Planning your homeschool year for elementary school is one thing. But planning your homeschool year for middle school feels completely different!
In one sense, it almost feels like you’ve been dropped into the middle of a foreign country without being able to speak a word of the language… And being told that you have to make your way to an airport hundreds of miles away in the next 24 hours to catch your flight home.
Stress-inducing. Confusing. Frustrating. And like you’re trying to speak a different language with no training!
It Does Look Different
No matter which way you look at it, the Middle School years look different from the Elementary School years…and they look different from the High School years.
The name ‘Middle School’ is very fitting when you think about it: They are the years in the middle. The years of transition. The years where your child is exploring the subjects they want to pursue in greater depth and learning which subjects are not their strong points.
Now, as a homeschooling parent, some of these things may already be apparent to you. You might be able to say with certainty which subjects your child excels at and which ones they need additional help to master the basics. Yet, in these middle school years, a lot of those things that might be obvious to you begin to be clarified for your child.
The Middle School years are a time to solidify the foundation your child has been building throughout the elementary years, to allow them to explore different avenues of study (such as different areas of science or different areas of geography), and teach them things that will set them up for success as they enter High School and beyond.
With this goal in mind, with these transitions in mind, let’s take a look at the subjects you should cover with your child in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade.
Creating the Lists By Grade
Over the years, I’ve looked at LOTS of subject lists for each grade and what you see below are the subject lists I’ve compiled from comparing lots of information.
Now the goal here is not to dive into a specific curriculum or give curriculum recommendations or reviews, but to give you a general idea of the subjects you should be covering and what those subject might look like. This will allow you to create the framework of your curriculum plan. And one you have the framework, it becomes easier to fill in the details because you know which details you’re looking for!
It’s very important to keep in mind that every child is different. Every child is at a different learning level and even learns different subjects at different speeds. So, remember: these are general subjects you should be teaching your children, not a written-in-stone law of what your homeschool must look like. You know your child best, so be sure to adjust this list to best fit the learning journey of your child.
Again, just as in the elementary years, you’ll see a lot of subjects that repeat year after year. (Can anyone say math?) But just as some subjects continue and build on the foundation of knowledge already gained (again, think math), you’ll also see some subjects have dropped off and new subjects are being introduced in the middle school years.
If you’re looking for homeschool subject lists for upper elementary (4th and 5th Grade), click here.
Let’s take a step back and break this big idea down one step, one subject at a time. Remember, that’s the number one principle to creating your homeschooling plan: Give yourself time and take it one step at a time.
Sixth Grade
Sixth Grade is a year of great transition. It’s the year where your child ceases to be an elementary school student and moves into middle school. It’s a year where more and more independent study comes into play. And while some subjects will shift and change, it is nice to keep some things the same as you step into this first year of middle school.
Bible
When faith is the cornerstone of your family, you want to make sure this is reflected in your homeschool. Sixth Grade is a great time to start working through a set Bible curriculum with your child – especially if you have chosen not to use a set curriculum up to this point. Most lessons will come with a suggested memory verse for each week, so don’t forget to continue memorizing verses. Even if you choose not to use a formal curriculum, don’t forget this vital piece of your homeschool.
Reading/Literature
As your child continues to grow, they will need to continue to read. Encourage them to read not just their textbooks, but for enjoyment as well. You can do this by giving them a set amount of time they need to read each day. Or you could give them a specific book to read by a certain time. You could even give them a list of books they need to read by the mid-point or the end of the year. Make sure to choose the method your child will respond to the best.
Literature can feel tricky. The biggest key in middle school is to introduce your child to different books by different authors from different countries and different time periods. Now, that sounds rather complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. It could simply be a list of books that you have your child read throughout the year or that you read together out loud or a combination of the two.
The big idea is that you’re not letting them read only one genre of books. Oh, not every subject or style will be their favorite, but introduce them to different styles and authors so they can start to get a feel for different types of literature.
Grammar/Writing
Middle School is a wonderful time to teach your children all about grammar. At this point in time, they are able to analyze sentences logically as well as thinking through the ins and outs of language. An in-depth look at grammar, punctuation, and word usage in Middle School also helps your child as they begin to write more and more papers in the High School years.
Now, a study of grammar doesn’t take all year, but learning the different elements of writing through grammar, and then learning how to write different styles of reports in Middle School helps set your child up for success as they continue their learning journey. This shouldn’t be the only subject where your child is writing papers this year, but a good curriculum can help walk you and your child through how to write different types of book reports, research papers, and personal essays through the course of the Middle School years.
Spelling
Spelling seems like an odd subject to place in a Sixth Grade subject list, doesn’t it? The truth of the matter is, your child may have already finished your spelling curriculum. If this is the case, then you have no need to include spelling as a subject.
But if your child is still finishing up their spelling curriculum, make sure that you finish out the curriculum before allowing this subject to drop off of your list.
Math
This subject is pretty self-explanatory. Your child needs to be learning math – starting from where they are and building on the knowledge they already have. No matter what math curriculum you choose to use, make sure your child has mastered the lesson before moving on to the next one – no matter how long it may take!
History
As you continue to teach your child about history, consider the approach you want to use. You can study history by looking at a certain time period or group of people (think Colonial Times or the Middle Ages) or by taking a big picture timeline approach to all of history. No matter what approach you choose, make sure you’re meeting your child where they are at in their learning journey.
Science
Sixth Grade science is one of those subjects that lines up more with the elementary years than the Middle School years. When it comes to science, using a set curriculum allows you to walk through the material with your child in a very logical format. Keep in mind that even if you’ve looked at this particular branch of science before, the goal is to deepen your child’s understanding.
Geography
While the big idea in teaching your child geography in elementary school is to give them an appreciation of the world around them in a fun way, in Middle School you want them to take it a bit deeper. Don’t merely gloss over facts, but take the time to discuss how the area of the world you’re looking at fits in with what you’re studying in other subjects.
You can choose to study different countries of the world or you could study through the United States one state at a time. The key is still to make these geography lessons fun and engaging, showing your child that the world is worth exploring and is fascinating to learn about. (If you’re looking for more ways to do this, check out this post.)
Creative Writing (Optional)
When your child starts middle school, there are a lot more reports that need to be written compared to elementary school. Creative writing is one of those subjects that flexes with the needs of your child. If your child needs more practice writing, then keep creative writing as one of your subjects. If your child is doing well with their writing, then perhaps it’s time for Creative Writing to drop off of your list of subjects.
Foreign Language (optional)
Learning a foreign language is one of those subjects that is in great debate. Some say that you should start teaching your child a second (or even third!) language from the time they learn to talk. Some say you should start in kindergarten. Others say you should start in Third or Fourth Grade. And still others say you should wait until High School.
Now, if you are bilingual or even trilingual, this will be much easier and more natural for your family. However, if you’re like my family who is working on learning a second language, this will take a bit more planning.
Whether this is an informal conversation or whether it is a tutored lesson or whether you start learning the basics with a free online program, stop and consider whether you should add learning a foreign language into your Sixth Grader’s curriculum plan.
Music/Art (optional)
As your child continues to grow, teach them about art and music. This could be as simple as reading an age-appropriate book about a painter’s life, looking at paintings they have done, and then painting your own picture using that same style. Or you could find a more formal curriculum to use.
This could be learning about classical and modern composers, reading books about their life and then listening to music they have written. It could even include piano or guitar lessons!
No matter what you choose, don’t discount learning about music and art! Play music in the background as you learn, visit art museums, the possibilities to open your child’s eyes to the wonders of the fine arts are endless – and can be a lot of fun!
Other Optional Classes:
If you’re looking for more classes to round out your Sixth Grader’s curriculum plan you might consider classes like Speech or Debate, Physical Education, or Home Economics.
Seventh Grade
Seventh Grade is a little less of a transition year. Oh, there are many transitions, growing, and changing that happen – as with every year of your child’s life. Some subjects will see a major shift this year while others will look very similar to the year before. No matter what, always remember to meet your child where they are at on their learning journey.
Bible
When faith is the cornerstone of your family, you want to make sure this is reflected in your homeschool. If you started using a set Bible curriculum in Sixth Grade, it only follows that you would continue to use a set curriculum in the Seventh Grade year. Don’t forget to continue memorizing verses even in Seventh Grade!
Reading/Literature
As your child continues to grow, they will need to continue to read. Encourage them to read not just their textbooks, but for enjoyment as well. You can do this by giving them a set amount of time they need to read each day. Or you could give them a specific book to read by a certain time. You could even give them a list of books they need to read by the mid-point or the end of the year. Make sure to choose the method your child will respond to the best.
Literature can feel tricky. The biggest key in middle school is to introduce your child to different books by different authors from different countries and different time periods. Now, that sounds rather complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. It could simply be a list of books that you have your child read throughout the year or that you read together out loud or a combination of the two.
The big idea is that you’re not letting them read only one genre of books. Oh, not every subject or style will be their favorite, but introduce them to different styles and authors so they can start to get a feel for different types of literature.
Grammar/Writing
Middle School is a wonderful time to teach your children all about grammar. At this point in time, they are able to analyze sentences logically as well as thinking through the ins and outs of language. An in-depth look at grammar, punctuation, and word usage in Middle School also helps your child as they begin to write more and more papers in the High School years.
Now, a study of grammar doesn’t take all year, but learning the different elements of writing through grammar, and then learning how to write different styles of reports in Middle School helps set your child up for success as they continue their learning journey. This shouldn’t be the only subject where your child is writing papers this year, but a good curriculum can help walk you and your child through how to write different types of book reports, research papers, and personal essays through the course of the Middle School years.
Math
This subject is pretty self-explanatory. Your child needs to be learning math – starting from where they are and building on the knowledge they already have. No matter what math curriculum you choose to use, make sure your child has mastered the lesson before moving on to the next one – no matter how long it may take!
History
As you continue to teach your child about history, consider the approach you want to use. You can study history by looking at a certain time period or group of people (think Colonial Times or the Middle Ages) or by taking a big picture timeline approach to all of history. No matter what approach you choose, make sure you’re meeting your child where they are at in their learning journey.
Science
Seventh Grade is a wonderful time to introduce your child to the major fields of scientific study. There are a few curriculums out there that will do exactly this: Introduce your child to a major field of study, spend a couple weeks on that topic, then move to the next field of study. Many curriculums will take two years (seventh and eighth grade) to do this.
Personally, I find this to be extremely helpful as it allows your child a broad glimpse at each major field of study, which then allows them to choose their specific High School science courses armed with the knowledge of whether they like learning about that particular branch of science or whether it will be a struggle.
You can also choose to use a curriculum that focuses in on one particular branch of science. No matter which way you choose, make sure that you are meeting your child where they are at and aiming towards the goal of deepening your child’s understanding of science.
Geography
As you step into these Middle School years, it’s time to dig a little deeper into geography. In elementary school, the goal was to introduce your child to the world and give them an appreciation to the world around them. During Middle School, you want to not only given them an appreciation, but connect your geography lessons to the other things you’re learning (like history, for example).
Now, you can continue to learn about the world in a country by country format or even take a tour through the United States. (If you’re looking for more ways to do this, check out this post.) But this might be the opportune time to introduce a curriculum that takes a look at the world from a historical and geographical perspective – and one that includes filling in maps. Again, make sure you are meeting your child where they are at, but know that you have many options open to you in this subject.
Foreign Language (optional)
Learning a foreign language is one of those subjects that is in great debate. Some say that you should start teaching your child a second (or even third!) language from the time they learn to talk. Some say you should start in kindergarten. Others say you should start in Third or Fourth Grade. And still others say you should wait until High School.
Now, if you are bilingual or even trilingual, this will be much easier and more natural for your family. However, if you’re like my family who is working on learning a second language, this will take a bit more planning.
Whether this is an informal conversation or whether it is a tutored lesson or whether you start learning the basics with a free online program, stop and consider whether you should add learning a foreign language into your Seventh Grader’s curriculum plan.
Music/Art (optional)
As your child continues to grow, continue to teach them about art and music. This could be as simple as reading books about a painter’s life, looking at paintings they have done, and then painting your own picture using that same style. Or you could find a more formal curriculum to use. You could learn about classical and modern composers, read books about their life and then listening to music they have written.
No matter what you choose, don’t discount learning about music and art! Play music in the background as you learn, visit art museums, the possibilities to open your child’s eyes to the wonders of the fine arts are endless. And just because your child is in Middle School doesn’t mean they should stop creating artwork. Remember to add in time to create art or even include piano or guitar lessons in your homeschool plan.
Other Optional Classes:
If you’re looking for more classes to round out your Sixth Grader’s curriculum plan you might consider classes like Speech or Debate, Physical Education, or Home Economics.
Eighth Grade
Eighth Grade is an interesting year. On one hand, it feels like the end of an era. But on the other hand, your child is getting ready to step into the world of High School and all the challenges and responsibilities that it brings. In this final year of Middle School, make it your goal to not only help your child thrive, but give them a solid, foundational stepping stone to continue building on.
Bible
When faith is the cornerstone of your family, you want to make sure this is reflected in your homeschool. If you started using a set Bible curriculum in Sixth or Seventh Grade, it only follows that you would continue to use a set curriculum in the Seventh Grade year. Don’t forget to continue memorizing verses even in Eighth Grade!
Reading/Literature
As your child continues to grow, they will need to continue to read. Encourage them to read not just their textbooks, but for enjoyment as well. You can do this by giving them a set amount of time they need to read each day. Or you could give them a specific book to read by a certain time. You could even give them a list of books they need to read by the mid-point or the end of the year. Make sure to choose the method your child will respond to the best.
Literature can feel tricky. The biggest key in middle school is to introduce your child to different books by different authors from different countries and different time periods. Now, that sounds rather complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. It could simply be a list of books that you have your child read throughout the year or that you read together out loud or a combination of the two.
The big idea is that you’re not letting them read only one genre of books. Oh, not every subject or style will be their favorite, but introduce them to different styles and authors so they can start to get a feel for different types of literature.
Grammar/Writing
Middle School is a wonderful time to teach your children all about grammar. At this point in time, they are able to analyze sentences logically as well as thinking through the ins and outs of language. An in-depth look at grammar, punctuation, and word usage in Middle School also helps your child as they begin to write more and more papers in the High School years.
Now, a study of grammar doesn’t take all year, but learning the different elements of writing through grammar, and then learning how to write different styles of reports in Middle School helps set your child up for success as they continue their learning journey. This shouldn’t be the only subject where your child is writing papers this year, but a good curriculum can help walk you and your child through how to write different types of book reports, research papers, and personal essays through the course of the Middle School years.
Math
This subject is pretty self-explanatory. Your child needs to be learning math – starting from where they are and building on the knowledge they already have. No matter what math curriculum you choose to use, make sure your child has mastered the lesson before moving on to the next one – no matter how long it may take!
History
As you continue to teach your child about history, consider the approach you want to use. You can study history by looking at a certain time period or group of people (think Colonial Times or the Middle Ages) or by taking a big picture timeline approach to all of history. No matter what approach you choose, make sure you’re meeting your child where they are at in their learning journey.
Science
Eighth Grade is a wonderful time to introduce your child to the major fields of scientific study. There are a few curriculums out there that will do exactly this: Introduce your child to a major field of study, spend a couple weeks on that topic, then move to the next field of study. Many curriculums will take two years (seventh and eighth grade) to do this.
Personally, I find this to be extremely helpful as it allows your child a broad glimpse at each major field of study, which then allows them to choose their specific High School science courses armed with the knowledge of whether they like learning about that particular branch of science or whether it will be a struggle.
You can also choose to use a curriculum that focuses in on one particular branch of science. No matter which way you choose, make sure that you are meeting your child where they are at and aiming towards the goal of deepening your child’s understanding of science.
Geography
As you step into these Middle School years, it’s time to dig a little deeper into geography. In elementary school, the goal was to introduce your child to the world and give them an appreciation to the world around them. During Middle School, you want to not only given them an appreciation, but connect your geography lessons to the other things you’re learning (like history, for example).
Now, you can continue to learn about the world in a country by country format or even take a tour through the United States. (If you’re looking for more ways to do this, check out this post.) But this might be the opportune time to introduce a curriculum that takes a look at the world from a historical and geographical perspective – and one that includes filling in maps. Again, make sure you are meeting your child where they are at, but know that you have many options open to you in this subject.
Foreign Language (optional)
Learning a foreign language is one of those subjects that is in great debate. Some say that you should start teaching your child a second (or even third!) language from the time they learn to talk. Some say you should start in kindergarten. Others say you should start in Third or Fourth Grade. And still others say you should wait until High School.
Now, if you are bilingual or even trilingual, this will be much easier and more natural for your family. However, if you’re like my family who is working on learning a second language, this will take a bit more planning.
Whether this is an informal conversation or whether it is a tutored lesson or whether you start learning the basics with a free online program, stop and consider whether you should add learning a foreign language into your Seventh Grader’s curriculum plan.
Music/Art (optional)
As your child continues to grow, continue to teach them about art and music. This could be as simple as reading books about a painter’s life, looking at paintings they have done, and then painting your own picture using that same style. Or you could find a more formal curriculum to use. You could learn about classical and modern composers, read books about their life and then listening to music they have written.
No matter what you choose, don’t discount learning about music and art! Play music in the background as you learn, visit art museums, the possibilities to open your child’s eyes to the wonders of the fine arts are endless. And just because your child is in Middle School doesn’t mean they should stop creating artwork. Remember to add in time to create art or even include piano or guitar lessons in your homeschool plan.
Other Optional Classes:
If you’re looking for more classes to round out your Sixth Grader’s curriculum plan you might consider classes like Speech or Debate, Physical Education, or Home Economics.
Building on the Foundation
No matter what classes you choose for your child during these Middle School years, make sure that you start with the basics, making sure those classes are set on your schedule first. Before adding in too many more classes, take a look at where your child is at and what you feel they can handle. And don’t forget to tailor their classes to their interests as well!
Give your child the freedom and opportunity to pursue the things that interest them, from studying a particular branch of science or taking cello lessons.
Remember, when you add on class after class after class just to have classes, school ceases to be fun and it starts to become a burden. Make sure that any subject you add to your child’s homeschooling plan is there to help your child and won’t become a burden.
As you continue working with your child in their homeschool journey, always remember:
Learning is a process!
In fact, no matter how long we are on this earth, we are all learning new things each and every day, building on the knowledge we have gained in the past.
The same thing is true for your child as they journey through this new territory of the middle school years. They are building and expanding their knowledge, building on the foundation they have been building up to this point.
But no matter how old your child gets, make it your goal to make learning fun, interactive, and encouraging. After all, when you enjoy learning, it makes you want to keep on learning
Additional Resources:
- How To Get Started Choosing Your Homeschool Curriculum
- Subjects to Teach Your Child in Preschool and Kindergarten
- Subjects to Teach Your Child in First, Second, and Third Grade
- Subjects to Teach Your Child in Fourth and Fifth Grade
- How To Teach World Geography in a Fun, Engaging Way
Elizabeth Tatham, founder of Inspiration in the Everyday, is a homeschooling momma of 5 who loves helping other homeschooling mommas create a unique homeschooling adventure your kids will love…without the overwhelm! Join in on the journey with 7 simple steps to make your homeschooling day go faster, easier, and with less tears here.