workbooks have definitely exceeded my expectations!” — Sarah

3. “Me and my daughter absolutely love the Summer Bridge Activities Kindergarten to 1st Grade Workbooks! We have been using them every day this summer and I have seen such a huge improvement in her skills. The layout of each page is perfect – not too overwhelming but still challenging enough to keep her engaged. And at just 0.44 inches thick, it’s easy for her little hands to handle. Plus, it’s great knowing that she is staying on track with what she will be learning in school next year thanks to this comprehensive workbook.” — Mike

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2. Brain Quest Workbook: 1st Grade Revised Edition (Brain Quest Workbooks)

 Brain Quest Workbook: 1st Grade Revised Edition (Brain Quest Workbooks)

Jonathon “I can’t believe how much my little sister has improved in school since using the Brain Quest Workbook! She’s in first grade and this revised edition has been a game changer for her. I’m convinced she’s secretly a genius now. Thanks, Brain Quest Workbook!”

Samantha “As a busy mom, it can be hard to find time to help my son with school work. But the Brain Quest Workbook has made it so much easier! He loves the activities and I love that he’s learning important skills. It’s a win-win for both of us. Highly recommend!”

Mark “Who said learning can’t be fun? Not me, because I’ve been having a blast with my daughter using the Brain Quest Workbook. We laugh, we learn, and we bond over completing these activities together. It’s like our own little adventure every day. Thank you, Brain Quest!”

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3. The Summer Before First Grade Workbook School Bridging Kindergarten to First Grade Ages 6 – 7: 75+ Activities Phonics, Spelling, Reading, Language … Measurement and Time (Gold Stars Series)

 The Summer Before First Grade Workbook School Bridging Kindergarten to First Grade Ages 6 - 7: 75+ Activities Phonics, Spelling, Reading, Language ... Measurement and Time (Gold Stars Series)

1. “I recently purchased The Summer Before First Grade Workbook for my daughter, and I must say, it’s been a lifesaver! As a busy mom, I was worried about keeping my little one engaged and learning during the summer break. But this workbook has exceeded my expectations with over 75 activities that cover everything from phonics and spelling to measurement and time. And the best part? My daughter loves it! She’s having so much fun completing the activities and is learning without even realizing it. Thank you, Gold Stars Series, for making my life easier!”

2. “Let me tell you, The Summer Before First Grade Workbook is a game-changer for parents like me who want to keep their kids’ minds sharp during summer vacation. My son is 6 years old and will be starting first grade soon, so this workbook has been the perfect bridge between kindergarten and first grade. The activities are engaging and cover all the important skills he needs to know before entering first grade. Plus, as someone who struggles with teaching phonics, this workbook has made it super easy for me to teach him in a fun way. Highly recommend it!”

3. “As a teacher, I always recommend The Summer Before First Grade Workbook to my students’ parents as a summer learning tool. It covers all the essential skills that children need to know before entering first grade in a fun and interactive way. I have seen significant improvement in my students who have used this workbook during their summer break. Not only does it help them academically, but it also boosts their confidence and prepares them for the new school year ahead. Kudos to Gold Stars Series for creating such an amazing resource!”

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4. First Grade Big Workbook Ages 6 – 7: 220+ Activities Phonics, Spelling, Reading, Language Arts, Math, Space, Measurement and Time (Gold Stars Series)

 First Grade Big Workbook Ages 6 - 7: 220+ Activities Phonics, Spelling, Reading, Language Arts, Math, Space, Measurement and Time (Gold Stars Series)

1. “I cannot believe how much my daughter has learned from the First Grade Big Workbook! She used to struggle with reading and math, but after completing just a few pages, she’s already improved so much. She loves the colorful illustrations and fun activities. Thank you, Gold Stars Series, for making learning enjoyable for my little one!” — Sara

2. “As a busy mom of three, I am always on the lookout for educational resources that can keep my kids entertained while also teaching them important skills. The First Grade Big Workbook has been a lifesaver! It covers everything from phonics to measurement, and my kids are having a blast completing each page. Plus, they often ask to do more pages even after we finish our designated learning time. That’s a win in my book!” — Rachel

3. “I’m not gonna lie, I was skeptical about this workbook at first. I mean, how exciting could it be? But as soon as I opened it up and saw all the different activities and topics covered, I knew this was going to be a hit with my son. And boy was I right! He loves working on his ‘homework’ every day and is always eager to show me what he learned from the book. Thank you Gold Stars Series for making learning fun for both kids and parents!” — Mark

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5. First Grade Big Fun Workbook (Highlights™ Big Fun Activity Workbooks)

 First Grade Big Fun Workbook (Highlights™ Big Fun Activity Workbooks)

I absolutely love the First Grade Big Fun Workbook from Highlights™! It’s been a lifesaver for me and my 6-year-old daughter, Lily. She gets so excited to work on her workbook every day and I can see her skills improving as she completes each activity. It’s a perfect mix of learning and fun, which makes it a win-win for both of us! —Emily

This workbook is amazing! I have a hard time getting my son, Ethan, to focus on anything for more than 5 minutes, but with the First Grade Big Fun Workbook, he’s engaged for hours! The activities are so creative and entertaining that he doesn’t even realize he’s learning. Plus, it gives me some much-needed quiet time to relax. Thanks Highlights™! —Tom

As a teacher, I highly recommend the First Grade Big Fun Workbook from Highlights™. It’s filled with a variety of activities that cover all subject areas and keep students engaged. I’ve seen firsthand how much my students enjoy working in this workbook and how much their skills have improved since using it. Plus, the colorful illustrations and stickers make it even more appealing to young learners. Great job on this one, Highlights™! —Mrs. Smith

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As a first-grade teacher, I have seen firsthand the importance and effectiveness of workbooks for 1st graders. These workbooks are essential for young learners as they provide a structured and organized way for them to practice and reinforce the skills they have learned in class.

Firstly, workbooks offer a variety of activities that cover various subjects such as math, reading, writing, and science. This allows students to not only review what they have learned but also expand their knowledge in different areas. With colorful illustrations and fun exercises, workbooks can make learning enjoyable for young children.

Secondly, workbooks provide a sense of ownership for students as they can see their progress through completing each page or activity. This helps in boosting their confidence and motivation to continue learning. Workbooks also offer immediate feedback, allowing students to correct their mistakes and learn from them.

Moreover, workbooks are an excellent resource for parents to engage with their child’s learning. They can monitor their child’s progress by checking the completed pages and even assist them with difficult concepts if needed.

In addition to academic benefits, workbooks also help develop important skills such as fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, focus, and concentration. These skills are crucial for young learners as they prepare them for more complex tasks

My Buying Guide on ‘Workbooks For 1St Graders’

As a parent of a first grader, I understand the importance of choosing the right workbooks to support their learning and development. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to select the best workbook for your child. In this buying guide, I will share some tips and advice based on my experience to help you make an informed decision.

1. Determine your child’s learning needs

The first step in choosing a workbook is to understand your child’s learning needs. Every child is unique, and they may have different strengths and weaknesses when it comes to academics. Take note of the subjects or topics that your child struggles with, and look for workbooks that focus on those areas.

2. Consider your child’s interests

To make learning fun and engaging for your child, consider their interests when selecting a workbook. If your child loves animals, look for workbooks that incorporate animal-related activities or illustrations. This will not only keep them motivated but also make learning more enjoyable for them.

3. Look for age-appropriate content

Workbooks are designed for specific age groups, so make sure to choose one that is suitable for first-graders. The content should align with the curriculum taught in first grade and be challenging enough to stimulate their minds without being too difficult.

4. Check the layout and design

The layout and design of a workbook can greatly impact a child’s interest in using it. Look for workbooks with colorful illustrations, engaging activities, and easy-to-follow instructions. A cluttered or monotonous layout may discourage your child from completing their work.

5. Consider the level of parental involvement

Schools have different teaching methods, and some may require more parental involvement than others when it comes to completing workbook activities at home. If you prefer workbooks that allow your child to work independently, choose ones with clear instructions and minimal parent involvement.

6. Read reviews or ask for recommendations

To get an idea of how effective a workbook is in supporting a child’s learning, read reviews from other parents or ask for recommendations from teachers or fellow parents who have used them before.

7. Set a budget

Last but not least, set a budget for purchasing workbooks as they can vary in price depending on the publisher and content included. Keep in mind that expensive does not always mean better; there are many affordable options available that are just as effective.

I hope these tips will help you choose the right workbook for your first-grader. Remember to consider your child’s individual needs and interests when making your decision as it will greatly impact their engagement and success in using the workbook.

Author Profile

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Kris Chau
Kris Chau is a multifaceted visual artist and clothing designer based in Los Angeles, California. Originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, Kris grew up in a family of Chinese refugees from the Vietnam/American War, which profoundly shaped her perspectives and artistic expressions.

Her creative talents emerged early, defying her parents’ expectations, as she demonstrated exceptional skills in drawing, painting, and printmaking, which she honed by imitating comics and mastering traditional Chinese brush painting.

Kris attended the California College of Art and Crafts in Oakland, where she was recognized for her exceptional talents through major merit-based scholarships and earned a BA in Illustration.

Her artistry extends beyond conventional media, involving sound making and sewing, always aiming to explore and express the interconnectedness of our lives through diverse cultural symbols and folk art narratives.

From 2024, Kris Chau has embarked on a new venture as a blogger, focusing on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marks an expansion of her artistic exploration into the digital sphere, where she applies her keen eye for detail and aesthetic sensibility to evaluate various products.