As we prepare for our next homeschool year, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking through what will actually serve my son well academically and emotionally. That’s why I want to share our 5th grade homeschool curriculum for dyslexia.
This past school year has been very trying. He was diagnosed severe dyslexia, and while some of his struggles suddenly make so much more sense, it has also caused me to reevaluate the way I choose curriculum. This year, I’m focusing less on checking boxes and more on building confidence, strengthening weak areas, and keeping learning enjoyable.
Our biggest struggles right now are spelling, handwriting, and certain math concepts, so I tried to choose gentle, but effective, resources that allow us to move at his pace, without feeling like we have to go back and redo whole curriculums.
Bible
Who Is God? by Apologia
For Bible study this year, we’re using Who Is God? from Apologia. I wanted something thoughtful and discussion-based that would help strengthen both faith and critical thinking. I also love that it encourages deeper conversations rather than just checking off another school subject.
Language Arts
All About Spelling 3 & 4
We are continuing with All About Spelling 3 and will move into level 4 later in the year. Spelling has been one of his biggest struggles, so I’m intentionally slowing down and focusing on mastery instead of rushing ahead. I love how hands-on and incremental this program is, especially for dyslexic learners who need extra review and explicit instruction.
Nessy Reading and Spelling
He will continue to work through Nessy as part of his “tutoring”. It was recommended to us by our evaluator as a fun, home-based tutoring that can help him through his phonemic awareness and spelling challenges. It has been a good fit and he’s been working through it for 20 minutes a day this past school year.
Explode the Code 3
We’re also adding in Explode the Code 3 this year as a substitute for his Nessy Reading and Spelling tutoring. There are some days where he is overwhelmed or defeated on certain Nessy levels. So I thought this might be a good break for him when he needs it, while still getting that structure in. It focuses on the same things Nessy does, but in workbook form.
Reading Journal from Not Consumed
For reading response, we’re using the elementary reading journal from Not Consumed. I wanted something simple that encourages engagement with books without turning reading into an overwhelming amount of written work. Since reading already takes more effort for him, I’m trying to keep literature enjoyable and low-pressure.
Vocabulary Cartoons
For vocabulary, we’re using Vocabulary Cartoons. Since visual learning tends to work really well for dyslexic learners, this is a good fit for him and my oldest. They have enjoyed working through it this past year and will continue this year.
Just Write Book 3
For writing, we’re using Just Write Book 3. Writing can feel especially difficult when spelling, handwriting, and organizing thoughts are all challenging at the same time, so I wanted a program that felt structured without being intimidating. He has used the first two books and really enjoyed them. We will also accommodate him with speech-to-text using the iPad and Google docs.
Winston Grammar
For grammar, we’re using Winston Grammar this year. The hands-on, visual approach should work much better for him than traditional grammar worksheets and I appreciate that lessons are short and manageable.
Cursive Copywork
For handwriting, we’re keeping things simple with cursive copywork. Handwriting is still a major struggle, so instead of overwhelming him with long assignments, I’m focusing on short, consistent practice to help build fluency and confidence over time.
Math
Math With Confidence 5
For math, we’re continuing with Math With Confidence 5. Math is a bit of a mixed bag for him. Some concepts click quickly, while others require a lot of repetition and support. I’ve found that slowing down and focusing on understanding instead of speed helps tremendously.
Math-U-See Accelerate Supports
We’re also using the Math-U-See AIM addition and subtraction supports to strengthen foundational skills in weaker areas. One thing I’ve learned through homeschooling dyslexia is that there’s no shame in reviewing foundational concepts, even in upper elementary.
History
BiblioPlan Year 4
For history, we’re continuing with BiblioPlan Year 4 as part of our family-style homeschool subjects. One of my favorite things about BiblioPlan is how many excellent chapter books tie directly into what we’re learning. Much of his independent reading will come from our history studies this year, which helps subjects feel more connected and meaningful.
Science
Simple Studies
This year, I’m combining my 5th grader and kindergartener for science. We’ll be working through the Jungle Creatures and Desert Creatures studies from Simple Studies. I love having subjects we can enjoy together while still keeping things rich and engaging.
NOEO Science Biology 2
We’re also adding in some lessons from NOEO Biology 2, especially the plant studies and a few other topics we haven’t covered in awhile. At this stage, I’m less focused on completing every single page and more focused on nurturing curiosity and meaningful learning.
Current Events
World Watch
For current events, we’re using World Watch. I appreciate having a kid-friendly news source that helps introduce world events in a way that feels informative without being overwhelming. He loves World Watch and has gone down quite a few rabbit holes after watching.
Fine Arts
This year, he’ll also be taking either a music or art class at a local studio. I’ve found that creative outlets are especially important for children with learning differences because they provide opportunities to build confidence and enjoy success outside of traditional academics.
Our Main Goals This Year
This year, my biggest goals are:
- Strengthening foundational math skills
- Continuing steady progress in spelling
- Improving handwriting fluency
- Building confidence
- Protecting his love of learning
Homeschooling a child with severe dyslexia can feel overwhelming at times, but it has also reminded me that learning does not have to look traditional to be effective.
We’re slowing down where needed, adapting freely, and focusing on progress over perfection this year.