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by Cindy 2 Comments

Middle School Homeschool Curriculum: Top Picks

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Middle school homeschool curriculum is some of my favorite! Read on…

The year before I got a full-time job teaching, I was a substitute teacher for three school systems, K-12.  Let me tell you…after about two months, I let the central office know that I was available for anything except middle school.  I loathed middle school.  There were so many stinky attitudes and hormonal distractions!  I actually wondered how I would possibly like my own children at that age.  I’m happy to report that not only do/did I like my own middle school kids, I’ve learned that these years have GREAT potential – both academically and spiritually.

We have had SO much fun!  Oh, the depths an interested middle schooler can go.  Yes, I said interested – that’s the key.  It’s during these years that I see my kids make the transition from “fun” learning to more “serious” learning.  Just because things take a turn, doesn’t mean learning has to be stiff and dull all of the sudden!

These are wonderful materials for homeschooling middle school students!

This post contains affiliate links and links to my products.

Middle School Homeschool Curriculum

Below are some of my very favorite curriculum choices for middle school homeschool curriculum.  Of course, these aren’t the only things we use in 6th-8th grades, but they are things I have used over and over again (and will use with my little man before long, too!)  Remember that my top picks may or may not work for your family.  Do your research and use things that meet your family’s needs.

Middle school homeschooling years are so much fun!

Language Arts Homeschool Curriculum

Easy Grammar Plus Revised

 

Easy Grammar is, well, easy.  Really.  Besides a bit of gentle grammar a time or two through the upper elementary years, this is all I use for grammar instruction.  It takes us about two years to go through this book from start to finish – but then we never worry with another grammar lesson again!  Unless, of course, there’s a small issue here or there that needs review.  I love the short and sweet lessons that don’t waste our precious time!  (My review)

Research in Increments

Writing a research paper isn’t easy or fun for most students.  Research in Increments is the best tool I’ve found to make the process as painless and simple as possible.  We love the step-by-step method that produces great papers in the end!  (My review)

I’m also a HUGE fan of using picture books to teach writing! Check out the Teaching Writing with Picture Books Homeschool Masterclass and Using Picture Books to Teach Writing Blog Series for more information.

Math Homeschool Curriculum

Saxon Math Homeschool: 7/6 (Saxon Math 7/6 Homeschool)Algebra 1/2 Homeschool Kit: An Incremental Development

 

Saxon Math is our go-to math program from 4th grade on.  It’s an excellent program that creates mathematically smart kids.  We typically used 7/6 in 6th grade, 8/7 in 7th grade and Algebra 1/2 in 8th grade.  Some people choose to begin Algebra 1 in 8th grade.  Once we reach algebra, I begin purchasing the Saxon Teacher CD’s.  They’ve been a HUGE life saver for us!

Saxon got a bit overwhelming by the time we hit Algebra 1/2 with my son.  We opted to use a bit of each of these programs instead – No-Nonsense Algebra and Real World Algebra.  The mastery approach (vs. the spiral approach of Saxon) gave him a more solid understanding of algebraic concepts.

One more math resource we’ve LOVED…Mathability: Math in the Real World.  It’s consumer math practice for the middle school crowd.

History Homeschool Curriculum

During middle school, we still use a lot of history and science unit studies!

Western Civilization Brimwood Press Bundle

Brimwood Press is new to us this year, but quickly worked its way into my list of middle school favorites!  The creative, literature-based, hands-on, visual approach is just awesome.  In just a few short weeks, we whizzed through an overview of history from ancient times to the present.  It was a great review of major eras, people and events before jumping into our regularly scheduled history studies this year.  (My review)

We’ve also thoroughly enjoy reading the Genevieve Foster books that take you on wonderful, living, historical journeys.  If you like to study history chronologically, you should read these in the following order:  Augustus Caesar’s World, The World of Columbus and Sons, The World of Capt. John Smith, The World of William Penn, George Washington’s World, and Abraham Lincoln’s World.

While I’m talking about wonderful literature, I might as well mention that I LOVE the Holling C. Hollings books for early middle school students, too!  These include Paddle to the Sea, Tree in the Trail, Minn of the Mississippi, Seabird and Pagoo.

I’m going to highlight the History Revealed curriculum in my upcoming post about high school curriculum picks. Since it’s written for 5th-12th, though, I’ll mention it here as one of my very favorite history programs for older students.

Science Homeschool Curriculum

Christian Kids Explore ChemistryChristian Kids Explore Physics

 

Christian Kids Explore Chemistry and Christian Kids Explore Physics are other books we have loved during the middle school years.  They presents detailed lessons about chemistry and physics concepts in a very hands-on way and work well when teaching multiple ages.  It was super-easy for me to pick up and use them, too.  (A post from our experiences with the chemistry book.)

Exploring Creatin with Zoology 1:  Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day, Textbook (Young Explorer (Apologia Educational Ministries))Exploring Creation with Zoology 2:  Swimming Creatures of the Fifth Day, Textbook (Young Explorer (Apologia Educational Ministries))Exploring Creation with Zoology 3: Land Animals of the Sixth Day (Young Explorer Series)

 

The Exploring Creation Series from Apologia is normally touted as 1st-6th grade curriculum.  I’ve found the books to be great for older middle school students as well.  When using these books in the earlier years, I have to be very hands-on with my children.  In the middle school years, however, I can assign one book per semester (or so) and leave my children to learn independently, for the most part.  The living textbook approach keeps my children interested in the lessons, too!

NaturExplorers Studies are perfect for teaching nature & science to 1st-8th graders!

Of course, we don’t give up nature study at any age!  NaturExplorers studies are written for 1st-8th graders, but don’t think there aren’t enough meaty ideas for the upper end of that age spectrum.  Quite the contrary, middle school students are finally at the age to take nature study to a whole new level and these books give you what you need to help them!

Live nature study classes for elementary and middle school students from teacher, author, and speaker Cindy West!

I’m HAPPY to help you teach nature study during No Sweat Nature Study LIVE lessons, too!

Logic Homeschool Curriculum

The Fallacy Detective: Thirty-Eight Lessons on How to Recognize Bad Reasoning

 

While we still keep up with logic puzzles, middle school is the time to begin more formal logic instruction, too.  The Fallacy Detective is a super-fun way to introduce children to logical fallacies!  We do the 10-minute (or so) lessons together and have a ball.  We also enjoy the follow-up book, The Thinking Toolbox.  (My review)

Vocabulary Homeschool Curriculum

English from the Roots Up Flashcards, Vol. 1English from the Roots Up Flashcards, Vol. 2

 

English Roots Up is my favorite way to boost middle school vocabulary, while teaching a bit of foreign language at the same time.  The flashcard format makes for quick and easy practice.  To make it more fun, we play games with the flashcards, too.  I’ve seen my children’s ability to decode word pronunciation and word meaning skyrocket since using this program consistently.  (My review)

Another favorite around here is WordUp! The boys, especially, have really responded well to the zany teacher, Dwane Thomas, and his sense of humor. You can either stream the 15-ish minute lessons or purchase a DVD. After  each lesson in which your children learn several words having to do with two Latin/Greek roots, there are online quizlets for practice and testing.

Economics Homeschool Curriculum

By Richard J. Maybury Whatever Happened to Penny Candy? A Fast, Clear, and Fun Explanation of the Economics You Need For S (5th Fifth Edition) [Paperback]

 

Whatever Happened Penny Candy? is a wonderful little book for teaching mighty economic principles to middle school (or older) students.  We’ve learned SO much about current day economics!  Economics may seem like an “extra”, but don’t miss this book and the important teaching it provides.  (My review)

Bible Homeschool Curriculum

We love the Picture Smart Bible. Don’t be fooled…even though it looks like you’re placing coloring pages in front of your children, the pages are wonderful visuals to help study each book of the Bible. You can actually use the pages with all ages – including adults! (My review)

A free resource we’ve enjoyed during the middle school years is The Bible Project. You can find videos to give an overview for every book of the Bible. Be sure to check out the coloring posters you can buy to go along with the videos.

Living Literature To Encourage Bible StudyCharacter-Building Books for Boys

 

A lot of the books listed in the following two posts are great for middle school kids!

  • Living Literature To Encourage Bible Study
  • Character-Building Chapter Books for Boys

That’s a wrap.  Please share your very favorite middle school homeschool curriculum choices with me!

More Top Picks

Veteran homeschooler Cindy West shares her favorite K-12 curriculum choices.

Early Elementary Top Picks (K-2)

Upper Elementary Top Picks (3-5)

High School Top Picks (9-12)

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Last Updated: April 30, 2020 Filed Under: Curriculum & Schedules, Middle School Tagged With: charlotte mason, curriculum choices, jr. high, middle school

Previous Post: « High School Homeschool Curriculum: Top Picks
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  1. TJ says

    December 9, 2020 at 1:10 pm

    I was wondering if someone can lead me into the right direction. With this pandemic going on and our kids staying home for school I am struggling with my son on the online classes. My son hates it and I am in a constant battle with him to do his work, he is failing every class he is a 7th grader. So I sat down with him to figure out what is going on. He told me he did not like that work has to be done online and misses using books and paper which to him was a simpler time. As we know most school today are now using computers and are slowly getting rid of books in the classroom. So finally to my question, I was wondering if there are any home schooling programs for 7th grade that still do most of the work using books. I understand that work still gets done on the computer but if a book is still being used. Thank you

  2. Cindy says

    December 9, 2020 at 3:44 pm

    Hi TJ. Yes, there are several options for middle school textbooks. If you’re looking for an entire program that has textbooks for every subject, check into A Beka, Alpha Omega LIFEPACS, and BJU Press. They are the ones I know of that are most like traditional school textbook curriculum. (They are all taught from a Christian worldview.) If you’re looking for individual subjects, check out Apologia for science and Notgrass for history. Again, both are from a Christian perspective and both are the most traditional paper and pencil that I’m aware of. Best wishes!

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NaturExplorers Science Curriculum

NaturExplorers guides are perfect for the 1st-8th grade homeschool, co-op or classroom. This highly adaptable curriculum series uses nature study as the starting point for science lessons that reach into every other subject and meet all learning styles.

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Happy birthday to my favorite girl in the world! L Happy birthday to my favorite girl in the world! Love you, @mahaylawest_1! 🥰
The breath of God produces ice,⠀ and the broad The breath of God produces ice,⠀
 and the broad waters become frozen.⠀
He loads the clouds with moisture;⠀
 he scatters his lightning through them.⠀
At his direction they swirl around⠀
 over the face of the whole earth⠀
 to do whatever he commands them.⠀
He brings the clouds to punish people,⠀
 or to water his earth and show his love.⠀
Listen to this, Job;⠀
 stop and consider God’s wonders. ⠀
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Job 37:10-14⠀
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Winter isn’t my favorite season, but an icy landscape is truly incredible to see. ❄️⠀
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Click the link in my bio for science curriculum to help you take advantage of snow and ice. ⠀
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#winterhomeschool #naturestudy #naturexplorers #winternature #snowandice #naturephotography #charlottemasonnaturestudy #charlottemasonirl #wildandfreehomeschool #homeschoolscience ⠀
When my boys were little, I loved reading these “letters from God” to them as blessings to start the day.

As I was sorting bookshelves earlier this month, I stumbled across this sweet book again. I decided the blessings are still as pertinent today for my bigger boy as they were years ago. So, we’re starting our day yet again with a quick, but powerful “letter from God” before jumping into our daily Bible studies.

Do you do anything special to start your day off on the right foot? I’d love to hear about it!

Click the link in my bio for a link to the book.

#homeschoolblessings #homeschoolfamily #homeschoolmom #homeschool #homeschooling #yourmorningbasket #startthedayoffright #charlottemasonmama #loveyourkids #wildandfreemama #childrensbook #devotionalforkids #homeschool365 #homeschoolmorning #ourjourneywestward #ihsnet
Winter homeschooling can be tough in normal years. Winter homeschooling can be tough in normal years. It’s cold, the days are dark, and everyone’s cooped up together 24/7. That’s a recipe for the winter blahs to march right into your house and wreak havoc on attitudes and motivation.⠀
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This year’s winter is unlike any other and those blahs may have actually settled in long before now. If you or your children are feeling down, anxious, or bored with school, are “at” each other constantly, bouncing off the walls, or tears and fighting are the norm…the blahs are there.⠀
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Let’s get you, your children, and your homeschool back on track. I’ll be teaching a Homeschool Masterclass on Thursday afternoon to help you kick the blahs to the curb. If you can attend live, come! If you can’t attend live, catch the replay!⠀
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We’ll tackle all sorts of problems the blahs bring with them with very practical  ideas that are easy to implement! ⠀
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Click the link in my bio to join me. There is no shame in admitting that the blahs have arrived and you need a little boost from a friend. ❤️ ⠀
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Oh, what peace this quote brings to my soul. It’ Oh, what peace this quote brings to my soul. It’s true, you know. I’ve told my children for years that it only takes a nature walk to see God through His handiwork and to know that His promises are true.⠀
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When the world seems to be falling apart around you, the sun never stops shining. The seasons never stop moving. Without a single, solitary effort of human hands, the woodlands still buzz with life.⠀
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A student of nature can see the consistency in cycles and notice the incredible and creative intricacy of even the smallest specimen and be in awe that we truly serve a God who isn’t unaware of even one tiny detail in our world right now. ⠀
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Life kind of seems overwhelming, though, I know. Remember when I said my motto lately has been to just put one foot in front of the other to do the next right thing? Nature walks (even when it’s cold) never fail me as a right thing. ⠀
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Breathe, friend. Take a nature walk today and let God speak to your soul.⠀
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It might seem trite to post a winter picture book It might seem trite to post a winter picture book list right now, but I’m a big believer in keeping things as normal as possible in my home when things aren’t so normal otherwise.⠀
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It’s the principle of putting one foot in front of the other as you simply do the next right thing. Good books almost always can be a “next right thing” choice.⠀
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Even though I’m not homeschooling younger children anymore, I’ll probably never stop sharing wonderful picture book ideas with you. 🤓 I’ve spent way too many hours reading and collecting to ever stop loving them!⠀
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Eli and I may not be using these books right now, but they are still some of my favorites for winter reading. Whatever may be going on around you, the winter months are always a good time of year to get in lots of extra reading. Snuggling and hot chocolate are optional, but encouraged.⠀
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Click the link in my bio to find a blog post about these books + some of our favorite winter chapter books, too!⠀
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#homeschool #readmorebooks #livingbooks #livingliterature #picturebooks #winterpicturebooks #homeschoolmom #wildandfreefamily #charlottemasonirl #winterhomeschool #homeschoollookslikethis #thisishomeschool #winternaturestudy #nosweatnaturestudy #homeschool365 #ihsnet
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