Seventh Grader

 What core curriculum is suitable for seventh grade?  Naturally, there are factors to consider.  What are your child’s math and reading levels?  Does your kiddo like to read?  Does he need a structured schedule with specific goals?  I’m working with a child who doesn’t like to read, is on grade level, and likes a schedule.  Let’s choose books with workbooks for him, when possible.    

First, look at Kolbe Academy’s Junior Literature manual.  Choose books to read and to report, say at least four.  Make vocabulary lists from the books.  They can serve as spelling lists, too.  Copy the words to practice handwriting.  It is not cheating to substitute an Illustrated Classic.  Some kids need an abridged book in order to wallow through and finish it.  Here is a book report template.  (Decide whether or not you want the child to use a basal reader, too.)  Kiddos like efficiency.  Use one book to address loads of skills.  

Secondly, try Saxon Math first.  We can always switch.  It can be tricky to determine a child’s math level.  This is why I recommend used copies.  Try both Math 7/6 and 6/5.   Here is a Saxon Middle School Sampler.  Don’t be concerned about labels.  The goal is a math program which is a little hard; however, the child isn’t weeping at the table every day.  

Science has loads of options.  I love the Apologia Homeschool Science Curriculum for elementary-age students.  However, the Chemistry and Physics is really better for seventh grade.  Look at the General Science, too, for Middle School, often used for sixth or seventh grade.  All of these have student notebooks.  The child can read and work in the notebook everyday using daily planner in the notebook or Notebooking journal.  Often public and private middle schools teach Earth, Life, and Physical Science.  Try to find a study guide for the textbook.  However, there are usually questions in the textbook to answer.  Again, the vocabulary can become part of the child’s weekly spelling test.

For History, I stand by the Catholic Textbook Project’s History series.  They all have workbooks, too.  There is nothing wrong with using a fourth grade  textbook for a seventh grader, especially if you like the entire series, and might want to use all of them.  Look at the sample for sixth grade All Ye Lands.   We used seventh and eighth grade textbooks with workbooks for Lacie in high school because they were at her level.   There are quizzes and tests, too. 

You are planning for your child.  So what if you use a textbook and need two years to complete it.  Other kids need to advance a grade level or two.  Look at the samples and review the table of contents for any textbook you use.  How does your kiddo learn?  Does she like to read?  Would she be happier at a faster pace?  The goal is to help your child learn and progress well.  It’s not a race or a competition.