If you had to use a self-directed curriculum for a 7th grader, which would it be?

[Pammy]

I am sending my oldest to private school so I can concentrate on my younger ones schooling. I will also be working 2 part time jobs from home. I really love TOG, but unfortunately my 7th grade son doesn't enjoy reading. He is gifted in Math, and enjoys science. I need something that he can do fairly independently. I have Teaching Textbooks for Math already.

Is SOS really that bad? Or should I try the BJU DVD's?

[newlifemom]

I don't know what SOS is and have never done anything like this. However I have a good friend who used the Abeka DVD's and really loved them! Her daughters all have done very well. HTH

[TraceyS/FL]

For a child that is advanced in math, and enjoys science i'd for sure do Homesat over SOS.

you'd be able to bump him up in math if you needed too, and my DD is enjoying 7th grade so far and i really do just "facilitate". I'm beyond pleased with going with it this year.

[Lori D.]

Here are some mostly self-directed programs. Hope something here is of help! Warmest regards, Lori D.


MATH (all have video/DVD/CD lesson component)
- Teaching Textbooks
- Math-U-See
- Videotext
- Chalkdust


SCIENCE
- Rainbow Science = http://www.beginningspublishing.com/
Written to the student; comes complete with all supplies.
Year 1 (7th grade) = physics/chemistry
Year 2 (8th grade) = biology/some weather and earth science


HISTORY
My suggestion: pick what period of history you want to cover and use:

1. a "spine"/text -- ex: Kingfisher Illustrated History of the World (if you're doing 20th century history, check out "The Visual History of the Modern World" (Carlton) along with "The Usborne History of the Twentieth Century" (Hopkinson) for a GREAT very VISUAL and appealing pair of books to cover modern history!)

2. library, Netflix, video rental store, etc. for documentaries on events, people, etc. of that time period -- 1 documentary (or even classic films set in that time period) a week, if you can. See Paula's Archives for some ideas: http://www.redshift.com/~bonajo/movies.htm

3. 6-8 historical fiction books from that time period, each with a book review. Pick books at or below his reading level -- and try books on tape from the library so he can listen, rather than have to read all of them.


GEOGRAPHY
- workbook: Maps, Charts & Graphs (by grade level, up thru gr. 8)
http://rainbowresource.com/prodlist....&category=4711

- workbook: Discovering the World of Geography (grade 5/6; grade 6/7; grade 7/8)
http://www.christianbook.com/Christi...72272&event=CF


LITERATURE
- Lightning Literature & Composition 7 = http://www.hewitthomeschooling.com/book/blight.asp
Scroll down to the 7th grade information and click on the various embedded links for info and sample pages. Written to the student, with helpful worksheet pages to put literary terms learned into practice. This would be the one area I highly recommend you try and make time for one-on-one with your 7th grader, and read/discuss the books aloud together as much as possible -- you'll both get a LOT out of it! : )

Works covered:
- 2 short stories (Rikki Tikki Tavi; Bride Comes to Yellow Sky)
- 2 short poetry units (each with 6-8 poems)
- Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (fantasy novel)
- Helen Keller: Story of My Life (autobiography)
- Adventures of Tom Sawyer (realistic novel)
- All Creatures Great and Small (humorous/realistic novel)


WRITING
- Writeshop 1 = http://www.writeshop.com/
- Wordsmith = www.christianbook.com for sample pages
- Jump In = www.christianbook.com for sample pages
- online writing course


GRAMMAR
- Junior Analytical Grammar = http://www.analyticalgrammar.com/


SPELLING
- Megawords = http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntk=keywords&Ntt=megawords&action=Search&N=0&Ne=0&event=ESRCN&nav_search=1&cms=1&Go.x=0&Go.y=0&Go=Go
- Calvert Spelling on CD = http://www.calvertschool.org/accredited-homeschool-curriculum/interactive-learning/cd-courses/calvert-mastery-series-spelling-cds/


VOCABULARY
- several people on the high school board have mentioned a vocabulary program on CD-ROM that their children have enjoyed and do well with -- I can't remember which it is, but hopefully, someone will jump in with that



Or, to completely take the 7th grader off your hands, what about Calvert? Not as engaging as some of the individual programs I suggested above, but it's "school in a box" -- all in one place. BJUP DVD programs may also be a possible solution.

[dragons in the flower bed]

I would use Oak Meadow online.

[EKS]

I would use K12. And I would get the advanced science courses.

[TraceyS/FL]

Or, to completely take the 7th grader off your hands, what about Calvert? Not as engaging as some of the individual programs I suggested above, but it's "school in a box" -- all in one place. BJUP DVD programs may also be a possible solution.

Great list Lori!

I had suggested the BJU from her OP because she is a HOmeworks Consultant and i'm guessing she gets a discount on them. I'm just poor - so that seems like the cheapest solution to me :D

[Mom2GirlsTX]

I would suggest K12, it is an excellent challenging curriculum.

[one l michele]

What about TRISMS history makers?

[hsmom]

I have a friend who only uses SOS and there is a few on other boards that do. So, it is really a trial and error type thing. You could always try it, and like all full//boxed curriculum's out there, there it going to be stuff you will not like. All else fells sell it if it doesn't work for you, and try something else.

[Love2Smile]

what about ACE school of tomorrow?

[Lori D.]

Gee, and I was thinking your Abeka DVDs, and then other ladies suggestions of K12 or Oak Meadow also sounded very good! ; )

[sarahv]

I throw in my vote with ACE (www.schooloftomorrow.com (http://www.schooloftomorrow.com)). Minimal prep for parent. Easy to implement.

[Stacy in NJ]

Have you looked at Trisims History Makers, their middle school program? It looks like a great program for a mathy/sciencey kid. You may have to add in a more formal science program - Rainbow or K12, perhaps.