We encourage you to watch the full walk-through video about Gentle + Classical Primer here before diving in.

Most early years homeschool curriculum programs are built around academic checklists—letter sounds, handwriting drills, simple math, maybe a weekly theme or holiday craft. But at Gentle + Classical, we believe these early years are about something deeper—something more formative, meaningful, and enduring than a simple list of skills to master.

In Gentle + Classical Primer (and all our programs), we approach education as the formation of a whole person—intellect, virtue, imagination, and spirit. Instead of just teaching what, we focus on why it matters—through stories that shape the moral imagination, scripture and catechism that root a child in truth, and hands-on experiences that invite curiosity and joy.

It’s not a program you power through. It’s a year you live—together, side by side.

A Fresh Start for a Foundational Year

If you’ve got a child heading into kindergarten this fall—or a 5- to 7-year-old who’s ready for “something more”—I’d love to introduce you to our fully updated and restructured 2nd Edition of Gentle + Classical Primer.

I originally created this program because I couldn’t find anything else that felt both theologically rich and developmentally appropriate for the early elementary years. I wanted a program that honored childhood while cultivating virtue, that focused more on personhood than just the three R's.

With this new edition, Primer is more intuitive, better organized, and easier to implement—especially if you’ve already walked through our Preschool program.

What’s Inside Gentle + Classical Primer (2nd Edition)

This is not just a stack of worksheets or a string of unit studies. This is a full-bodied curriculum designed to walk with you through a beautiful, thoughtful year.

Here’s what it includes:

A 30-unit curriculum across three terms
Subjects: Bible, Catechism, Virtue, Manners & Hygiene, Creation Science, Wonder Tales, Hymns, Composer & Artist Study, Foundations in Art & Music Education, Handicrafts, & more
Kindergarten Morning Binder: Gentle handwriting, calendar work, early math review, and phonemic awareness
Primer Companion Reader: Every scheduled story, poem, and nursery rhyme in one place—no need to hunt down dozens of books
Art + Activity Guide: Connection, skill-building, and flexibility with manageable supplies and a 4-day weekly rhythm
Memory Statement Cards: Visually anchor truth and knowledge in your home and heart

The only things you’ll need to add are your preferred math and reading instruction and a couple of books for worldview and Bible. Everything else? It’s already here, already structured, already beautiful.

The Philosophy Behind Primer

From the beginning, Primer has been built on a different kind of foundation. One that considers your child’s heart and not just their habits. One that understands the importance of imagination alongside instruction.

You’ll find that Gentle + Classical Primer:

Curates and softens classic fairy tales to support moral formation while avoiding unnecessary trauma
Mirrors the structure of Preschool 2nd Edition for an easy, seamless transition
Provides support for children with learning differences, sensitive temperaments, or developmental delays
Embraces a gentle 4-day rhythm with thoughtful supply guides to keep you grounded even when life is chaotic

This isn’t a rigid plan—it’s a flexible invitation to live and learn together.

Wondering If It's a Good Fit?

To help you decide, I created a brand-new, full walkthrough video where I show you every single piece of the program—how it works, how it feels in hand, and how you can adapt it to your unique family.

In the video, I explain why Primer is about more than content—it’s about connection. I also walk through how to use the program even if you have multiple children, limited time, or uncertainty about where to start.

If you’re unsure, that video is the perfect place to gain clarity and confidence.

Gentle, Purposeful, Whole-Person Learning

No matter where you are on your homeschooling journey, Gentle + Classical Primer offers more than just worksheets or schedules. It offers a vision for learning that shapes the whole child—mind, heart, and soul.

It gives you the tools to pursue truth and beauty without overwhelm. It invites you to step into a year of connection, curiosity, and confidence.

If you’re ready for that kind of learning—deep, intentional, and life-giving—I’d love to walk this journey with you.