Why Are There So Many Workbooks?

If you have ever searched Amazon for a homeschool workbook, you probably know the feeling.

You type in “3rd grade math workbook” and suddenly there are hundreds of choices.

Spectrum. Scholastic. Evan-Moor. 180 Days. Brain Quest. Handwriting Without Tears.

Then there are giant all-subject workbooks, daily-practice books, test-prep books, summer workbooks, skill-specific books…and before long you're wondering:

Why are there SO many workbooks — and which ones do I actually need?

The good news is that you probably don't need nearly as many as Amazon would have you believe.

Workbooks Aren't All Designed to Do the Same Job

One of the reasons there are so many is that the word “workbook” covers a huge range of educational materials. Some workbooks are designed to be used every day. Some provide extra practice. Some focus on one specific skill. And others combine several subjects into one giant book.

For homeschool families, workbooks can be incredibly useful. They're portable, usually affordable, require no screen time, and often allow a child to work somewhat independently.

The trick is figuring out what job you want the workbook to do before you buy it.

If you already have a complete math curriculum, for example, you probably don't need three additional math workbooks. But if your child needs extra multiplication practice, a $10 workbook might be exactly what you need.

18 Popular Workbooks to Look At

Here are some workbook series worth investigating. I selected established, popular titles and series that have Amazon listings and looked for titles showing 4-star-or-better customer feedback. Ratings and availability can change, so always check the current rating, edition, grade level and price before purchasing.

Math

• Spectrum Math

  One of the most recognizable series, with grade-specific practice in addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, geometry and problem solving. Best for: straightforward math practice and reinforcement.

  View on Amazon

• 180 Days of Math

  One short math assignment for each school day, so you never have to wonder how much to assign. Best for: morning work, daily review and consistent practice.

  View on Amazon

• Scholastic Success With Math

  Short, approachable worksheets covering grade-level skills. Best for: extra practice without adding another full curriculum.

  View on Amazon

• Sylvan Learning Math Workbooks

  Grade- and skill-specific books covering basic math, multiplication, division, fractions and problem solving. Best for: targeting a particular math weakness.

  View on Amazon

Reading & Language Arts

• 180 Days of Reading

  Short daily passages and activities covering comprehension, vocabulary and fluency. Best for: daily reading-comprehension practice.

  View on Amazon

• Scholastic Success With Reading Comprehension

  Short passages followed by comprehension activities. Best for: children who can read but need practice understanding what they've read.

  View on Amazon

• Scholastic Success With Grammar

  Grade-level practice with sentence structure, nouns, verbs, adjectives, capitalization and punctuation. Best for: straightforward grammar practice.

  View on Amazon

• Scholastic Success With Writing

  Prompts and activities for grade-appropriate writing skills. Best for: reluctant writers who need a clear starting point.

  View on Amazon

• 180 Days of Language

  Another daily-practice option focused on language and grammar. Best for: families who like one short assignment each day.

  View on Amazon

Science

• 180 Days of Science

  Daily activities across life science, physical science and Earth science. Best for: consistent science practice without a huge daily lesson.

  View on Amazon

• Evan-Moor Daily Science

  Breaks science concepts into manageable lessons and activities. Best for: structured science that doesn't require hours of prep.

  View on Amazon

• Spectrum Science

  Grade-level coverage of science concepts, vocabulary and reading-based activities. Best for: independent review alongside a hands-on curriculum.

  View on Amazon

Social Studies & Geography

• 180 Days of Social Studies

  Daily practice covering age-appropriate history, geography and civics; some families use it as a standalone resource. Best for: social studies in short daily lessons.

  View on Amazon

• Evan-Moor Daily Geography Practice

  Quick, focused lessons for map and geography skills. Best for: adding geography without a full curriculum.

  View on Amazon

• Spectrum Geography

  Grade-level books covering map skills, regions, communities and geographic concepts. Best for: independent geography practice.

  View on Amazon

Handwriting

• Handwriting Without Tears

  A developmentally based handwriting program (not a random tracing book) with different student books by level. Best for: families wanting real handwriting instruction.

  View on Amazon

• Cursive Handwriting Workbooks for Kids

  Highly rated options that move from tracing letters to connecting letters, words and sentences. Best for: elementary students ready for cursive.

  Browse on Amazon

Multiple Subjects

• Brain Quest Workbooks

  Hundreds of curriculum-based activities, exercises and games across multiple subjects. Best for: review, summer learning and children who like colorful activities.

  View on Amazon

So…Which Workbooks Should You Actually Buy?

This is where I think homeschool parents can save themselves some money. Don't start by asking, “Which workbook is best?”

“What does my child need this workbook to accomplish?”

If your child understands multiplication but needs more practice, buy a multiplication workbook. If your child loves science experiments but needs more science vocabulary and written practice, add a science workbook.

If your curriculum already includes plenty of grammar, you probably don't need another grammar workbook just because it has 10,000 great reviews. And if your child absolutely hates worksheets? Buying a prettier workbook probably isn't going to solve the problem.

Workbooks Are Tools, Not Your Homeschool

A workbook can be a wonderful resource, but homeschooling doesn't have to become six hours of filling in little white boxes.

• Read a book.
• Go outside.
• Build something.
• Draw a diagram.
• Cook a recipe and practice fractions.
• Visit a museum.
• Watch a documentary.
• Grow a plant.
• Write a story.

And use the workbook when the workbook makes sense. That's one of the benefits of homeschooling: you get to decide which tools actually help your child learn.