Is there an 8th grade thread yet?

[LindaOz]

I have level 2 for my 9 year old to use next year. I hope the other levels come out in time too!

Great. Yep, my 9yo is doing level 2. I thought about level 3 for him but he needs the grammar work, and I really wanted to do the level 2 literature with him. He really likes Wizard of Oz so far - we are tandem reading it - so that, in itself, is a winner :).

 

My 11yo is on level 3. I would have used level 4 for her but, well.... it's not out yet. Level 3 does diagramming though which she hasn't done, so that will be good. The writing is easy for her so far but she does other writing too so that's OK.

 

Cool program :). It's nice to 'chat' with someone else using it at similar ages to my kids.

[prairiegirl]

Here are our plans, so far, for next year's Gr. 8:

 

Math: MUS  Algebra

 

Latin:  I think we are going to attempt Henle--at least that is what I am thinking at the moment.

 

Writing: Jensen's Format Writing  and WWS I

 

Grammar: Our Mother Tongue

 

History, Literature, Geography: Medieval Era--TOG 2,  AO Yr. 7

 

Science: Apologia Physical  Science

 

Logic:  I'm not sure about this yet--have to give it more thought.

[momee]

I have Memoria Press 7th grade curriculum at my feet for my upcoming 8th grader to use in the fall.  This year as a 7th grader she has done very, very well with MP's 6th grade core.  I am very impressed and relieved to have their great materials.  Her improvement is a joy to her dad and myself.  And to her as well!  Going with a lower grade was a bit stressful for us.  I am so glad we went that route now though.  Her confidence has soared.

 

http://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/seventh-grade-curriculum

 

Our changes are:

Second Form Latin - taking online

English Grammar recitation II

Cheria/Maxim for composition - taking the Middle School 2 online class

 

It may be too much for her to accomplish in a day.  We may end up cutting back, it looks like a VERY full year!  I am not sure she/nor I can handle the Iliad so I'm starting there, reading it myself first.

 

[Faithr]

Plans so far for 8th grade:

 

Math - thinking of switching to Learn Math Fast (we've always used Saxon for middle school/high school but this daughter wants to go to high school and so this year is to prep her.  Saxon is working but it is very slow for this young lady.  She has finally gotten over her math avoidance.  Things are clicking but if she wants to be able to do Algebra in 8th grade, we've got to move faster.  Learn Math Fast looks really good!)

 

Latin - I am going to combine Studium Latinae (a program used in Aquinas Learning) with the Cambridge Latin series.  The high school (which isn't technically just a high school, it starts in 4th grade I think)  she wants to go to uses the 2nd Cambridge book for 8th.

 

History - I have decided to use up materials I have in my house.  Again, the school she wants to go to apparently does the 1st half of American history in 7th and the second half in 8th.  But right now we are studying Medieval/Renaissance, so we are going to do a survey of Modern history next year based on two spines: Famous Men of Modern history and Christ and the Americas.  She going to do a history notebook which will include a timeline, maps, narrations, art appreciation.

 

English - I have an old Voyages in English for 8th grade sitting on my shelf, never used.  I think we'll work through that, probably mostly orally with some writing for the grammar.  We'll also read through the writing section and use that as a resource for writing ideas.  I am going to be kind of unschooly about writing.  She's done IEW for 2 years and this year she's working through Lost Tools of Writing Level 1.  The thing is she's a pretty good writer without any help.  So I think I am going to require her to do a couple of narrations a week for history, but then any other writing ideas can come from VIE or Writing for 100 Days or she can do the November Novel Writing thing if she wants or whatever.  She likes to write.  However, she likes to write when she can type it. She is a very fast typist for a 12 yo. She's got terrible handwriting!  So we are going to go back to copy work.  I am calling it keeping a commonplace book.  I am going to pull the things she copies from Farnsworth's Classical Rhetoric.  I've got to figure out how to install the Palmer method font in my Word (on a Mac).

 

Literature - I have a list of read alouds and then I am just going to load up all the books I think either fit with our history studies or are ones 8th graders should read on one shelf and she can pick and read what she wants.  She's a reader though she is going through a phase where she just rereads Harry Potter, Percy Jackson or the Hunger Games over and over again.  I'd like her to break free from that and read new stuff.

 

Science - this one scares me.  I never do formal science before high school and then I farm it out.  But the school has their kids do Physical Science from Prentice Hall and the funny thing is I actually have that book and a syllabus from Kolbe for it (long story) so I feel like we should tackle it.  I am thinking of asking dh to be the official science teacher.  I just don't think I'll be able to pull it off.  Maybe he can teach me too!

 

PE - she used to be into gymnastics but that died.  I'm thinking track in the fall and spring for next year.

 

Extracurricular - She's been in American Heritage Girls for a long time.  She'll be busy working on her badges and level awards.  The other day she sat down and plotted out about 7 she wanted to work on, plus we are going to do the Religious award (which is heavy duty!).  Certamen - we've been on a team this year and it has been fun.  We'll do it again next year too.  She takes voice lessons so that will continue.  She just got into a musical production of Peter Pan for this summer at a local community theater.  I think she is meant for the stage!  So I am predicting she'll be involved in some way or other in more theater stuff.

 

Religion - AHG Religious award work, plus Confirmation prep, plus we'll probably read out loud from Faith and Life.

 

Whew!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[bluedarling]

I am still considering a ps at home option (using ps textbooks...ugh, but with enticing enrichment program.)  But if I opt out, here's my plan for my reluctant 8th grader (and it is so tailored to her, I'm having a hard time giving that up!):

 

Math - finish MUS Pre-Alg and start MUS Algebra

 

LA - lots of workbooks: Megawords, Easy Grammar, Reading Comprehension in Varied Subject Matter, Daily Cursive Handwriting and probably Essentials in Writing or Jump In (still investigating writing), keyboarding, plus personal literature selections

 

History/Geography (mainly Geography) - Research paper on the Amazon Rainforest and a selection of books on the topic (current interest), finish this year's Starline Press curriculum (which includes Maya/Aztecs/Incas and Explorers--we switched mid-year), MP States & Capitals or US Regions series, along with The Core techniques for drawing maps

 

Science - pair WP Equine Science (or some of it) with Ellen McHenry Cells and Botany, and looking for Heredity unit study and Human Body unit study (wish it could be    animal anatomy rather than human...but haven't found that) that aren't too involved.  Basically designing my own life science based on her interests.

 

Latin - thinking First Form Latin

 

PE - horseback riding and swimming

 

Music - cello lessons

 

 

ETA:  LA has been changed to OYAN (along with Easy Grammar, RCiVSM, SmithHand Cursive), and for science I'm using Prentice Hall Science Explorer Cells & Heredity (she didn't want anything hands on, so I figured getting her acquainted with textbooks was a good idea) and Human Biology & Health.  Latin is now an online course (Middlebury) and PE is still undecided....she needs to choose something at the Y, tbd once that schedule is out.

[Woodland Mist Academy]

Making changes...

I didn't know if I should do them up-thread or here...

One big change is dropping The Snake and the Fox

Still a work in progress...

 

8th grade plans revisited:

(Subject to change without notice. ;))

 

Math: AoPS Intro to Algebra, Possible supplement: TC Course and book--Secrets of Mental Math

Grammar: MCT The Magic Lens Vol. 2, MCT 4Practice Vol. 2, Stewart English Program Principles Plus

Vocabulary: MCT The Word Within the Word Vol. 2

Writing: Writing With Skill (Finish 2 start 3), MCT Advanced Academic Writing Vol. 2

Science: Chemistry with a forensics slant, Outsourced chemistry labs,  talks/discussions/lectures by local scientists, New Scientist, Discover

History: main text????  supplements: Teaching Company Lectures during commute

Geography: Continue songs, National Geographic

Poetry: MCT Poetry, Plato, and the Problem of Beauty

Literature: ???

Philosophy: Doubt: A History (continue)

Logic/Critical Thinking: The Snake and the Fox (Continue), James Madison Critical Thinking Course, Nonsense: Red Herrings, Straw Men and Sacred Cows: How We Abuse Logic in Our Everyday Language

Spanish: So You Really Want to Learn Spanish, Duolingo

Current Events: The Economist, The Week, Mental Floss, The Atlantic

Assigned Reading/Shared Reading in various subjects:???????

PE: Horseback riding, running, walking, biking, yoga, swimming, self-defense, etc

[momto2Cs]

Grrrrr

Edited July 20, 2014 by momto2Cs

[DragonFaerie]

Okay, I think I have ours figured out.  DD will be starting 8th in the fall, but some of this stuff we're starting on now.

 

Math: Saxon 8/7 with Pre-algebra

Language Arts: Grammar: Growing With Grammar 8

                           Writing: WWS 1 and CTT Creative Writing

                           Literature: Lightning Lit 8

History: Connect the Thoughts with K12 HO, Vol. 1

Science: Connect the Thoughts

Geography: World Geography and You

Current Events: Connect the Thoughts

Music History: Connect the Thoughts

Music Theory and Performance: Alfred's Music Theory course;

                                private theory, piano, and clarinet lessons; band

P. E.: Dance company

 

Quoting myself to update.  We're changing stuff.  *sigh*  DD decided that CTT wasn't working for her (of course this was after I bought stuff for next year :glare: ).    So, here's the new list.  Oh, and we're adding more to her music studies, too.

 

 

Math: Saxon 8/7 with Pre-algebra

Language Arts: Grammar: Growing With Grammar 8

                           Writing: WWS 1 and The Creative Writer, level 1

                           Literature: Lightning Lit 8

History: K12 HO, Vol. 1, probably supplementing with Kingfisher

Science: Holt Science and Technology, Physical Science textbook

Geography: World Geography and You; maybe supplementing with the Horrible Geography books

Music History: possibly the Discovering Music curriculum from Carol Reynolds; it's expensive but it looks really great.

Music Theory and Performance: Alfred's Music Theory course; private theory/piano and clarinet lessons; band; self-study on guitar and voice

P. E.: Dance company

 

[TN Mama]

I held off on responding until I could make all my decisions, but at this rate, it might be August before that happens, so here goes:

Math: Lial's Pre-Algebra
Grammar: Fix-It
Writing: co-op
Science: Life Science

History: 20th Century World History
Language: Spanish I (undecided if she should also study Latin - she has had 2 years of LfC)
Literature: LOTS of reading. She'll be in a book club through co-op where they'll be reading many classics, plus several books to go along with our history study.

Geography: World Geo.

Government: co-op

Art: Harmony Fine Art

various sports throughout the year 

Am I missing anything??

[RootAnn]

I'm at the point of putting all my stuff in a spreadsheet to see how thinly I've spread myself. I may have to pare some of this down.
 
Math:  Abeka Algebra 1 w/DVDs.
History Light to the Nations 2 w/extra reading & mapwork TBD
Language Arts:  Elegant Essay 1st semester plus about six assigned lit books TBD
Science:  Rainbow Science Year 1
Foreign Language:  Latin - MP's Second Form w/on-line class
                                Spanish - Online class ??
Religion:  One semester of A Philadelphia Catholic in King Jame Court w/study guide & one semester YouCat w/online lessons & quizzes
Logic:  2nd semester MP's Traditional Logic
Poetry:  3-4 longer selections to memorize + finish memorizing the Bill of Rights
Study Skills:  1st semester class designed by me
Grammar of Poetry w/local group 1st semester & a Shakespeare class w/local group 2nd semester?

[Woodland Mist Academy]

:banghead:

 

I may be changing several resources in my most recent list. Anyone else making changes again? At least I hadn't ordered everything yet...

[HRAAB]

Dh wanted an estimate on how much money I would need for curriculum so that motivated me to get a tentative list together.

 

Math - Finish Saxon Algebra 1/2 and move into Algebra 1 for A; finish TT pre-Algebra and move into Algebra 1 for B.  (note to self: do not rush math, do not rush math)

 

Grammar - MCT ???? or KISS (maybe have A do MCT and B do KISS just to make it harder on me) or Stewart English???

 

Vocab - finish Caesar's English 2

 

Poetry - Do World of Poetry since we didn't get to it this year and then follow up with Art of Poetry (I'm looking forward to that)

 

Writing - biggest decision to make.  WWS Level 2 if I can't come up with anything else and hope to avoid an all out revolt.  Add in Bravewriter and Essay Voyage?  I fall asleep thinking about writing curricula...

 

Logic - Art of Argument, Harry Stottlemeier's Discovery, Logic to the Rescue, CTP (I own several options but need to purchase AoA)

 

Foreign Language - Spanish (not sure) looking at Galore Park

 

Latin - need something to prepare A for high school if she chooses to attend private school her sister attends

 

Main focus will be our study of Lord of the Rings and all the rabbit trails we can find.

 

Science - our last year of freedom before high school.  We will utilize material I have around the house and the library.

 

This list will most likely change several times.

[trudence1]

Math: Finish TT Algebra 1 and start TT Algebra 2

Grammar: Fix-It

Writing: IEW Australian History Unit (his choice =) )

Science: Apologia Physical Science

History: Diana Waring Ancient Civilizations

Music: Piano

Foreign Language: Elementary Greek 1&2

Logic: trying to find what will work for us after Bluedorn's Fallacy Detective.

 

I feel as if I am forgetting something.  Being so close to high school is giving me moments of panic. :crying:

 

[lauranc]

Jumping in to share mine:

 

Math: looking at Lial's pre-algebra

 

Science: Young Engineers http://youngengineersoftoday.com

 

Science Olympiad

Finishing Classiquest Bio and then starting with Astronomy and Geo Science

http://www.classiquestscience.com

 

Oak Meadow 8th grade Civics and icivics.com

 

Spanish I (local class)

 

Movies as Literature

http://www.amazon.com/Movies-as-Literature-Kathryn-Stout/dp/1891975099

 

Beyond the Book Report 2 https://www.analyticalgrammar.com/beyond-the-book-report-essay-research

 

Moving Beyond the Page lit guides

http://www.movingbeyondthepage.com

 

Religious Studies (Galore Park)

 

Finishing up The Art of Argument

http://www.amazon.com/The-Art-Argument-Aaron-Larsen/dp/1600510183/ref=pd_sim_b_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=11NHX6NMG6E588Y6BK0T

[lewelma]

:banghead:

 

I may be changing several resources in my most recent list. Anyone else making changes again? At least I hadn't ordered everything yet...

 

Don't do it upstream!!!! Or if you do, do that cross-out thing. I was just reading through this thread again, and went to 'like' your post and found I had already done it!  It is a perfect list for my younger in a few years, and I need to print it.

 

I :001_wub: your list.  I just need so much help making a total switch in curriculum from my older to my younger.  Sigh.

 

Why did you decide to replace The Snake and the Fox?

 

Ruth in NZ

[Woodland Mist Academy]

Don't do it upstream!!!! Or if you do, do that cross-out thing. I was just reading through this thread again, and went to 'like' your post and found I had already done it!  It is a perfect list for my younger in a few years, and I need to print it.

 

I :001_wub: your list.  I just need so much help making a total switch in curriculum from my older to my younger.  Sigh.

 

Why did you decide to replace The Snake and the Fox?

 

Ruth in NZ

 

You saved me, Ruth. I was just about to go into a panic :willy_nilly: , but you distracted me...lol

 

:chillpill: Deep breath...

 

We replaced The Snake and the Fox because it was driving us crazy. The explanations didn't make sense, and the author seemed to contradict herself. Time was becoming an issue, too. We are spending time commuting to outside labs, etc and we don't have as much time for read-alouds and discussion as we used to.

 

It is so distressing to make these decisions! I feel like I am closing part of the sky from her view with every subject we drop....

On the other hand, I am shedding light on areas that were in the shade way too long...

 

I've thought about you lots during the past few days...the threads about dropping some subjects to focus on math...not math here, but the idea is the same...

 

I wrote more, but deleted it after deciding to spare you my esoteric drifting...

 

Just reassure me that it's all gonna be OK.... ;)

 

 

 

[lewelma]

My older is mid-8h grade right now in a Jan-Dec School year.  His focus is on *math*, as in 4 to 6 hours a day (and he has been know to get up to 8).  He is definitely a specialist at a very young age so we have worked very hard to make room for it to happen while still keeping him somewhat broad.  We  have definitely sacrificed history and foreign language; as half classes he does about 3-4 hours per week.  And we have decided to pull his writing off of his standard work day, so he has more time to focus on his math.  To do this, I have scheduled a block writing every 3 weeks, so he writes for 3 hours a day for 3 days every 3 weeks (if that makes sense).  I schedule his physics around this block writing, as does his mandarin tutor. And I will say that it is really working.

 

This is what we are doing for my Specialist kid:

 

Writing (home grown) - 3 papers per term

term 1: lit analysis (book, short story, poem)

term 2: science writing (comparison/contrast, cause/effect, persuasive),

term 3: current events/history writing (persuasive x3),

term 4: lit analysis of movies (x2)

 

Physics: Knights College Physics completed over 2 years (8th and 9th) with a single science fair project (9th grade)

Violin - ABRSM grade 7 with a tutor

Mandarin (1/2 class) - Boya book2 with a tutor

Modern History (1/2 class) with dad reading aloud and discussing (no output at all)

PE - martial arts, badminton

 

and lots of MATH!

 

I know I really should not write all this out because it will help no-one.  But I am just a proud mama, so please bear with me  :001_smile:  ....

 

AoPS Intermediate Number Theory (2nd half)

AoPS Intermediate Algebra

Intermediate Geometry - with geometry sections of AoPS Volume 2: and Beyond

begin UKMT Plane Euclidean Geometry

AoPS AIME prep class

AoPS Olympiad Geometry (1st half)

NZ 60 hour math exam

IMO Math Camp

 

AT this rate, he will definitely run out of math :blink: .....

 

Ruth in NZ

[lewelma]

You saved me, Ruth. I was just about to go into a panic :willy_nilly: , but you distracted me...lol

 

:chillpill: Deep breath...

 

It is so distressing to make these decisions! I feel like I am closing part of the sky from her view with every subject we drop....

On the other hand, I am shedding light on areas that were in the shade way too long...

 

I've thought about you lots during the past few days...the threads about dropping some subjects to focus on math...not math here, but the idea is the same...

 

I wrote more, but deleted it after deciding to spare you my esoteric drifting...

 

Just reassure me that it's all gonna be OK.... ;)

 

I so know how you feel.  Just posted ds's specialist program, and I feel so sad that there is not more time to really delve into things like logic, vocabulary roots, history, and poetry.  And I hope and hope that things we did when he was younger (but did not have time to reinforce) will stick, like grammar and even spelling. It is distressing.

 

But it *will* be ok.  Homeschooling is the saviour for specialist kids.  It keeps their passion alive. Remember that, when you regret all you failed to do.  Because if you had done it all, the passion would not be there, and the child sitting on the sofa next to you would be a stressed out perhaps bitter shadow of herself. 

[lewelma]

 

 

We replaced The Snake and the Fox because it was driving us crazy. The explanations didn't make sense, and the author seemed to contradict herself.

 

Thanks for explaining. I'll look into the other books you are using. 

[Woodland Mist Academy]

I so know how you feel.  Just posted ds's specialist program, and I feel so sad that there is not more time to really delve into things like logic, vocabulary roots, history, and poetry.  And I hope and hope that things we did when he was younger (but did not have time to reinforce) will stick, like grammar and even spelling. It is distressing.

 

But it *will* be ok.  Homeschooling is the saviour for specialist kids.  It keeps their passion alive. Remember that, when you regret all you failed to do.  Because if you had done it all, the passion would not be there, and the child sitting on the sofa next to you would be a stressed out perhaps bitter shadow of herself. 

 

:grouphug: Thanks, Ruth. You have no idea how much I needed to hear that right now. :grouphug:

 

 

(ETA: On second thought, maybe you did know which is why you said it! Either way, thank you!)

[Woodland Mist Academy]

Thanks for explaining. I'll look into the other books you are using. 

 

For the record, I'm still undecided about James Madison Critical Thinking Course, but we're going to stick with it for now.

[paceofnature]

But it *will* be ok.  Homeschooling is the saviour for specialist kids.  It keeps their passion alive. Remember that, when you regret all you failed to do.  Because if you had done it all, the passion would not be there, and the child sitting on the sofa next to you would be a stressed out perhaps bitter shadow of herself. 

 

Thank you ~ I really needed to hear this tonight!

[RootAnn]

English: All ABoard 3 (EFL), LL8, TEE,WTTW

Are you using the full program for all of these?  :svengo:

 

I admit to feeling rather like a slacker that I only have TEE (one semester) & I'm going to do some on-our-own lit & writing-across-the-curriculum. But your list has me going  :scared:

[almondbutterandjelly]

Mine has changed all again.  This summer:

Math:  Horizons Pre-Algebra and Singapore 3b/4a

Literature:  Early Modern Times literature from WTM lists

Writing with Skill 1

 

Fall:  Private Christian Classical School!  Oh my goodness!  Which will be teaching:

Intro to Algebra (kind of Pre-Algebra.  She will take Algebra in 9th grade.)

Modern Times - History and Literature

Physical Science

Informal Logic

Bible

Choir (semester), Art (semester)

 

[Penguin]

What we have so far:

 

Math: Aops Algebra

 

Grammar: Rod and Staff 7

Vocab: Finish Caesar's English 2 and then no more vocab "programs" for us.

 

Lit: Novels + selections from Journeys Through Bookland. I like Progeny Press guides and I plan to get Windows to the World. Also have my eye on Teaching with Movies.

ETA:  Oops, instead of Teaching with Movies, I meant Movies As Literature.

 

Writing: Homegrown using Lively Art of Writing plus my reverse engineered version of WWS2, and a healthy dose of Warriner's Composition and Models.

 

History: continue through K12. Not sure how far we will get this year. We are sloow, but DS likes geography, civics and current events. A lot. All good stuff, but it does slow down history. Need to do more w/ primary sources.

 

Geography: Am very tempted by IGCSE Geography right now.

 

Science: Somewhat interest led. Unit studies for sure. No way am I willing to give a whole year to one discipline until I have to!

 

Danish: Tutor + college textbook + lit approach. DS will earn a high school worthy credit here.

 

Art: My son's LEAST favorite subject. I refuse to drop it, knowing that he will probably never again study studio art after middle school.

 

Music: Piano and ABRSM music theory (slow pace, mock exams only). But we sure have had a solid groove going on for music appreciation. It has been a highlight of the year. So...continue.

 

TBD:

Latin (we will finish GSWL this year). Henle? New Millenium?

Theology

Logic / Programming

 

We enrolled in Kolbe Academy this year, and will do so next year also.

 

I am ready for an update :)

 

We will enroll in Kolbe Academy again.

 

Math:  AoPS Algebra

 

Literature:

 

Windows to the World

Movies as Literature (just a few of the movies)

Jabberwocky:  Poetry Studies for Junior High

Art of Argument?

Still working on the reading list, but I have narrowed it down.

 

Grammar:  Rod and Staff 7

Vocab:  Finish Caesar's English 2 + Sadlier Oxford

Writing:  Homegrown w/o a curriculum.  More accurately, a mashup of many curricula.

 

History:  K12 Human Odyssey Volume 2 + Joy Hakim U.S. History on audiobook

Geography:  IGSCE + Map drills

Current Events:  CNN Student News, Connect the Thoughts World Problems, Model UN

 

Science:  Integrated, with an emphasis on chemistry.

 

Latin:  Outsourced.  Latin for the New Millennium through the Harvey Center for Learning

Danish: Continue w/ tutor.

German:  We are going to begin German.  Using what, I do not know yet.

 

Religion:  The Bible and Its Influence + Youcat

 

Art: Still pondering this one.

 

Music:  Continue piano and ABRSM music theory.

 

It is heavy on history/geography/current events and foreign language, but these are his favorite subjects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Catherine]

So far, this is the plan:

 

Math: Foerster's Algebra, finish up HOE

English: Finish Kilgallon and WWS2, start WWS3 if done before the end of the year

-R&S grammar level 8

-vocabulary cartoons

-Literature ala TWTM modern era

Language: Latin Prep-finish level 2, start and maybe finish level 3

Japanese with tutor

History: moderns ?? resources-still figuring this one out

Science: chemistry w\ possible CC homeschooler lab course, or Illustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments, plus some kind of basic textbook plus a research project for science fair

Music: piano-continued

Art: ?? not a favorite here but I skipped it this year and need to get back to it!

PE: karate, unicycling (yes)

[HRAAB]

 

Writing: Homegrown using Lively Art of Writing plus my reverse engineered version of WWS2, and a healthy dose of Warriner's Composition and Models.

 

 

 

 

I was just re-reading this thread and saw your 'reverse engineered version of WWS2'.  Could you briefly explain what this is?  I'm ready to toss WWS entirely and wonder if there is something I could do to salvage it?  

[Woodland Mist Academy]

8th grade

Math: AoPS Intro to Algebra

Grammar:  Analytical Grammar, Killgallon Grammar for High School   

Vocabulary:  Sadlier-Oxford Vocabulary Workshop

Composition: Writing With Skill (Finish 2), Elements of Style

Literature:  TC--History of World Literature, Books to be determined...

Poetry:  various

Spanish: Breaking the Spanish Barrier, Duolingo

Science: Chemistry with a forensics slant, Outsourced chemistry labs, talks/discussions/lectures/lab/field time with local scientists, New Scientist, Discover

Nature Study: various citizen scientist projects, field time with local scientists

History: Finish Human Odyssey Vol 2 and 3, Oxford University Press books, TC: Turning Points in Modern History

Geography: Geographic Literacy, National Geographic, Geography Songs

Philosophy: Doubt: A History (continue)

Logic/Critical Thinking:  James Madison Critical Thinking Course, Nonsense: Red Herrings, Straw Men and Sacred Cows: How We Abuse Logic in Our Everyday Language, TC-Your Deceptive Mind: A Scientific Guide to Critical Thinking Skills

Current Events: The Economist, The Week, Mental Floss, The Atlantic

Assigned Reading/Shared Reading in various subjects: To be determined throughout the year.

PE: Horseback riding, running, walking, lifting, biking, yoga, swimming, self-defense, etc

Music:  Listen to music during studies, study music (orchestra books with CDs, etc) during commutes

Art:  focus on sketching animals

[East Coast Sue]

Here's our tentative plan for 8th:

 

American Literature

Latin

Greek

Geometry

American History

Physics

 

 

[Penguin]

I was just re-reading this thread and saw your 'reverse engineered version of WWS2'. Could you briefly explain what this is? I'm ready to toss WWS entirely and wonder if there is something I could do to salvage it? See my next post, Post #86.  I did not mean to quote and then answer in a different post, but that is what happened.  Sorry.

[Penguin]

Ishki,

I just saw your question. Here is what I did. I did not do it formally- picture the WWS book with sticky notes and scraps of paper shoved inside.

I read or skimmed the whole book. For each lesson, I asked myself "What is the student supposed to learn this time?" How to choose a topic? Write a conclusion? And then I decided (1) whether what was being taught seemed important to me and (2) if I liked the way WWS taught it.

If both (1) and (2) were "yes," then I will work it in. For example, I thought that SWB had a nifty process for choosing a history topic, so we used that when DS started his long history research paper last month. If (1) is "yes" and (2) is "no," then I look for / think up another way to teach or incorporate the concept.

HTH

 

ETA:  Old threads that might interest you.

 

http://forums.welltrainedmind.com/topic/489555-subbing-out-wws-topics-with-your-own/

 

 

http://forums.welltrainedmind.com/topic/490567-here-is-how-i-am-teaching-the-material-in-wws1-3-what-are-you-doing/

 

 

 

[Krystan]

Bringing this post back since I think I might finally have 8th grade in place, with a few obvious, glaring empty spots (but that's another post!):

 

Okay, 8th grade:

 

Grammar: Analytical Grammar (possibly, am looking at it next week, already finishe GWG8), otherwise none

Spelling: Spelling Power - almost done with the book

Vocabulary: Wordly Wise 3000 book 9

Writing: Windows to the World, then EIL writing (also taking Speech Bootcamp at co-op, so it depends on how much outside work that requires)

Literature: EIL Intro to LIt, use book list and discussion, add writing when WttW is complete

Math: Geometry (STILL deciding! Holt, Jacobs, MWB are all on the table right now)

Logic: Art of Argument and Argument Builder (not sure we can fit in both, but we'll see how things line up)

Science: CPO Physical Science w/labs at co-op

History: HO Level 2 Ancients

Geography: possibly myWorld Geography

Spanish: Spanish for Children B (I wish they would come out with C by January and she'd do that too!)

 

Still not totally complete, but my report to the school system is due in two days, so I'll make by best guess and change things as necessary!

[giraffefamily]

Dropping back 10 and punting after DH's passing - brainstorming / planning efforts in signature which will include bereavement counseling etc.

 

We will start slowly and incorporate more as we can.

 

Doing it one moment at a time :chillpill:

 

 

[Woodland Mist Academy]

Dropping back 10 and punting after DH's passing - brainstorming / planning efforts in signature which will include bereavement counseling etc.

 

We will start slowly and incorporate more as we can.

 

Doing it one moment at a time :chillpill:

 

:grouphug:  Your family has been in my thoughts. It was good to see your post.

 

If possible, I'd be interested in hearing how Human Geography goes this year. Is she taking it through PA Homeschoolers?

 

:grouphug:

[giraffefamily]

Thanks so much for hugs and thoughts!

 

Yes - PAHS. That was set before DH passed. We are looking forward to the class - will see how slammed she gets w/workload / adjustment to online platform, etc. although I suspect that the online learning curve will be much less of a concern for her than it was for me :huh:

[Lizzie in Ma]

Already started the school year at her request

 

Starting Points

Lial's Pre-Algebra

BJU Life Science

Abeka American Government

Logic (starts at tutorial in September, they will be doing Traditional Logic I and II)

Shakespeare literature and production (starts at tutorial in September)

Runkle's Physical Geography

still working on history, I have K12 but she didn't like it last year

Word Roots B

Language Lessons for the Secondary Child

 

also

cello and dance

[SkateLeft]

Okay, so I think maybe I've got some ideas of what I'm going to do! My ds is accelerated in math, but can't spell his way out of a paper bag. :D With that said...

 

Math: Outsourcing to our co-op math instructor. He finished AoPS Intermediate Algebra. He's over my head. I'm done.

 

Science:  Physical science, probably with CK-12 and a whole lot of Maker type stuff with the rest of us.

 

English: Analytical Grammar, Apples and Pears Spelling (continuing), WWS 1, EFTRU (continuing)

 

Literature: Tied to my snazzy world geography plan! (In other words, I haven't planned this part yet.)

 

World Geography: Using Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations, A Cook's Tour and Parts Unknown, along with Holt World Geography, Hungry Planet, Material World, Geography Through Art, Eat Your Way Around the World and a bunch of other stuff, I'm putting together a really cool world geography course. He won't watch ALL bazillion episodes. I'm cherry picking what I want to schedule, but I'm thinking one of two per week and lots of reading. It looks all snappy in Excel, but we'll see if it actually works!

 

Foreign Language: No clue. He still needs to pick.

 

Extracurriculars: Boy Scouts, cooking class at co-op, middle school youth group, and being test subject for the Java class that my husband is teaching this semester.

 

Of course, now that I finally wrote it all out, I'll probably have to immediately change EVERYTHING.

[SA Homeschooler]

Tentative plan for next year --8th Grade

 

Grammar: Grammar Made Easy-Writing a Step Above--Learning linguistic grammar but skipping sentence diagramming.

Writing: Story Grammar--Focusing on sentence construction for at least first half of the year after 2 years of IEW.

Vocab: Merrian Webster Vocab Builder [word roots] + ANKI [sRS]

Literature: To Be Determined.

Logic: The Fallacy Detective--This child loves critical thinking.

Math: Algebra I--Outsourced to Derek Owens.

Science: Physical Science--Derek Owens stand alone program.

History: America-The Story of US + YouTube:Crash Course in American History--we are decidedly going light on history since he will have to do history again for HS.

Geography: The Little Man in the Map --Fun/Visual way for ds to learn about the states

Spanish:  Fox/CNN Latino articles to translate; Hulu Latino- watch Spanish programming

Bible: Lightbearers (possibly)

Computer Programming: To be determined

 

 

All that plus the child plays 4+ hours of tennis per day.

Whew!! I hope we can get it all done.  :001_unsure: :001_unsure: :001_unsure:

[5Wizards]

Derek Owens Algebra 1

Excellence in Literature - Introduction to Lit

Hands-On Essays, Thinking in Threes

Civics - pull together from various resources

Derek Owens Physical Science plus extra labs

Spanish outsourced

Dance

[Space station]

Here we go!  This is what I will have available for her - I know it won't all get done!

 

Math:  AoPS Geometry, Patty Paper Geometry, AoPS Intro to Number Theory, AoPS Counting & Probability, ALEKS (because it is assessment tool required by Charter school)

Language Arts:

Grammar –MCT Magic Lens 2 & 4Practice2

Vocabulary –MCT WWW2 or Ellen McHenry's Excavating English

Poetry – MCT Finish World of Poetry, Poetry and Humanity

Speech – Fables & Folktales A Writing Workshop for Young Storytellers, IEW Speech Boot camp, 50 Debate Prompts For Kids

Literature – MCT Time Trilogy Set, Excellence in Literature English I: Introduction to Literature (with Honors Option)

Handwriting – PreScripts Cursive Passages and Illuminations American Documents

 

Science:

Engineering – Building Math Stranded!

Planetary Science (Earth Science) – AstroVenture online NASA curriculum; Lyrical Earth Science

 

Social Studies: US History – The Story of US w/ Hewitt guide, SoTW 3 & 4 as audiobooks or read alouds, Current Events - CNN Student News, Artner’s Reader’s Guide to American History for reading suggestions or BF Western Expansion, Geography - BF Geography or NatGeo Geography

 

Logic: Critical Thinking 1

 

Latin:  MP First Form Latin, Lingua Angelica

 

Russian:  Russian Step by Step workbooks & project based culture assignments

 

Christian Studies: MP Book IV;  The Screwtape Letters with Study Guide from CS Lewis Study Program; Read alouds from The Book of Virtues for Young People

 

Music: Piano, Homeschool Choir & Bells, Chamber Music group

 

Art: 1 semester Homeschool art class

 

PE: Figure Skating, Homeschool Gym class, dance classes

[Space station]

For the record, I'm still undecided about James Madison Critical Thinking Course, but we're going to stick with it for now.

 

My dd13 tried this last year, but after a while she came to me and asked not to do it anymore.  It was just too disturbing.  And this from a kid who loved the Hunger Games series!

[Woodland Mist Academy]

My dd13 tried this last year, but after a while she came to me and asked not to do it anymore.  It was just too disturbing.  And this from a kid who loved the Hunger Games series!

 

This is one reason I'm hesitant to ever recommend it.

 

Our situation is a bit different, though. Our reservations stem from the answers being too cut and dry. My daughter has started giving two answers: real life answers and answers the book wants. ;)  Also, the book leans toward being a bit tacky/cheesy/childish at times--which is odd, considering the topics.

 

We actually chose the book because of the detective slant. My daughter has an interest in forensic science and has been studying it informally for some time now.

 

Thanks for sharing your experiences. The book is not one I would recommend to everyone!

[paceofnature]

I think we have figured it out...

 

Math: Algebra 1: A Fresh Approach

Science: Practical Geologist, TOPS Geology, Voyages Through Time: The Beginning, GEMS Life through Time, Bones Rock

History: A History of US Concise Ed.

Geography: World Geography pulled from BYL Grade 7 (over 2 years )

Grammar: Easy Grammar Ultimate

Writing: Cover Story

Literature: Books tied to geography & history

Logic: Art of Argument

Art: Great American Artist for Kids

 

[TrixieB]

Here's my plan:

 

Geometry - co-op

Spanish - co-op

Science - co-op

English - R&S 8; Lightning Lit 8

History - Biblioplan year 3

Music - band (co-op) & private lessons

 

My rising 8th grader wants to be as independent as possible, and no longer wants me to be the teacher, but doesn't want to go to public middle school.  English is the only class I teach now (that one class is apparently "okay" for me to teach :) ).

 

Mid-July revision:

 

English - R&S 8; Memoria Press book studies & poetry; co-op writing class.

 

This is my science & math kid.  I'm going to use just the grammar from R&S, which ends up being about 3 lessons per week.  I don't know how many MP book guides we'll do, but I've bought just one so far, and I'll add portions of the MP poetry guide.  No formal writing other than the co-op class, because that's where my kiddo & I butt heads the most and I think (hope!) having an outside teacher will help.

 

I am toying with adding Vocabulary From Classical Roots (I think that's what it's called) because vocab isn't a strong suit for this kid. 

 

[kids&me]

8th grade

( skipping history this year )

WWS 2 -WTM academy

Latin Alive2  - Wilson Hill online

Physical Science -VP online

Literature - Omnibus III Secondary /self paced

Algebra 1 - Derek Owens  self paced. ( My son just started this and loves it. He previously used MUS pre-algebra

grammar?

Vocabulit 8

 

Logic (art of the argument +Discovery of Deduction - VP online (???not sure yet)

Geography  - Wilson Hill online ( ??? not sure yet)

 

 

[TN Mama]

 

 

World Geography: Using Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations, A Cook's Tour and Parts Unknown, along with Holt World Geography, Hungry Planet, Material World, Geography Through Art, Eat Your Way Around the World and a bunch of other stuff, I'm putting together a really cool world geography course. He won't watch ALL bazillion episodes. I'm cherry picking what I want to schedule, but I'm thinking one of two per week and lots of reading. It looks all snappy in Excel, but we'll see if it actually works!

 

 

 

This sounds super fun!

[momto2Cs]

Okay, I am so over figuring out what to use. BUT, I think I've got it now, with the exception of a couple of book choices!

 

Language Arts:

Writing: Writing With Skill / Thinking in Threes

Grammar, etc.: Figuratively Speaking, The Giggly Guide to Grammar, Knock at a Star: A Child's Introduction to Poetry OR Rose, Where Did YOU Get That Red? (these are all once-a-week subjects)

 

Math:

Art of Problem Solving Prealgebra

 

Science:

Hewitt's Conceptual Physical Science Explorations

 

Everything Else "Schooly":

I use the "Afternoon Basket" for everything else: History (options A or B), geography, mapwork/cartography, nature reading, mathematical reading, world religions, literature (to be decided), etc.

 

Other/Independent Studies:

Probably German with Duolingo

Fencing

Various projects he chooses himself, including 2 blogs, computer animation/soft body physics, engine repair, etc.

 

And maybe:

Something on study skills

 

[momtolgd]

Here is the list so far for my rising 8th grader:

 

Math: Finish TT7, then Horizons Pre-Algebra?

History/Literature: BookShark 5 history package (Eastern Hemisphere) (with 6th grade sister), with extra videos and stuff!

Current Events: CNN Student News

 

Science: Finish RSO Biology 2, and then possibly Derek Owens Physical Science?

 

Grammar: Second half of Hake 7

 

Writing: Jump In

 

 

 

At our Enrichment Day (Co-Op)

Choir

Drama

Karate

Organized Gym

Possibly a writing class if they find a teacher for it.

 

Extras through the year:

Homeschool Basketball (October through March)

Homeschool 4H Group (February through June)

 

 

And I am looking at the possibility of a foreign language...of interest is either Mandarin Chinese, or Spanish.  We'll see how that fits in!

 

 

 

[bluedarling]

I am still considering a ps at home option (using ps textbooks...ugh, but with enticing enrichment program.)  But if I opt out, here's my plan for my reluctant 8th grader (and it is so tailored to her, I'm having a hard time giving that up!):

 

Math - finish MUS Pre-Alg and start MUS Algebra

 

LA - lots of workbooks: Megawords, Easy Grammar, Reading Comprehension in Varied Subject Matter, Daily Cursive Handwriting and probably Essentials in Writing or Jump In (still investigating writing), keyboarding, plus personal literature selections

 

History/Geography (mainly Geography) - Research paper on the Amazon Rainforest and a selection of books on the topic (current interest), finish this year's Starline Press curriculum (which includes Maya/Aztecs/Incas and Explorers--we switched mid-year), MP States & Capitals or US Regions series, along with The Core techniques for drawing maps

 

Science - pair WP Equine Science (or some of it) with Ellen McHenry Cells and Botany, and looking for Heredity unit study and Human Body unit study (wish it could be    animal anatomy rather than human...but haven't found that) that aren't too involved.  Basically designing my own life science based on her interests.

 

Latin - thinking First Form Latin

 

PE - horseback riding and swimming

 

Music - cello lessons

 

 

ETA:  LA has been changed to OYAN (along with Easy Grammar, RCiVSM, SmithHand Cursive), and for science I'm using Prentice Hall Science Explorer Cells & Heredity (she didn't want anything hands on, so I figured getting her acquainted with textbooks was a good idea) and Human Biology & Health.  Latin is now an online course (Middlebury) and PE is still undecided....she needs to choose something at the Y, tbd once that schedule is out.

 

Quoting myself...I edited my post then thought of more that had changed!   We're also supplementing MUS for each grade.  My 13yo will be supplementing with Problem Solving Genius and Hands On Equations verbal.    See ETA above for the rest of the changes! (Oh, and the Science Explorer is in addition to WP Equine Science...since WP ES does not count for our charter, we have to do two science programs!) 

 

[TexasTrue]

Plans so far for 8th grade:

 

Math - thinking of switching to Learn Math Fast (we've always used Saxon for middle school/high school but this daughter wants to go to high school and so this year is to prep her.  Saxon is working but it is very slow for this young lady.  She has finally gotten over her math avoidance.  Things are clicking but if she wants to be able to do Algebra in 8th grade, we've got to move faster.  Learn Math Fast looks really good!)

 

Latin - I am going to combine Studium Latinae (a program used in Aquinas Learning) with the Cambridge Latin series.  The high school (which isn't technically just a high school, it starts in 4th grade I think)  she wants to go to uses the 2nd Cambridge book for 8th.

 

History - I have decided to use up materials I have in my house.  Again, the school she wants to go to apparently does the 1st half of American history in 7th and the second half in 8th.  But right now we are studying Medieval/Renaissance, so we are going to do a survey of Modern history next year based on two spines: Famous Men of Modern history and Christ and the Americas.  She going to do a history notebook which will include a timeline, maps, narrations, art appreciation.

 

English - I have an old Voyages in English for 8th grade sitting on my shelf, never used.  I think we'll work through that, probably mostly orally with some writing for the grammar.  We'll also read through the writing section and use that as a resource for writing ideas.  I am going to be kind of unschooly about writing.  She's done IEW for 2 years and this year she's working through Lost Tools of Writing Level 1.  The thing is she's a pretty good writer without any help.  So I think I am going to require her to do a couple of narrations a week for history, but then any other writing ideas can come from VIE or Writing for 100 Days or she can do the November Novel Writing thing if she wants or whatever.  She likes to write.  However, she likes to write when she can type it. She is a very fast typist for a 12 yo. She's got terrible handwriting!  So we are going to go back to copy work.  I am calling it keeping a commonplace book.  I am going to pull the things she copies from Farnsworth's Classical Rhetoric.  I've got to figure out how to install the Palmer method font in my Word (on a Mac).

 

Literature - I have a list of read alouds and then I am just going to load up all the books I think either fit with our history studies or are ones 8th graders should read on one shelf and she can pick and read what she wants.  She's a reader though she is going through a phase where she just rereads Harry Potter, Percy Jackson or the Hunger Games over and over again.  I'd like her to break free from that and read new stuff.

 

Science - this one scares me.  I never do formal science before high school and then I farm it out.  But the school has their kids do Physical Science from Prentice Hall and the funny thing is I actually have that book and a syllabus from Kolbe for it (long story) so I feel like we should tackle it.  I am thinking of asking dh to be the official science teacher.  I just don't think I'll be able to pull it off.  Maybe he can teach me too!

 

PE - she used to be into gymnastics but that died.  I'm thinking track in the fall and spring for next year.

 

Extracurricular - She's been in American Heritage Girls for a long time.  She'll be busy working on her badges and level awards.  The other day she sat down and plotted out about 7 she wanted to work on, plus we are going to do the Religious award (which is heavy duty!).  Certamen - we've been on a team this year and it has been fun.  We'll do it again next year too.  She takes voice lessons so that will continue.  She just got into a musical production of Peter Pan for this summer at a local community theater.  I think she is meant for the stage!  So I am predicting she'll be involved in some way or other in more theater stuff.

 

Religion - AHG Religious award work, plus Confirmation prep, plus we'll probably read out loud from Faith and Life.

 

Whew!

 

I saw where you have the Kolbe syllabus for science. Is that something that lays it all out for you with daily plans? If so, where can I get that? Thanks!