'What your first grader needs to know' is by far the best book that I have purchased for homeschooling. I believe it's a must have for every homeschooling family wondering if they are covering what they should. Along with non-homeschooling families curious if their child is where he or he should be at in the school system.It goes over everything your child needs to know in the first grade, breaking it up into sections by subject. It not only explains to you what your child should know, but gives you pointers on how you can help your child learn and achieve the first grade goals.I have nearly every book in this series, for each grade level, and use them all. And for a lot of the concepts, you can really use them at any level, such as the stories and poems. Each subject is broken up into sections/chapters, which I mark with sticky notes sticking out of the top. And even though as time moves on, they are getting older, the first editions are just as wonderful as the second. Like I stated, you can use any of them at any level. You do not have to use this first grade book for a first grader, use it for any child who could benefit from it. So if you feel your child is at a different level, all you do is adjust.I use these books as a basis. I can adapt any lesson plan to this book. When reading the poems and short stories, or the history section ( or really any section) it opens up a whole world for more research and reading. The stories get my kids interested in a topic, and they want to know more, so, we find more. A trip to the library, an Internet search, or a kindle download (usually free). Our kids enjoy them as much as I do. I have used them for many years now. I started with the kindergarten series when our now 17 year old was 5, and homeschooled until 6th grade (and again her freshman year). She is now a National Honor Society member, dual-enrolled, straight A student in the publc school system.) and considering finishing up her high school career at home,) And again with our now 8 year-old, and beginning some of the reading with our toddler, but will repeat it as he grows. But they're never to little to be read to!Sections on reading, literature, poems... Math, science, social studies and music. My favorite are the literature, poems and history. I use them the most. Only wish those sections were bigger.Many thanks to the author of this great book for putting everything I need to know to teach my child, under one cover.I’m a first time homeschooler with zero background in teaching. I have been at a loss of what and how to teach my child, and this has put my mind at ease. It also has everything in it that you would need (full poems/stories, history lessons, etc.) with additional suggestions for further teaching or reading. It’s so much cheaper than a regular curriculum, but it really has almost everything you need. It gave me ideas for projects and field trips to supplement, and you wouldn’t get those in a regular curriculum anyway. Save your money and buy this book.It’s a first grade book, but my 4 year old already finished our kindergarten curriculum and is begging for more. His attention span is much shorter than a normal first grader, so I like that it has shorter sections that I can pretty easily use as daily 15 minute lessons. I feel confident that when we finish this book, he will be completely prepared for second grade. And of course, we will be buying the next book in this series.I had ordered this exact book from 2 other sellers from a "different source" and was extremely disappointed when I received a different version than what was pictured. I'm so glad I gave it a 3rd try and came here this time! This is the exact book and the exact version I've been looking for! It is in perfect, brand new condition, and it was very fast shipping! Thank you so much!!!Because of Covid, I home schooled my granddaughter and this book has been a go-to-tool from the beginning until now. It will definitely get your little one fit for first grade and beyond. I absolutely loved the learning sequence and being able to see some of the things I learned as a youth in the book. So here it goes....I'll recommend this book to any parent that's homeschooling their child or children. I'd also recommend this book to a parent who has extra time and wants to teach their child a little more than what's being offered at school. It's really foundational learning and I'm enjoying it as much as my grandchild is.There are things about this book that I like, and things about it that I find disturbing. I find the music and art sections truly invaluable. The reading sections are useful as a reference point. At least there is some variation and an introduction to poetry, which my child enjoyed. Beyond that my feelings are ambivalent at best. An example of the former: the history/geography section is very useful as a springboard, but be prepared to do your own research if you want to teach your child accurately. One thing that disturbs me is also found in this part of the book. The history section is more of a series of lessons on various religions of the world. Now, childen should be taught to respect all people. Period. But, shouldn't a history section teach historical facts and not religious creeds? Shouldn't that be another subject? And if there are flaws and bias in other parts of the book (as other reviewers have amply proved) should one assume this section is accurate and unbiased? All this being said, this has been a very useful tool to SUPPLEMENT my children's education and plan on purchasing the rest of the set.I am a pre-covid homeschool mom and I have three of these books, so far. (Preschooler, kinder, and 1st grade) I make our own curriculum instead of buying the expensive, prepackaged deals and these books are a great "textbook" to have. We use the book daily for learning and then we use different workbooks to reinforce what we've learned. I am thankful these books are really produced as they have made me a much more informed and prepared teacher for my little ones. Buy this book now! (Most of) you won't regret it!Started reading parts of this to my son in 3rd grade as a supplement to his education. Very interesting and informative.If you don't feel confident to teach your child, this book helps a lot, since you just have to follow the instructions of it. I am loving it so much!this was good to have. Lots of literature to read to the kids and I only needed this one book. Very convenient when space is at a premium (Japan). And just a really good book.