Course Guidelines for Middle School

Several readers have asked me about guidelines for teaching their seventh and eighth grade middle school students. These are surely challenging grades to homeschool, and sometimes it can be difficult to determine what topics need to be taught, and when. Here is a guideline for the subjects and topics within these that need to be taught in seventh and eighth grades. Of course curriculum and lesson plans will be individualized to meet the needs of each particular homeschool family. I have provided suggestions, however, for excellent and comprehensive choices for homeschool parents of middle school range.

Seventh Grade Math

statistics

graphing

fractions

decimals

percents

measurement

ratio / proprotion

geometry

pre-algebra

problem solving


Seventh Grade English

vocabulary

comprehension

novel studies (The Outsiders, Eragon, Holes)

grammar

mechanics

writing

research


Eighth Grade Math

statistics

graphing

fractions

decimals

percents

ratio / proportion

geometry

ratio / proportion

pre-algebra

probability

patterns

perimeter / area/ volume


Eighth Grade English

*Same curriculum plans as grade seven, more advanced

vocabulary

comprehension

novel studies (The Chocolate War, A Tale of Two Cities, Romeo and Juliet)

grammar

mechanics

research

writing


The novel suggestions are based on current standards for seventh and eighth graders around the United States. There are, of course, many additional choices for young readers. Older classics such as Catcher in the Rye have been replaced in many cases by newer novels, like Ranger's Apprentice.

As for textbooks, there are many wonderful choices and variations. Singapore Math 70 Must-Know Word Problems, Level 6, Grade 7 is a comprehensive and
interesting word problem based curriculum. As word problems are essential for all children to master, this detailed and encompassing text provides a full year of word problem work for your child. Math Bridge: 7th Grade (Math & Reading Bridge) is another great text with meaningful examples and enriching work. MATH GRADES 7-8~ by Frank Schaffer Publications is a dual grade tool, filled with everything your child should master before heading into high school curriculum. Big Ideas in Math, Grade 8 Student Workbook by Continental Press is detailed and encompassing, and a fantastic choice for an eighth grade math curriculum. English Skills Book for Grade 7 by Carson Dellosa is an informative and complete skill based book for grammar and English. Teach Terrific Grammar by McGraw-Hill for grades six through eight is another super tool, especially if you want to be able to review any skills that need work from grade six. English Matters Grade 8 Learner's Pack by Dorothy Dyer is perfect for a consistent and complete grammar program. Here is a carousel of these amazing resources: