grade homework book

Practice Books, Grades K–5

Bridges Practice Books provide activities and worksheets for additional skill review, informal paper-and-pencil assessment, preparation for standardized testing, and differentiated instruction. Each volume also includes answer keys and a complete listing of the student pages grouped by skill. Although originally written to complement Bridges in Mathematics First Edition, these books may be used with any math program. Note: These materials were developed prior to the publication of the Common Core State Standards. While the content retains its educational value, the grade level alignment may have shifted for some lessons and activities.

Bridges Kindergarten Practice Book, 1st Edition

Grade level: k.

Numbers to 30, comparing and ordering sets, skip counting, early addition and subtraction, story problems.

Download English PDF Download Spanish PDF

Bridges Grade 1 Practice Book, 1st Edition

Grade level: 1.

Numbers to 100 and beyond, number patterns, place value, facts to 10, money, time, graphing, and problem solving.

Bridges Grade 2 Practice Book, 1st Edition

Grade level: 2.

Numbers to 1,000, skip counting and number patterns, facts to 18, place value, double-digit computation, money, time, and problem solving.

Bridges Grade 3 Practice Book, 1st Edition

Grade level: 3.

Numbers to 10,000, multi-digit addition and subtraction, multiplication and division concepts, fractions, equations, perimeter, time, money, and problem solving.

Bridges Grade 4 Practice Book, 1st Edition

Grade level: 4.

Multiplication and division facts, multi-digit addition, subtraction and multiplication, fractions and decimals, patterns and equations, area and perimeter, data analysis, and problem solving.

Bridges Grade 5 Practice Book, 1st Edition

Grade level: 5.

Free Online Gradebook

• Premium Gradebook

Flexible Grading Options. Distribute Assignments and Collect Homework. Easy to Use.

Start Your Free Gradebook! Free 30 day Trial

Distribute & collect assignments online.

Student & parent access.

Automatic mass email to students and parents.

Choose a free gradebook or ad-free premium gradebook.

Advanced messaging.

Distribute Assignments and Collect Homework. Powerful Messaging. Ideal for Distance Learning.

Gradebook with intuitive interface.

ThinkWave Educator has an intuitive, easy-to-use, interface that can be learned quickly. Multiple classes can be maintained in a single gradebook. There is no need to login multiple times to access different classes.

Easy to Use From All Devices

ThinkWave Educator is completely cloud based which means there is no software to install and teachers can access data from school or home. ThinkWave can be used with Internet Explorer, Firefox and Safari and Chrome on PC, MAC, Linux, iOS and Android devices.

Get the Gradebook That's Right for You

ThinkWave Educator is great for solo teachers who want a basic, free gradebook. ThinkWave Educator Premium is for teachers who want a full-featured gradebook with 100 GB online storage.

Upload Assignments and Handouts Online

Save on paper and toner cartridges. ThinkWave Educator provides the functionality of a learning management system with the ability to upload homework and handouts online. Uploaded files can be up to 25MB each and the Premium gradebook includes 100 GB online storage. Many file formats are supported including .pdf, .doc, picture files, movie files and others. Homework is available for students and parents to download online. The upload function can also be used to organize handouts in one place. No need to email files between home and school -everything is available online from any computer.

Online Portal for Students and Parents

ThinkWave improves communication by providing individual, password-protected accounts for students and parents to access classroom information. Detailed, day-to-day summary of student progress includes overall results, graded assignments and upcoming assignments. Grades Online enables student achievement by improving organization and allowing for early intervention.

Assign and Collect Homework Online

ThinkWave Educator offers the powerful ability to collect homework from students online. Students upload their homework files with an easy-to-use upload function. Files are immediately available to the teacher in the gradebook. Uploaded files are organized for the teacher by assignment and date.

Messaging and Group Emailing

ThinkWave includes ability to post messages and announcements. Messages can be directed to all students and parents, particular groups of students or specific classes. Files can be uploaded with blog posts. Messages can be sent by email to the entire group with one click.

Flexible Grading Options

Use an all-points grading system or a flexible grading system that combines points, letter grades, check, check plus, and custom grades. Create your own assignment types and use assignment type weighting, for example, making Tests 30%, Homework 40%, Projects 15% and Participation 15%.

Powerful Reports

ThinkWave Educator includes powerful report capabilities that generate professionally-formatted, ready-to-print, .pdf documents. Reports can be customized with a logo and header and multiple other customization options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can all the teachers in my school use the gradebook.

There are several options to provide online gradebooks for teachers in your school. For schools that want to provide pre-populated gradebooks with students and classes already enrolled, the ThinkWave Administrator school management system is the best option. It combines data from all teachers into progress reports, report cards, transcripts, student summaries, and other reports. There is even a tool to upgrade a solo gradebook to a schoolwide version. If there is no need to combine teacher information, options include site licenses for the premium gradebook. Finally, any teacher can always use the gradebook free of charge.

How do I start a new year in the gradebook?

The online gradebook provides a powerful rollover feature, which copies students, classes, custom field data, and more from year to year. This makes it easy to have a fresh start each year, while information from previous years remains readily available. There is even a feature to copy assignments from previous years, simplifying the setup process. For teachers who will be teaching a new set of students during the upcoming year, there is an option to not copy previous-year’s students.

Can I copy assignments from previous years?

Yes, a copy assignments function makes it easy to copy assignments from a teachers gradebook to a different class, term, or year. In the Setup menu, select Copy Assignments, then select the class and specific assignments you want to import.

Can I have different grading options for different classes?

Yes. You first establish default grading options, then customize them for individual classes and even terms. Grades can be calculated using pure points or flexible grading options, which handle letter grades, pass/fail grades, custom grades, assignment-type weighing, and more. Grades can also be calculated by weighting subterms, so for example, the semester grade can be calculated from the quarter grades and final exam.

Can I drop the lowest assignments?

Yes. In the grading options screen for a class, you can drop the lowest scores for any assignment type, such as homeword, projects, tests, or quizzes. These parameters can be set in default grading options, or different classes or terms.

Can I email all the students in a class?

Yes. The messaging function includes email capability, so that when you post a message to students and parents of a class, it can also be sent by email. You can also email reports such as student summary reports or report cards.

Can students and parents access their grades online?

Yes. Every student (and optionally) parent has a personal online account to access grades, assignments, assignment results, messages, and attendance. Each student can have multiple parent accounts, and each parent can see all their students’ data in one view.

Can I send and receive messages from students and parents?

You can post messages to all the students and parents in a class, and enable a public discussion regarding the message. Each assignment can have a class-wide discussion associated with it, and teachers and students and parents can maintain private discussions regarding assignment results.

Am I limited to points-based grading systems?

No. Flexible grading options let you use points, percentage, letter, pass/fail, complete/incomplete, and custom grade scales for assignments, tests, and quizzes. You can use assignment-type weighting, as well as drop lowest assignments. Of course, Pure Points grading scale is also available.

Are there limitations to the number of students, classes, or assignments?

There are no limitations for students, classes, or assignments. There are even instances when an entire school manages all their data using a free gradebook. Of course, the school management system is preferable for schoolwide use, because it combines data from multiple teachers into a consolidated environment. But even so, the free gradebook does not maintain any artificial limitations.

Can the gradebook work for homeschooling?

The gradebook, as well as the student management system , is a perfect solution for a homeschool environment.

Can the gradebook work for college, trade schools, or other environments?

The free solo gradebook is used by teachers and processors in the widest possible range of educational settings. The upgrade to student management software is also used by colleges, trades schools, international schools, parochial schools, foster care environments, and much more.

Can I distribute and collect assignments online?

Yes. The gradebook provides learning management functionality. Teachers can post assignments with rich text and file attachments. Students can submit their work, and teachers can return corrected student work. Public discussions can be associated with assignments, and private discussions between the student and parent are available with each assignment result.

Can I weight grades by assignment type?

Yes. There is the option to use existing or create custom assignment types, as well as the option to calculate the final grade as a weighted average of assignment types.

Can I record custom data in custom fields?

Yes. Custom fields can be defined for students, teachers, parents and classes. Data can optionally be automatically copied to subsequent school years during the year rollover procedure.

Can I import students?

Yes. There are three options to choose from. Simplest is to add students one at a time. Next is a quick add function, which lets you cut and paste a large list of students and import them all at once. There is also an import wizard, which lets you import students from a delimited file, with advanced capabilities including addresses, parent data, and custom field data.

Still have questions? We’re here to help!

[email protected]

(866) 339-9283

• Mon - Fri 9am - 6pm PST

Cloud-based School Management Software

Ideal for Distance Learning. Fast to Deploy. Uniquely Easy-to-Use.

Start Your School 30 Days Free

Distribute assignments and collect homework. Powerful messaging.

Start Free Gradebook Does Not Expire

Buy Premium Gradebook

If you received a startup sheet from your school, start here .

Reading & Math for K-5

• Kindergarten
• Learning numbers
• Comparing numbers
• Place Value
• Roman numerals
• Subtraction
• Multiplication
• Order of operations
• Drills & practice

Measurement

• Factoring & prime factors
• Proportions
• Shape & geometry
• Data & graphing
• Word problems
• Children's stories
• Leveled Stories
• Context clues
• Cause & effect
• Compare & contrast
• Fact vs. fiction
• Fact vs. opinion
• Main idea & details
• Story elements
• Conclusions & inferences
• Sounds & phonics
• Words & vocabulary
• Reading comprehension
• Early writing
• Numbers & counting
• Simple math
• Social skills
• Other activities
• Dolch sight words
• Fry sight words
• Multiple meaning words
• Prefixes & suffixes
• Vocabulary cards
• Other parts of speech
• Punctuation
• Capitalization
• Narrative writing
• Opinion writing
• Informative writing
• Cursive alphabet
• Cursive letters
• Cursive letter joins
• Cursive words
• Cursive sentences
• Cursive passages
• Grammar & Writing

Breadcrumbs

Download & Print From only $2.60

Fifth Grade Math Worksheets

Free & printable grade 5 math worksheets.

Our grade 5 math worksheets cover the 4 operations, fractions and decimals at a greater level of difficulty than previous grades. We also introduce variables and expressions into our word problem worksheets .  

Choose your grade 5 topic:

4 operations.

Place Value & Rounding

Add & Subtract

Multiply & Divide

Order of Operations

Add & Subtract Fractions

Multiply & Divide Fractions

Converting Fractions

Fractions to / from Decimals

Add & Subtract Decimals

Multiply Decimals

Divide Decimals

Data & Graphing

Word Problems

Sample Grade 5 Math Worksheet

What is K5?

K5 Learning offers free worksheets , flashcards  and inexpensive  workbooks  for kids in kindergarten to grade 5. Become a member  to access additional content and skip ads.

Our members helped us give away millions of worksheets last year.

We provide free educational materials to parents and teachers in over 100 countries. If you can, please consider purchasing a membership ($24/year) to support our efforts.

Members skip ads and access exclusive features.

Learn about member benefits

This content is available to members only.

Join K5 to save time, skip ads and access more content. Learn More

• Forgot Password?

• 888-309-8227
• 732-384-0146

New User Registration

Forgot Password

enVision MATH Common Core 5, Grade: 5 Publisher: Scott Foresman Addison Wesley

Envision math common core 5, title : envision math common core 5, publisher : scott foresman addison wesley, isbn : 328672637, isbn-13 : 9780328672639, use the table below to find videos, mobile apps, worksheets and lessons that supplement envision math common core 5., textbook resources.

• Call us toll-free
• FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
• Contact Lumos Learning – Proven Study Programs by Expert Teachers

Follow us: Lumos Learning -->

• 2024 © Lumos Learning
• Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Disclaimers

PARCC® is a registered trademark of PARCC, Inc. Lumos Learning, is not owned by or affiliated in any fashion with PARCC, Inc... Read More

PARCC® is a registered trademark of PARCC, Inc. Lumos Learning, is not owned by or affiliated in any fashion with PARCC, Inc., the Partnership for the Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, nor any state of the Union. Neither PARCC, Inc., nor The Partnership for the Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, nor any member state has endorsed this product. No portion of any fees or charges paid for any products or services Lumos Learning offers will be paid or inure to the benefit of PARCC, Inc., or any state of the Union

SBAC is a copyright of The Regents of the University of California – Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, which is not aff... Read More

SBAC is a copyright of The Regents of the University of California – Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, which is not affiliated to Lumos Learning. The Regents of the University of California – Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse these products or this site.

ACT® Aspire™ is a registered trademark of ACT Aspire LLC., which is not affiliated to Lumos Learning. ACT Aspire LLC, was not... Read More

ACT® Aspire™ is a registered trademark of ACT Aspire LLC., which is not affiliated to Lumos Learning. ACT Aspire LLC,was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse these products or this site.

Florida Department of Education is not affiliated to Lumos Learning. Florida department of education, was not involved in the... Read More

Florida Department of Education is not affiliated to Lumos Learning. Florida department of education, was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse these products or this site.

Indiana Department of Education is not affiliated to Lumos Learning. Indiana department of education, was not involved in the... Read More

Indiana Department of Education is not affiliated to Lumos Learning. Indiana department of education, was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse these products or this site.

Mississippi Department of Education is not affiliated to Lumos Learning. Mississippi department of education, was not involved... Read More

Mississippi Department of Education is not affiliated to Lumos Learning. Mississippi department of education, was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse these products or this site.

Ohio Department of Education is not affiliated to Lumos Learning. Ohio department of education, was not involved in the prod... Read More

Ohio Department of Education is not affiliated to Lumos Learning. Ohio department of education, was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse these products or this site.

Tennessee Department of Education is not affiliated to Lumos Learning. Tennessee department of education, was not involved... Read More

Tennessee Department of Education is not affiliated to Lumos Learning. Tennessee department of education, was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse these products or this site.

Georgia Department of Education is not affiliated to Lumos Learning. Georgia department of education, was not involved... Read More

Georgia Department of Education is not affiliated to Lumos Learning. Georgia department of education, was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse these products or this site.

Missouri Department of Education is not affiliated to Lumos Learning. Missouri department of education, was not involved... Read More

Missouri Department of Education is not affiliated to Lumos Learning. Missouri department of education, was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse these products or this site.

Louisiana Department of Education is not affiliated to Lumos Learning. Louisiana department of education, was not involved... Read More

Louisiana Department of Education is not affiliated to Lumos Learning. Louisiana department of education, was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse these products or this site.

Keeping your 1st- to 2nd-grade students' skills sharp during the summer has never been easier than with these fun and engaging workbooks! With colorful illustrations, engaging puzzles, and high-interest topics like STEM , these books keep kids entertained and help build their confidence as they learn. 

Available in both print and PDF formats, these workbooks allow your students to exercise their honed skills — and develop new ones — whether they're practicing handwriting, vocabulary, math, or anything in between.

Shop the best workbooks for your students below! You can find all books and activities at  The Teacher Store .

Academic Success Starts Here

Our supplementary educational materials are designed to enhance student success and confidence in the classroom.

We have over two decades of experience providing high-quality supplementary educational materials to teachers, students, and parents. Learn more about our history, approach, and team.

View our full range of educational materials.

Mathematics

Our mathematics workbook solutions have been equipping students for success for decades.

Our English workbooks help students develop proficiency with grammar and writing mechanics while strengthening their reading skills.

Our pre-k workbooks address early learning and development standards for mathematics and Language Arts.

Our reading comprehension workbooks provide standards-based practice with a variety of skills.

Social Studies

Our social studies workbooks are aligned with academic content standards common to most states.

State Studies

With a grade four reading level, our state studies workbooks provide mini teachings about specific states.

With our science workbooks, students will develop an understanding of four key areas of study.

Our phonics workbooks support the development of reading fluency.

Study Skills

Our study skills workbooks are designed to help students become more successful in all subjects.

Summer Solutions

Our summer workbooks are perfect for helping your student avoid summer learning loss.

We employ time-tested, science-based methods to increase student success and confidence in the classroom.

Who We Serve

Whether you’re a traditional school, home school, or parent, we have supplemental educational materials designed to help your students succeed.

Is it A, B, C, or D?  

Assessments and Learning The “competitive incorrect answers” are related material, just not the correct answer. Thinking about them, though, strengthens what students know about those items. In later assessment situations, when a new question is asked and a previous competitive …

Spring Break Math

Jump into Spring Break! Spring break is a time to relax, and enjoy the warmer weather. It is a time when you and your students can recharge, so when you return you are ready to tackle the last few months …

Thanksgiving Math

We are so thankful for the third, fourth, and fifth-grade students (and teachers) who use our books, we created a Thanksgiving-themed makeover to our Simple Solutions Standards-Based Math sample pages. Each lesson in the Simple Solutions Standards-Based Mathematics workbook aligns with standards for …

Request a Quote

Ready to take the next step toward academic success? Request a quote from one of our helpful team members. Use the contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Let's Connect

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

Enter Today's Teacher Appreciation Giveaway!

26 Teacher-Approved Second Grade Workbooks

Additional practice for reading, math, social studies, and more!

If you’re looking for the best second grade workbooks, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of the most engaging, best-reviewed, curriculum-aligned resources to help second grades in specific subject areas or to avoid the summer slide.

Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!

Best Math Second Grade Workbooks

Introducing math grade 2.

This workbook provides a comprehensive overview of second grade mathematics with instruction, practice questions, and answer explanations along with free digital access to videos.

Real revie w: “Great resource, it is divided into chapters/topics with explanations of the material first, then questions. At the end it has a mix assessment with questions covering all topics. Great help with 2nd grade math.”

2nd Grade Common Core Math: Daily Practice Workbook – Part I

This is one of the best second grade workbooks for helping students practice and master skills while becoming very familiar and comfortable with the state math exam and common core standards. 

Real review: “Easy way fun to study each weekday with a child. Broken into 5 daily assignments for a week. Tip of the day is very helpful.”

2nd Grade Common Core Math: Daily Practice Workbook – Part II

This workbook comes with 20 weeks of daily free response, weekly assessments, state-aligned Common Core curriculum, and an end-of-the-year assessment.

Real review: “Very good book with a lot of exercises to practice … All of them are divided by weeks and days. Tip of the day gives brief explanations to exercises for better understanding.”

[contextly_auto_sidebar]

Star Wars Workbook: 2nd Grade Math

It’s okay to look for fun second grade workbooks, right? Kids will use the Force while comparing number values, addition and subtraction, word problems, second and third-dimensional shapes, and getting ready for multiplication.

Real review: “The Star Wars workbooks are a perfect compliment to our online curriculum. They venture beyond grade-level standards in our local schools.” 

Word Problems Grade 2

This workbook introduces students to word problems dealing with multiple-digit addition and subtraction.

Real review : “I love this practice book. I am a teacher and bought this for our daughter who has a very difficult time with word problems. These problems start out fairly simply and move to much more difficult, multi-step problems.”

Best Reading Second Grade Workbooks

Scholastic success with reading comprehension, grade 2.

These second grade workbooks give students targeted, skill-building practice with more than 40 ready-to-reproduce pages. 

Real review : “I’ve always liked Scholastic’s educational products and these don’t disappoint.”

The Big Book of Reading Comprehension Activities, Grade 2

Kids will learn how to identify a story’s message and make connections between plot, structure, setting, characters, and more. This workbook contains 120 activities and progressive lessons. 

Real review : “Excellent. Best practice reading comprehension books on the market!”

Grade 2 Reading

This workbook provides grade-level appropriate vocabulary exercises including elements of both phonics and whole language instruction.

Real review : “The content is attention catching for young readers, and it’s just enough to exercise their skills without getting boring.”

Reading Comprehension Grade 2

This resource helps students master skills in mathematics, penmanship, reading, writing, and grammar. 

Real review : “Wonderful! So simple – story on the left, questions on the right. Many questions require thought, not just reading back for the answer word for word.”

Spectrum Reading Workbook 2nd Grade

This second grade workbook focuses on practice for reading comprehension including letters and sounds, word recognition, theme, integration of knowledge and ideas, main idea, story structure, summarization, key ideas, and details. 

Real re view: “This is a great book for the kids to get better at reading as well as learning how to write response. An amazing book for the money!”

Best Writing Second Grade Workbooks

Grade 2 writing.

This workbook will introduce students to second grade vocabulary and writing skills in a step-by-step manner. 

Real review: “I love these books. They teach and reinforce what you’ve already learned in such an ingenius way. So much fun with bright colorful pages.”

Scholastic Success With Grammar, Grade 2

Each workbook includes more than 40 ready-to-reproduce practice pages of activities that correlate to state standards. 

Real revie w: “I’m using these books in the ESL classes that I teach (as well as for tutoring) and they are perfect as extra worksheets for in-class review and for homework.”

Star Wars Workbook: 2nd Grade Writing

You won’t need to go to a galaxy far, far away to encourage kids to love writing. This exciting Star Wars workbook covers sentence and story construction, spelling and vocabulary, creative writing and story prompts, practice cursive writing skills, and aligns with common core standards.

Real review: “This series works well. They are full of great lessons, and our kids are entertained by them enough to keep working. We call them their ‘fun books.’”

Writing for Minecrafters: Grade 2

Kids love Minecraft, and they’ll enjoy this workbook featuring the video game characters and concepts to make second grade writing practice fun! 

Real review: “This book made homeschooling so much fun for my son. He will literally do 4 to 6 pages at a time.”

180 Days of Writing for Second Grade

This easy-to-use resource provides second-grade students with practice in writing opinion, informative/explanatory, and narrative pieces while also strengthening their language and grammar skills.

Real review: “As a preschool teacher, I bought these for my daughter and I love them. Very educational and still fun to do.”

Scholastic Success with Writing, Grade 2

Each workbook contains activities designed to meet state standards and includes more than 40 ready-to-reproduce practice pages. 

Real review : “This is a great writing book for your second grader. It is really helpful and helps keep them sharp. It’s also great for homeschooling and makes teaching that much easier.”

Best Science & Social Studies Second Grade Workbooks

180 days of science: grade 2.

This second grade workbook helps students analyze and evaluate scientific data and scenarios, improve their understanding of science and engineering practices, answer constructed-response questions, and increase their higher-order thinking skills. 

Real review: “Super happy with the content and how this book is laid out.”

Science, Second Grade: Learn and Explore

Kids can practice with exercises on liquids, solids and gases, global weather patterns, life cycles of living creatures like frogs, jellyfish, and locusts, and more.

Real review: “They have large lettering that is easy to read, and appropriate for a 2nd grade level.”

Geography, Second Grade: Learn and Explore

This workbook contains curriculum-aligned exercises on topics including familiarity with the compass, map grids, physical and political maps, and the concept of hemispheres.

Real review : “This workbook gets them talking about geography, making their own maps and legends, and interested in learning more. No fights to get this done.”

180 Days of Social Studies: Grade 2

Each week’s activities will cover a topic within one of the four social studies disciplines: history, economics, civics, and geography. Students will analyze primary sources, answer text-dependent questions, and improve their grade-level social studies knowledge. 

Real review: “Geography, Civics, Economy, and History are all included in this. I’d recommend it.”

Second Grade Essentials for Social Studies

These engaging activities cover continents and oceans, cardinal and intermediate directions, hemispheres, holidays and symbols, culture, money and barter, consumers and producers, and more!

Real revie w: “Just the supplemental resource I needed!”

Best Overall for Summer Second Grade Workbooks

Summer brain quest: between grades 2 & 3.

This workbook is designed to bridge the gap between second and third grades. Activities include reading comprehension, writing opinions, adjectives versus adverbs, place value, word problems, life cycles, map skills, and more!

Real review : “This is the third time I have done summer workbooks and these summer brain quest ones are perfection!!”

Summer Bridge Activities – Grades 2 – 3

With activities designed to take just 15 minutes a day, this workbook focuses on subjects including math, writing, reading, science, social studies, fitness and character building. 

Real review: “Simply put, this is a great activity book to help your child stay mentally active when out of school for the summer.”

Summer Blast: Getting Ready for Third Grade

This standards-based tool provides nine weeks of engaging and relevant lessons that support content learning in social studies, writing, reading, science, math, and art. 

Real review: “This is perfect, other books were teaching completely new stuff, this was a good review with a bit of new stuff at just the right level.”

Daily Summer Activities, Grade 2-3

Over 10 weeks, kids can work through activities to practice essential skills across subject areas, including reading, math, writing, spelling, and geography.

Real review: “This is a great workbook to keep skills fresh over the summer. We do one page each day, and the included achievement stickers are a nice motivator.”

What are your favorite second grade workbooks? Share on our WeAreTeachers DEALS page !

Plus, check out our top picks for second grade books .

You Might Also Like

60 Best Second Grade Books To Update Your Classroom Library

Discover new favorite titles. Continue Reading

Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. 5335 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256

10+ Homeschool Workbooks for Easy Review

This post may contain affiliate links.

Sharing is caring!

Homeschool workbooks can be a great educational resource. They are generally pretty reasonably priced and can cover a good bit of material.

The trend right now, especially during the COVID-19 crisis, seems to be putting kids in front of a screen for lessons. That system works really well for some kids.

However, some families find that too much screen time, even educational screen time, causes more problems than it solves . This is especially true among elementary age kiddos. I always noticed a decline in behavior in my own kids after a screen heavy day.

Homeschool workbooks allow you to teach or review grade-level-appropriate material with your kids.

When choosing homeschool workbooks keep a few considerations in mind:

• Do you want one workbook to cover multiple subjects?
• Do you want new teaching or just review?
• Are colorful pages important to you?
• Will the workbook be used as a full curriculum or as a supplement?

The Best Homeschool Workbooks

Table of Contents

General homeschool workbooks, math workbooks, language arts workbooks, tips for homeschool workbooks.

General homeschool workbooks cover all of the core academic subjects for a grade level in one workbook. Usually this type of workbook will review math, language arts, science, and social studies.

• Brain Quest

Brain Quest workbooks are available for preschool – sixth grade. The workbooks contain about 300 pages. Each level covers:

• Language arts skills
• Social Studies

The pages are bright and colorful, but not distracting. The directions are clear and concise. Once kids are able to read they will likely not need much help from parents.

• Workman Publishing (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 320 Pages – 05/09/2023 (Publication Date) – Workman Publishing Company (Publisher)

Last update on 2024-05-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

2. Comprehensive Curriculum of Basic Skills

The Comprehensive Curriculum of Basic Skills workbooks are enormous – over 500 pages! There is a workbook for preschool – sixth grade. Each level includes:

The pages each contain colorful illustrations, but the main background of each page is white.

The directions are clear, however there is quite a bit of text on each page. Some kids might love this, but others might be distracted by having multiple lessons on the same page.

• Sold as 1 Each.
• Thinking Kids.

3. Summer Bridge Activities

Summer Bridge Activities workbooks are intended to be used during summer break, but there isn’t really any reason they can’t be used at any time during the year.

These workbooks are for grades preschool – sixth grade.

Each level covers:

The review lessons are grouped by days. For example, the first few pages have ‘Day 1’ written in the top corner. Those activities are all meant to be done on the same day.

This format is good if you are looking for a general review, but might be frustrating if you are looking for more targeted lessons.

• This book helps prevent summer learning loss in just 15 minutes a day
• Children will review skills from the previous school year and preview skills for the next grade
• Includes language arts, math, and science activities

4. Evan Moor Daily Fundamentals

At around 200 pages, the Evan Moor Daily Fundamentals workbooks are on the smaller side for general homeschool workbooks. These workbooks are available for first – sixth grade.

The lessons are broken into 5 lessons a week (Monday – Friday), 30 weeks a year. Most students will only need to spend about 15 minutes a day to complete their daily review.

The pages are completely text based, with no illustrations or color.

• The daily lessons progress in difficulty as students move through Day 1 to Day 5, and the weekly units progress in difficulty throughout the year.
• Evan-Moor Educational Publishers (Author)

5. Smart Practice Workbook

Smart Practice Workbooks are available for kindergarten – fifth grade. The workbooks all contain about 320 pages.

The pages are colorful with clear directions.

• Practice makes perfect with these workbooks
• More than 300 skill building practice pages
• Includes ready to use flash cards for extra skills practice

Math workbooks provide extra practice solely on math topics. Some books contain all of the typical math concepts for a grade level, but others are broken down by skill.

IXL is known for their quality online homeschool program, but now they have printed math workbooks available too!

IXL math workbooks come in two versions – full grade level (called ultimate) and specific skills. They are available for first – fifth grade.

The pages are colorful, but not in a distracting way.

• Learning, IXL (Author)
• 112 Pages – 01/10/2019 (Publication Date) – IXL Learning, Inc. (Publisher)

7. TinkerActive Math

TinkerActive math workbooks teach grade level appropriate skills first on paper and then by tinkering. Kids will engineer projects using household items after practicing skills on paper. This lets kids apply what they learned to real life.

TinkerActive math is available for preschool – second grade.

• Krasner, Justin (Author)
• 128 Pages – 05/14/2019 (Publication Date) – Odd Dot (Publisher)

8. Critical Thinking Mathematical Reasoning

The Mathematical Reasoning workbooks are intended to be a full math curriculum, however you can use it however works best for your family.

This math workbook curriculum follows a spiral approach. This can work really well to review concepts, but can also make it tough to master new material if the foundation isn’t in place.

Mathematical Reasoning workbooks are available for preschool – ninth grade.

• Linda Brumbaugh (Author)
• 352 Pages – 03/30/2012 (Publication Date) – The Critical Thinking Co.™ (Publisher)

9. Math Lessons for a Living Education

Math Lessons for a Living Education is technically a full homeschool math curriculum, however it can certainly be used as a homeschool workbook.

The lessons are intended to be done one a day for a total of 180 days. Each lesson takes 15 – 30 minutes to complete.

These workbooks are available for kindergarten – sixth grade. Students can take a placement test if they are not sure which level is best.

• O’dell, Angela (Author)
• 343 Pages – 04/07/2016 (Publication Date) – Master Books (Publisher)

10. Scholastic Reading Comprehension

The Scholastic Reading Comprehension workbooks are focused solely on reading comprehension. In each lesson students read a few sentences (or paragraphs, depending on the grade level) and then answer comprehension questions.

The workbooks are available for first – fifth grade.

• Scholastic Teaching Resources (Author)
• 48 Pages – 02/01/2022 (Publication Date) – Scholastic Teaching Resources (Publisher)

11. TinkerActive English Language Arts

The TinkerActive English Language Arts books combine review worksheets with hands-on projects. First kids read a lesson and focus on the language arts skill. Then they complete a project that relates to what they read.

For example, if they read and answered a selection about birds, they might make a bird feeder. All of the projects use common household supplies.

TinkerActive English Language Arts workbooks are available for preschool – second grade.

• Butler, Megan Hewes (Author)
• 128 Pages – 12/31/2019 (Publication Date) – Odd Dot (Publisher)

12. EP Language Arts

EP Language Arts is part of the popular online homeschool curriculum Easy Peasy All in One Homeschool. This language arts homeschool workbook makes it easy to take the learning off-line.

There are 180 language arts lessons, one for each day of the school year. However, you can certainly use this workbook even if you are not interested in a full curriculum. It can be used for review purposes.

If you do want to use EP Language Arts as a full language arts curriculum you will need the Teacher’s Guide .

These homeschool workbooks are available for first – seventh grade.

• Rutherford, Tina (Author)
• 211 Pages – 07/10/2017 (Publication Date) – CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (Publisher)

13. DK Workbooks: Language Arts

DK Workbooks: Language Arts helps parents review language arts skills such as grammar, phonics, and punctuation with their children.

The pages are fairly short so they are not overwhelming. There are about 60 pages total.

These workbooks are available for preschool – third grade.

• DK (Author)
• 60 Pages – 02/17/2014 (Publication Date) – DK Children (Publisher)
• Check the work. It doesn’t do any good if a child reviews material incorrectly.
• Be consistent. Consistency builds accuracy and confidence.
• Choose the right level. Homeschool workbooks that are too difficult will only create frustration. You can always race through an easier level to review and then move on to a more difficult level.

Do you use homeschool workbooks?

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Posts:

Welcome! My name is Jennifer. I am a teacher at heart. Before my children were born I was a public school teacher. Now, I am a homeschooling mom of two.

Hi there, I have a 10 year old boy who is super smart – he can do very complex math problems in his head, but absolutely HATES writing! Any suggestions for a workbook he might enjoy? He enjoys gaming, has a short attention span and likes to be moving…all the time! LOL Hard to get him to focus and get the work done.

Suggestions?

He might enjoy the workbook/journal Revolting Writing by Jennifer Cabrera. I haven’t used this one, but I think my son would like it and our sons sound similar. 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Homework Helpers Print Editions

Homework Helpers are grade-level, spiral bound books which provide step-by-step explanations of how (and why!) to work problems similar to those found in Eureka Math homework assignments. There is a Homework Helper to go with every homework assignment in the curriculum. Available from Camelot Printing for all grades, K—12. 

YOU ARE LEAVING GREATMINDS.ORG

Great Minds partners with a number of third party vendors to provide you with the best manipulatives and workbooks out there. You are about to visit one of our partner sites. Click below to open the site in a new window.

Accounting: Tools for Business Decision Making, 5th Edition Kimmel, Paul D.; Weygandt, Jerry J.; Kieso, Donald E.

Algebra 1 hall, prentice, algebra 1: common core (15th edition) charles, randall i., algebra 2 (1st edition) larson, ron; boswell, laurie; kanold, timothy d.; stiff, lee, algebra 2 common core hall, prentice, algebra: a combined approach (4th edition) martin-gay, elayn, algebra and trigonometry 10th edition larson, ron, anatomy & physiology: the unity of form and function, 7th edition saladin, kenneth, animal diversity 7th edition hickman jr., cleveland; roberts, larry; keen, susan; larson, allan; eisenhour, david, applied statistics and probability for engineers, 6th edition montgomery, douglas c.; runger, george c., basic college mathematics (10th edition) lial, margaret l.; salzman, stanley a.; hestwood, diana l., basic college mathematics (9th edition) lial, margaret l.; salzman, stanley a.; hestwood, diana l., the basic practice of statistics 7th edition moore, david s.; notz, william i.; fligner, michael a., basic statistics: tales of distributions 10th edition spatz, chris, big ideas math - algebra 1, a common core curriculum larson, ron; boswell, laurie, biological science (6th edition) freeman, scott; quillin, kim; allison, lizabeth; black, michael; taylor, emily; podgorski, greg; carmichael jeff, biology (11th edition) raven, peter; johnson, george; mason, kenneth; losos, jonathan; singer, susan, biology 12th edition mader, sylvia; windelspecht, michael, biology 2010 student edition miller, kenneth r.; levine, joseph s., biology: the unity and diversity of life (14th edition) starr, cecie; taggart, ralph; evers, christine; starr, lisa, calculus 10th edition larson, ron; edwards, bruce h., calculus, 10th edition (anton) anton, howard, calculus (3rd edition) rogawski, jon; adams, colin, calculus 8th edition stewart, james, calculus concepts: an informal approach to the mathematics of change 5th edition latorre, donald r.; kenelly, john w.; reed, iris b.; carpenter, laurel r.; harris, cynthia r., calculus: early transcendentals (2nd edition) briggs, bill l.; cochran, lyle; gillett, bernard, calculus: early transcendentals 8th edition stewart, james, calculus: early transcendentals 9th edition stewart, james, calculus with applications (10th edition) lial, margaret l.; greenwell, raymond n.; ritchey, nathan p., campbell biology (10th edition) jane b. reece, lisa a. urry, michael l. cain, steven a. wasserman, peter v. minorsky, robert b. jackson, campbell biology (11th edition) jane b. reece, lisa a. urry, michael l. cain, steven a. wasserman, peter v. minorsky, campbell biology (12th edition) jane b. reece, lisa a. urry, michael l. cain, steven a. wasserman, peter v. minorsky, campbell biology: concepts & connections (9th edition) taylor, martha r.; simon, eric j.; dickey, jean l.; hogan, kelly a.; reece, jane b., the cell: a molecular approach 7th edition cooper, geoffrey m.; hausman, robert e., chemistry 10th edition whitten, kenneth w.; davis, raymond e.; peck, larry; stanley, george g., chemistry (12th edition) wilbraham, chemistry 12th edition chang, raymond; goldsby, kenneth, chemistry (4th edition) burdge, julia, chemistry (7th edition) mcmurry, john e.; fay, robert c.; robinson, jill kirsten, chemistry 9th edition zumdahl, steven s.; zumdahl, susan a., chemistry: a molecular approach (3rd edition) tro, nivaldo j., chemistry: an atoms-focused approach gilbert, thomas r.; kirss, rein v.; foster, natalie, chemistry and chemical reactivity (9th edition) kotz, john c.; treichel, paul m.; townsend, john r.; treichel, david a., chemistry: an introduction to general, organic, and biological chemistry (12th edition) timberlake, karen c., chemistry: atoms first (2nd edition) zumdahl, steven s.; zumdahl, susan a., chemistry: molecular approach (4th edition) tro, nivaldo j., chemistry: the molecular science (5th edition) moore, john w.; stanitski, conrad l., chemistry: principles and practice (3rd edition) reger, daniel l.; goode, scott r.; ball, david w., chemistry: the central science (13th edition) brown, theodore e.; lemay, h. eugene; bursten, bruce e.; murphy, catherine; woodward, patrick; stoltzfus, matthew e., chemistry: the molecular nature of matter and change 7th edition silberberg, martin; amateis, patricia, chemistry: the science in context (4th edition) gilbert, thomas r.; kirss, rein v., college algebra (10th edition) sullivan, michael, college algebra (11th edition) lial, margaret l.; hornsby john; schneider, david i.; daniels, callie, college algebra (6th edition) blitzer, robert f., college algebra 7th edition stewart, james; redlin, lothar; watson, saleem, college physics (4th edition) giambattista, alan; richardson, betty; richardson, robert, college physics (7th edition) wilson, jerry d.; buffa, anthony j.; lou, bo, computer science: an overview: (13th edition) brookshear, glenn; brylow, dennis, computer science: an overview: global edition (12th edition) brookshaw, glenn; brylow, dennis, conceptual physics (12th edition) hewitt, paul g., cost accounting (15th edition) horngren, charles t.; datar, srikant m.; rajan, madhav v., database concepts kroenke, david; auer, david;, differential equations and linear algebra (4th edition) goode, stephen w.; annin, scott a., discrete mathematics and its applications, seventh edition rosen, kenneth, discrete mathematics with applications 4th edition epp, susanna s., earth: an introduction to physical geology (12th edition) tarbuck, edward j.; lutgens, frederick k.; tasa, dennis g., economics: principles, problems, and policies, 19th edition mcconnell, campbell r.; brue, stanley l.; flynn, sean m., electrical engineering: principles & applications (6th edition) hambley, allan r., elementary algebra kaufmann, jerome; schwitters, karen;, elementary and intermediate algebra: concepts & applications (6th edition) bittinger, marvin l.; ellenbogen, david j.; johnson, barbara l., elementary differential equations and boundary value problems 9th edition boyce, william e.; diprima, richard c., elementary geometry for college students (5th edition) alexander, daniel c.; koeberlein, geralyn m., elementary geometry for college students (6th edition) alexander, daniel c.; koeberlein, geralyn m., elementary geometry for college students (7th edition) alexander, daniel c.; koeberlein, geralyn m., elementary linear algebra 7th edition larson, ron, elementary statistics (12th edition) triola, mario f., elementary statistics: a step-by-step approach with formula card 9th edition bluman, allan, elementary statistics: picturing the world (6th edition) larson, ron; farber, betsy, elementary technical mathematics nelson, robert; eren, dale;, engineering mechanics: statics & dynamics (14th edition) hibbeler, russell c., environmental science: earth as a living planet (9th edition) botkin, daniel b.; keller, edward a., environmental science for ap* (2nd edition) friedland, andrew j.; relyea, rick, essential cell biology, 4th edition alberts, bruce; bray, dennis; hopkin, karen; johnson, alexander d,; lewis, julian; raff, martin; roberts, keith; walter, peter, essentials of human anatomy & physiology (12th edition) marieb, elaine n.; hoehn, katja n., essentials of statistics (5th edition) triola, mario f., essentials of statistics for the behavioral sciences 8th edition gravetter, frederick j.; wallnau, larry b., essential university physics: volume 1 (3rd edition) wolfson, richard, essential university physics: volume 1 (4th edition) wolfson, richard, evolutionary analysis (5th edition) herron, jon c.; freeman, scott, finite math and applied calculus (6th edition) waner, stefan; costenoble, steven, functions modeling change: a preparation for calculus, 5th edition connally, eric; hughes-hallett, deborah; gleason, andrew m.; cheifetz, phil c., fundamentals of biochemistry: life at the molecular level 5th edition voet, donald; voet, judith g.; pratt, charlotte w., fundamentals of electrical engineering rizzoni, giorgio, fundamentals of engineering thermodynamics 8th edition moran, michael j.; shapiro, howard n.; boettner, daisie d.; bailey, margaret b., fundamentals of physics extended (10th edition) halliday, david; resnick, robert; walker, jearl, general chemistry (4th edition) mcquarrie, donald a., general chemistry 10th edition ebbing, darrell; gammon, steven d., general chemistry: principles and modern applications (10th edition) petrucci, ralph h.; herring, f. geoffrey; madura, jeffry d.; bissonnette, carey, general, organic, and biological chemistry: structures of life (5th edition) timberlake, karen c., general, organic, & biological chemistry 3rd edition smith, janice, geometry: common core (15th edition) charles, randall i., human anatomy & physiology (11th edition) marieb, elaine n.; hoehn, katja n., human anatomy & physiology (9th edition) marieb, elaine n.; hoehn, katja n., human biology, 14 edition mader, sylvia; windelspecht, michael, intermediate accounting 14th edition kieso, donald e.; weygandt, jerry j.; warfield, terry d., intermediate accounting (16th edition) kieso, donald e.; weygandt, jerry j.; warfield, terry d., intermediate algebra (12th edition) lial, margaret l.; hornsby, john; mcginnis, terry, intermediate algebra (6th edition) martin-gay, elayn, intermediate algebra: connecting concepts through application clark, mark; anfinson, cynthia, intermediate algebra for college students (7th edition) blitzer, robert f., introduction to electrodynamics 4e griffiths, david j., introduction to geography: people, places, and environment, global edition dahlman, carl t.; renwick, william h., an introduction to mathematical statistics and its applications (6th edition) larsen, richard j.; marx, morris l., introduction to programming using python 1st edition liang, y daniel, introduction to quantum mechanics 2nd edition griffiths, david j., introductory algebra for college students (7th edition) blitzer, robert f., introductory chemistry (5th edition) tro, nivaldo j., introductory statistics 9th edition mann, prem s., invitation to computer science 8th edition gersting, judith l.; schneider, g. michael, lehninger principles of biochemistry 6th edition nelson, david l.; cox, michael m., life: the science of biology 11th edition sadava, david e.; hillis, david m.; heller, h. craig; hacker, sally d., linear algebra: a modern introduction poole, david, linear algebra and its applications, 4th edition strang, gilbert, linear algebra and its applications (5th edition) lay, david c.; lay, steven r.; mcdonald, judi j., linear algebra for engineers and scientists using matlab (first edition) hardy, kenneth, macroeconomics: principles, problems, & policies 20th edition mcconnell, campbell; brue, stanley; flynn, sean, managerial accounting (15th edition) garrison, ray; noreen, eric, brewer, peter, materials science and engineering: an introduction callister, william d.; rethwisch, david g., mechanics of materials, 7th edition beer, ferdinand p.; johnston jr., e. russell; dewolf, john t.; mazurek, david f., microbiology: an introduction, 11th edition tortora, gerard j.; funke, berdell r.; case, christine l., microbiology: a systems approach 4th edition cowan, marjorie kelly, microbiology: principles and explorations 9th edition black, jacquelyn g.; black, laura, microbiology with diseases by body system (4th edition) bauman, robert w,, phd, microeconomics: principles, applications, and tools (8th edition) o'sullivan, arthur; sheffrin, steven; perez, stephen, microeconomics: principles, problems, & policies, 20th edition mcconnell, campbell; brue, stanley; flynn, sean, molecular biology of the cell 6th edition alberts, bruce; johnson, alexander; lewis, julian; morgan, david; raff, martin; roberts, keith; walter, peter, multivariable calculus, 7th edition stewart, james, munson, young and okiishi's fundamentals of fluid mechanics, binder ready version 8th edition gerhart, philip m.; gerhart, andrew l.; hochstein, john i., numerical methods for engineers chapra, steven; raymond, canale;, numerical methods for engineers and scientists gilat, amos;, organic chemistry, 5th edition smith, janice, organic chemistry (8th edition) wade jr., l. g., organic chemistry 9th edition mcmurry, john e., organic chemistry as a second language, 3e: first semester topics klein, david, organizational behavior (16th edition) robbins, stephen p.; judge, timothy a., physical chemistry: thermodynamics, structure, and change atkins, peter; de paula, julio, physics (10th edition) young, david; stadler, shane, physics for scientists and engineers: a strategic approach with modern physics (3rd edition) knight, randall d., physics for scientists and engineers: a strategic approach with modern physics (4th edition) knight, randall d., physics: principles with applications (7th edition) giancoli, douglas c., physics technology update (4th edition) walker, james s., prealgebra (7th edition) martin-gay, elayn, precalculus (10th edition) sullivan, michael, precalculus (6th edition) lial, margaret l.; hornsby, john; schneider, david i.; daniels, callie, precalculus (6th edition) blitzer blitzer, robert f., precalculus: concepts through functions, a unit circle approach to trigonometry (3rd edition) sullivan iii, michael, precalculus: mathematics for calculus, 7th edition stewart, james; redlin, lothar; watson, saleem, principles of anatomy and physiology 14e with atlas of the skeleton set (14th edition) tortora, gerard j., principles of economics, 7th edition mankiw, n. gregory, principles of heat transfer (activate learning with these new titles from engineering) 8th edition manglik, raj m.; kreith, frank, principles of life for the ap course (2nd edition) hillis, david m.; sadava, david e.; hill, richard w.; price, mary v., principles of macroeconomics 7th edition mankiw, n. gregory, principles of marketing (16th edition) kotler, philip t.; armstrong, gary, principles of microeconomics, 7th edition mankiw, n. gregory, shigley's mechanical engineering design 10th edition budynas, richard; nisbett, keith, statistics (12th edition) mcclave, james t.; sincich, terry t., statistics, 4th edition freedman, david; pisani, robert; purves, roger, statistics for the life sciences (5th edition) samuels, myra l.; witmer, jeffrey a.; schaffner, andrew, statistics: informed decisions using data (4th edition) sullivan iii, michael, statistics: the art and science of learning from data (3rd edition) agresti, alan; franklin, christine a., stats: data and models (3rd edition) de vaux, richard d.; velleman, paul d.; bock, david e., stats modeling the world, 4th edition bock, david e.; velleman, paul f.; de veaux, richard d., system dynamics 3rd edition palm, william iii, thermodynamics: an engineering approach 8th edition cengel, yunus; boles, michael, thinking mathematically (6th edition) blitzer, robert f., thomas' calculus 13th edition thomas jr., george b., trigonometry (10th edition) lial, margaret l.; hornsby, john; schneider, david i.; daniels, callie, trigonometry (11th edition) clone lial, margaret l.; hornsby, john; schneider, david i.; daniels, callie, trigonometry 7th edition mckeague, charles p.; turner, mark d., understanding business, 10th edition nickels, william g.; mchugh, james m.; mchugh, susan m., understanding nutrition 14th edition whitney, eleanor noss; rolfes, sharon rady, university calculus: early transcendentals (3rd edition) hass, joel r.; weir, maurice d.; thomas jr., george b., university physics with modern physics (14th edition) young, hugh d.; freedman, roger a..

Grade Calculator

Use this calculator to find out the grade of a course based on weighted averages. This calculator accepts both numerical as well as letter grades. It also can calculate the grade needed for the remaining assignments in order to get a desired grade for an ongoing course.

Final Grade Calculator

Use this calculator to find out the grade needed on the final exam in order to get a desired grade in a course. It accepts letter grades, percentage grades, and other numerical inputs.

Related GPA Calculator

The calculators above use the following letter grades and their typical corresponding numerical equivalents based on grade points.

Brief history of different grading systems

In 1785, students at Yale were ranked based on "optimi" being the highest rank, followed by second optimi, inferiore (lower), and pejores (worse). At William and Mary, students were ranked as either No. 1, or No. 2, where No. 1 represented students that were first in their class, while No. 2 represented those who were "orderly, correct and attentive." Meanwhile at Harvard, students were graded based on a numerical system from 1-200 (except for math and philosophy where 1-100 was used). Later, shortly after 1883, Harvard used a system of "Classes" where students were either Class I, II, III, IV, or V, with V representing a failing grade. All of these examples show the subjective, arbitrary, and inconsistent nature with which different institutions graded their students, demonstrating the need for a more standardized, albeit equally arbitrary grading system.

In 1887, Mount Holyoke College became the first college to use letter grades similar to those commonly used today. The college used a grading scale with the letters A, B, C, D, and E, where E represented a failing grade. This grading system however, was far stricter than those commonly used today, with a failing grade being defined as anything below 75%. The college later re-defined their grading system, adding the letter F for a failing grade (still below 75%). This system of using a letter grading scale became increasingly popular within colleges and high schools, eventually leading to the letter grading systems typically used today. However, there is still significant variation regarding what may constitute an A, or whether a system uses plusses or minuses (i.e. A+ or B-), among other differences.

An alternative to the letter grading system

Letter grades provide an easy means to generalize a student's performance. They can be more effective than qualitative evaluations in situations where "right" or "wrong" answers can be easily quantified, such as an algebra exam, but alone may not provide a student with enough feedback in regards to an assessment like a written paper (which is much more subjective).

Although a written analysis of each individual student's work may be a more effective form of feedback, there exists the argument that students and parents are unlikely to read the feedback, and that teachers do not have the time to write such an analysis. There is precedence for this type of evaluation system however, in Saint Ann's School in New York City, an arts-oriented private school that does not have a letter grading system. Instead, teachers write anecdotal reports for each student. This method of evaluation focuses on promoting learning and improvement, rather than the pursuit of a certain letter grade in a course. For better or for worse however, these types of programs constitute a minority in the United States, and though the experience may be better for the student, most institutions still use a fairly standard letter grading system that students will have to adjust to. The time investment that this type of evaluation method requires of teachers/professors is likely not viable on university campuses with hundreds of students per course. As such, although there are other high schools such as Sanborn High School that approach grading in a more qualitative way, it remains to be seen whether such grading methods can be scalable. Until then, more generalized forms of grading like the letter grading system are unlikely to be entirely replaced. However, many educators already try to create an environment that limits the role that grades play in motivating students. One could argue that a combination of these two systems would likely be the most realistic, and effective way to provide a more standardized evaluation of students, while promoting learning.