Free 36-Week Secular Homeschool Guide for K-2

A Free 36-Week Guide for K-2: Using Zearn, Fishtank Learning, and BFSU

Homeschooling can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to piece together a structured, high-quality curriculum without spending a fortune. That’s why I created a free 36-week guide for K-2 that brings together three excellent resources: Zearn, Fishtank Learning, and Building Foundations of Scientific Understanding (BFSU). This guide is designed to provide a well-rounded, secular education that is both engaging and easy to follow.

Why I Created This Guide

As a homeschooling parent, I know how hard it can be to find secular, high-quality, and free resources. Many free homeschool programs lean heavily on religious materials, and even when secular options exist, they often lack cohesion. My goal with this guide was to take some of the best free educational resources available and organize them into a simple, structured plan that families can follow without stress.

What’s Included in the Guide?

The 36-week guide lays out lessons using the following resources:

• Zearn (Math) – Zearn is a fantastic, conceptually rich math program that has both online and offline resources. It provides interactive lessons that support deep understanding and skill-building. It works well for visual and hands-on learners and can be adapted to fit different paces.
• Fishtank Learning (ELA & More) – This curriculum offers high-quality, standards-aligned lesson plans for English Language Arts and other subjects. I love its focus on diverse literature and strong comprehension skills. The lessons encourage discussion and critical thinking, making it a great fit for homeschooling families who want to build literacy naturally.
• Building Foundations of Scientific Understanding (BFSU) – BFSU is an inquiry-based science curriculum that builds knowledge in a logical sequence. Instead of rote memorization, it encourages kids to think like scientists by exploring concepts deeply and making connections to the real world.

How to Use the Guide

This guide is structured for a 36-week school year but is flexible enough to adapt to your child’s needs. You can follow it exactly or adjust the pacing based on what works best for your homeschool. Each week includes:

• Suggested lessons from Zearn for math
• Fishtank Learning units for reading and language arts
• BFSU lesson to explore through hands-on science activities

If you’ve never used BFSU, I recommend starting at the beginning of the lessons no matter the child’s age.

Why This Guide Works for K-2 Learners

• Structured but flexible – You can follow it as-is or adjust as needed.
• Engaging and interactive – The resources encourage active learning through hands-on activities, discussions, and digital tools.
• Secular and inclusive – Unlike many free homeschool curricula, this guide is designed to be welcoming to all families.
• Proven educational methods – Zearn, Fishtank Learning, and BFSU are all evidence-based programs that support strong foundational learning.

Free(ish)? What Will I Have to Buy?

The main expense you’ll have is buying books and basic science supplies. I always recommend utilizing your library system, if possible. The BFSU book is available as a $10 ebook (pdf or kindle format) and covers all three years worth of science. The actual supplies are not horribly expensive, but can add up over time. If I’m not able to get a supply for whatever reason, I usually have good luck youtubing the experiment so my kiddo can at least see what happens.

Final Thoughts

I created this guide to make homeschooling less intimidating while ensuring kids get a high-quality education. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a more structured plan, I hope this resource provides clarity and confidence in your homeschooling journey. I’m aware that it’s not going to work for everyone, but hopefully it’s a jumping off point for some.

📢 Want to check it out? You can download the 36-week guide for free here. If you use it, I’d love to hear how it works for your family! Drop a comment below or email me at admin@rabbitholelearning.org to share your experiences (the good and the bad!).

Happy homeschooling!