Curriculum Picks
We are deep into his second year of middle school. Last year, we learned a lot about our learning styles and realistic expectations. This year, for 7th Grade, we made some changes to reflect his growth.
During the “Academic Transition Year”, we happily used Oak Meadow Grade 6. We now have the pleasure of continuing his studies with Oak Meadow Grade 7 as his spine with a few added supplements.
Just an FYI, I am following our state’s homeschooling requirements.
Math
We are using Mr. D Math Algebra 1 Self-Paced course as his main course; full disclosure, this same course will run into his eighth-grade year.
Additionally, we use Oak Meadow Grade 7 as a review, but we are enhancing his math intelligence to focus on building his math note-taking skills using OM7’s lessons; I see lots of DIY Flashcards in our future.
History
Oak Meadow 7th Grade focuses on World History. Aside from the assigned reading materials for each lesson, he is practicing note-taking skills based on the reading. We are definitely taking this slow and steady.
Depending on the lesson, we use YT’s crash course, Curiosity Stream and/or Study.com to round out history.
English
Oak Meadow’s History and English are intertwined. The assigned historical fiction literature books are read independently. However, if it’s a book that aligns with OM5’s history, I combine the grades for a family reading.
Spelling, Grammar, Composition, Literature Studies, and Cursive
Spelling: We use a combination of Spelling Workout Grade 7 and IEW’s Phonetic Zoo Spelling, but I feel we might have to look into Megawords for him.
Grammar and Cursive: We use Fix-it Grammar 3 and he practices his cursive when rewriting the daily sentence. He also practices his manuscript as well using this notebook. FYI: we bought it when it was priced at $1.49.
Composition: He is taking a local creative writing course with other kids. But we will be using IEW’s Structure and Style Year 1 Level B for the 8th Grade year.
Literature Studies with some extra grammar practice: We are using Lightning Literature Grade 6. Just like his younger sister‘s line-up. Don’t get caught up with the grade level. The books are fantastic and I truly appreciate the book discussion section after every book.
In our experience, most of our books were found either on audio (through our library system), on YouTube as a read-aloud, or we own them. The books are easy to find.
This is his independent study while I’m working with his older little sister.
Full disclosure: We were supposed to use LL6 during her sixth-grade year, however, we couldn’t comfortably fit it into his schedule, so we paused it for a bit.
Science
We are using Oak Meadow Grade 7 Earth Science with some supplemental resources like videos and workbooks.
Since he is doing enough writing and researching in his other subjects, for science we are mainly focused on exposure and building background knowledge at this time.
My son enjoys the hands-on projects, so I credit that as art.
Art
My son takes photography at our local community center with his sister. He has access to the photography studio and the black-and-white darkroom facility. He takes and develops his own film. In addition, there are writing and public speaking assignments.
How do I Keep Myself Organized?
Aside from a spiral notebook to brain dump everything and a six-month purpose planner, I use an electronic planner called Homeschool Planet. It has been the most useful tool to keep me organized.
Homelife with Us 