7th Grade Homeschool Curriculum | Tips and Resources
As we wrap up 6th grade, I’m excited to share our plans for the 7th grade homeschool curriculum.
Over the past few months, we’ve discovered a wealth of excellent homeschooling resources that have inspired us to tweak our original plans.
These new resources have not only enriched our learning experience but also allowed us to better tailor the curriculum to my son’s needs and interests.
From engaging textbooks and interactive online courses to hands-on projects and field trips, our 7th-grade year is shaping up to be both challenging and enjoyable.
I look forward to seeing how these changes will benefit our homeschool journey.
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Flexible Scheduling and State Requirements
Our homeschool evaluation runs from April, so we don’t focus too much on grade levels but ensure he matches public school standards.
If he were in public school, he’d start 7th grade in August.
In Florida, there are no mandated subjects for homeschooling. However, it’s important to check the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) to see if there are any subjects you must teach in your state.
Florida Virtual School, used by many homeschoolers, provides a reference for 7th-grade subjects, which include Language Arts, Math, Science, Civics, and up to four electives.
Daily Homeschool Routine
We homeschool year-round and take breaks as needed, with a big break from Thanksgiving through January 3rd.
Our day typically runs from 9 am to 4 pm, but this includes various activities beyond desk work, such as walks, lunch breaks, and hands-on projects.
This flexibility allows us to incorporate more individualized learning styles and cater to his needs.
It’s crucial for creating a positive learning environment that meets his needs as a homeschooler.
Check out our 6th grade homeschool curriculum too!
Core Subjects and Electives
Here’s a breakdown of our 7th-grade subjects and the best middle school homeschool curriculum:
Math Curriculum
We’re starting with Algebra for high school credit, using Teaching Textbooks. We’ve completed Beast Academy level 5, and algebra is his strongest subject.
Although skipping pre-algebra is unusual, I’m confident he’s ready. Math is a critical subject, and finding the best homeschool algebra curriculum was a priority for us.
Check out our detailed Teaching Textbooks review and see why we love them. You can also have a free trial!
English Language Arts
We’re using the Tan book from Common Sense Press, aimed at 6th grade, and plan to continue with it.
Reading is a huge part of his studies, and he reads extensively both for school and fun. We use various printable writing prompts and our middle school book report template to enhance his learning.
His love for reading means he’ll end up reading at least 20 books this year for school and another 12 for fun.
This comprehensive approach helps him improve his language arts skills significantly.
Check out the best homeschool literature curriculum.
History
We’re continuing with Middle Ages History Odyssey from Pandia Press. The Kingfisher History Encyclopedia is essential, along with other recommended books.
History is one of our favorite subjects, and this curriculum offers a thorough exploration of the Middle Ages, making it engaging and informative.
Check out our History Odyssey review here.
For other best homeschool history curriculum ideas check out our other favorites.
Science
Science isn’t my favorite subject to teach, so my son attends a local science club for hands-on experiments. He also uses the “Everything You Need to Ace Science” book and watches Crash Course on YouTube.
We initially tried Real Science Odyssey but found it too lab-intensive. However, we might give it another go this year. This combination of club activities and structured learning ensures a well-rounded science education.
Check out all of the best homeschool science curriculum resources!
Foreign Language
After taking Mr D ASL for high school credit, we’ve pivoted to learning Japanese.
The best Japanese homeschool curriculum options have made this transition smooth. Foreign language skills are crucial, and learning Japanese has been an exciting new challenge for him.
For other homeschool foreign language curriculum resources check out our favorites.
Economics
We’re using a high school homeschool economics curriculum from Mr. D Math, which my son enjoyed last year and will continue for another high school credit. Understanding economics is vital, and this curriculum provides a solid foundation in the subject.
Shakespeare
We continue to study Shakespeare, using a 10 week course that we love. By the end of 7th grade, he’ll have earned a high school credit in Fine Arts or English.
Shakespeare’s works offer timeless lessons, and this course has sparked a genuine interest in literature.
Check out our favorite Shakespeare books for kids!
Government
We’re using Principles and Precepts of Government, which my son finds engaging. This will be 0.5 high school credit.
Understanding government and civics is essential, and this homeschool government curriculum makes the subject accessible and interesting.
Check out the best social studies homeschool curriculum!
Keyboarding and Music
We’ve started using Typesy for our homeschool typing curriculum, dedicating 15 minutes a day.
He also takes online piano lessons for kids and practices daily, though we might not award high school credit for music this year.
We have recently started a unit study on composers, which you can download, or try our 6 free composers worksheets.
For more formal homeschool music curriculum choices check out these that we might start with later in the year.
Coding and Physical Education
We’ll continue with CodaKid for coding after a break.
For PE ideas for homeschool, he plays basketball, swims, and takes daily walks. Physical activity is crucial for his overall well-being, and these activities ensure he stays active and healthy.
Geography
We’re learning about the States of America informally, using fun resources and free geography worksheets.
Geography helps him understand the world better, and we use interactive methods to make learning enjoyable. We use geography books for kids and maps to supplement our studies.
If you are thinking of studying geography check out our favorite homeschool geography curriculum resources.
Additional Resources
For other subjects and resources, check out the following:
- Civics Curriculum: We found the best homeschool civics curriculum to complement our government studies.
- Tips for homeschooling a child with ADHD.
- Math Games: Our favorite middle school math board games make learning math fun and interactive.
- Literature Timeline: The periods in English literature timeline helps us explore different literary periods.
- Writing Prompts: We use various seasonal writing prompts, including St Patrick’s Day writing prompts, Easter writing prompts, Earth Day writing prompts, and Christmas writing prompts.
Field Trips and Extracurricular Activities
Field trips are an essential part of our homeschooling experience. We visit museums, historical sites, and science centers to supplement our curriculum.
These trips provide hands-on learning experiences and make subjects come alive. They also offer opportunities for socialization with other homeschoolers.
Even rainy days don’t stop us, we utilize these virtual field trips for homeschoolers.
Record Keeping and Transcripts
Keeping detailed records is crucial for homeschooling, especially as we approach high school.
We maintain a homeschool planner to track our progress and ensure we meet state requirements. This planner includes lesson plans, grading, and attendance records.
As we work towards high school credits, maintaining accurate transcripts will be essential for college applications.
Socialization and Co-ops
Many families worry about socialization in homeschooling. We address this by participating in local co-ops and homeschool groups.
These groups offer classes, field trips, and social events, providing opportunities for my son to interact with peers.
Joining a co-op has enriched our homeschooling experience by providing additional resources and support.
Online Resources and Courses
We utilize various online homeschool resources and courses to supplement our curriculum.
Websites like Khan Academy, Coursera, and other educational platforms offer a wide range of subjects and courses.
These resources provide flexibility and allow us to tailor our curriculum to my son’s interests and learning style.
Online homeschooling curriculum programs and courses have become a cornerstone of our home education, allowing us to cover a broad spectrum of topics from the comfort of our home.
Encouragement and Support
Homeschooling can be challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding.
It’s important to find encouragement and support from other homeschooling parents and communities.
Online forums, local support groups, and homeschooling conventions offer a wealth of information and camaraderie.
Christian homeschool curriculum such as Sonlight and Abeka provide structured curricula that many homeschoolers find beneficial.
Choosing the Right Homeschooling Curriculum
Selecting the right homeschooling curriculum can be daunting.
We’ve experimented with various programs and found what works best for us.
Using a mix of Christian homeschooling and secular resources ensures a well-rounded education.
Check out our favorite free homeschool curriculum too!
Hands-on Learning and Educational Products
Incorporating hands-on learning and educational products into our homeschool routine has made a significant difference.
We use homeschool workbooks, manipulatives, and free homeschool worksheets to reinforce concepts.
These tools provide a tactile learning experience that enhances comprehension and retention. For subjects like math and science, hands-on projects and experiments make learning more engaging and enjoyable.
Check out the best science kits for homeschool!
Standardized Tests and Academic Achievement
While we don’t focus heavily on standardized tests, it’s essential to ensure academic achievement and meet state standards.
We use assessments to gauge progress and identify areas that need improvement.
Homeschool resources like the Department of Education and educational research institutes offer guidelines and benchmarks to help homeschoolers stay on track.
High School Preparation
As we prepare for high school, we focus on building a strong academic foundation and developing essential life skills.
Finding the best homeschool curriculum for high school, including AP courses and college-credit opportunities, are integrated into our curriculum.
Preparing transcripts and understanding the scope and sequence of high school courses are vital steps in this process.
Last Updated on 3 September 2024 by Clare Brown