Seventh Grade Homeschool Curriculum {2013-2014}

This year our fourth child enters seventh grade. I am completely amazed that Keaton is almost thirteen and already beginning junior high. Where does the time go?

Keaton is a strong independent learner and is very self-motivated. With a clear list of assignments and a quiet place to work, he’ll systematically tackle each subject, only stopping if he needs help or an explanation of something. Most of his curriculum has been chosen to fit his preference of self-directed learning.

Seventh Grade Homeschool Curriculum Plan

Math – Math-U-See Delta

Since we switched math programs a year (or was it two years?) ago, Keaton has been working hard to catch up to where he should be in math. He already began Delta level math last year and he has been flying through it. He’ll finish this level during the first semester, and then he’ll be moving on to Epsilon.

Grammar – Easy Grammar 6

Easy Grammar is one thing that remains constant in our homeschool. After four years of using Easy Grammar, I still find the prepositional approach to be the easiest way to teach and learn grammar. Keaton will be completing the last half of Easy Grammar 6 this year, allowing plenty of time to develop his writing skills.

Spelling – Spelling Power

Since Keaton is a “natural” speller, we’ll be using the Spelling Power word lists without any of the extra learning activities. We typically go over a spelling list orally; if Keaton misses any words, I give him the correct spelling and retest those words the next day.

Literature

Keaton’s literature is correlated with his Mystery of History studies. He may need more than what I’ve chosen so far, but this will get him started. Since he has a tablet with a Kindle app, I opted for the Kindle version of each book.

• The Door in the Wall
• For the Temple: A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem (free for Kindle)
• Shadow Spinner
• The Story of Rolf and the Viking Bow
• The Trumpeter of Krakow
• The Lion of St. Mark (free for Kindle)
• The Beggar’s Bible
• Ink on His Fingers
• Heritage History Ancient Rome Collection

Writing – Jump In

This is our first year to use Jump In, but I’m looking forward to trying it out. Keaton really likes the look of the material, so I’m optimistic that it will be a good fit for him.

If you’ve used Jump In with your child, I would love to hear your experience with it!

Vocabulary – Working with Words 7

We really like this vocabulary series from Pathway Publishers, an Old Order Amish publishing house. The books are straightforward and very affordable (currently only $1.95). Although I have a good grasp of vocabulary, I’ve found that it saves so much time to purchase  the teacher’s edition ($3.95) as well.

History – Mystery of History II

Keaton used Mystery of History I last year, and he said it was the best history course he’d ever had! I didn’t even hesitate before purchasing volume II this year. Keaton will also be notebooking, keeping a timeline notebook, and doing a lot of related reading.

Science – School of Tomorrow Science PACEs

We made a last-minute decision to go with School of Tomorrow Science again this year. I had another program in mind, but after Keaton looked through it, he felt that it was too much “hands-on” and too open-ended for him to enjoy. Yes, he takes after his textbook-loving mother!

Bible reading

Because Mystery of History II begins just after Christ’s Resurrection, there is a lot of history that can be read and learned from the Bible. Keaton’s Bible reading will be specifically chosen to correlate with his history lessons.

Phys Ed

Phys Ed is very unstructured at our house. Keaton will be spending time in any aerobic activity of his choice–biking, walking, rebounding, etc. In addition, we’ll be emphasizing the necessity of regular physical activity in order to maintain a healthy body.

Art – Creating a Masterpiece

This is our first time to use DVDs from Creating a Masterpiece, and I think I’m almost as excited as my children are! While I am not artistic at all, several of my children are very creative and interested in art. I’m looking forward to seeing their progress this year.

We’re starting with Lessons in Acrylic: Caribbean Lighthouse, a level one DVD. When these lessons are completed, we’ll decide which lessons to pursue next.

What about you? What will you be using for seventh grade this year?