Curriculum Picks

For families who do not know where to start when it comes to selecting print curriculum, we have put together a collection of kindergarten through grade 9 print curriculum resources with just one or two options for each grade and subject.

Please also refer to this page on the Learning Commons website, https://hcslearningcommons.org/curriculum-options/.

Curriculum Picks Introduction

What are Curriculum Picks?

The purpose of the Curriculum Picks is to provide a vetted selection of easy-to-use resources that address the Big Ideas and content/curricular standards of BC’s curriculum. It is not a list of the best materials available because (in addition to the other points on this page) what is best for one student may not be best for another. 

Curriculum selection is best completed in consultation with the support teacher, and some of these Picks may need additional supplementation to adequately address BC's Curriculum standards. The suggestions listed may not be suitable for every student and should be considered as an option among other options.

Benefits of Curriculum Picks

We get it. Selecting curricular resources can be an overwhelming and daunting task. There are so many options to select from, and how does one know if they are going to cover everything? Curriculum Picks give you a place to start if you are unsure what resources you would like to use. They are vetted resources that have been chosen to meet BC standards and be appropriate for the typical home-educating student.

How to Use Curriculum Picks

Review the picks in collaboration with your support teacher and select a few resources that appeal to you. If there are some resources you don't like or you think won't work for you, that is OK. There are plenty of other options out there in most cases. Use this as your place to start, and feel free to pick and choose.

Criteria: "Why THAT Resource?"

In most cases, a print resource has been suggested; however, finding a home education curriculum that aligns with BC standards from a Christian worldview at the proper grade level is rare. This is the ideal but is the exception rather than the rule. In some cases, where suitable print resources are unavailable, a digital option has been suggested. 

Some families may prefer to use more digital resources than what has been suggested here, in which case, we recommend our Science and Social Studies Unit Study Kits (although other subjects may be partially addressed as well).

In general, stand-alone resources have been selected. This means that these Picks can be used regardless of whether or not the resources in the grade or level prior have been completed. Picks, for the most part, are subject-specific; exceptions to this have been noted. These Picks also do not include many of the available digital or borrowed resources. For more information about these, please visit our website.

Many typical and popular home education resources do not find themselves on the list of Picks for the reasons stated on this page. This does not mean that they are not excellent; it just means that they have not met the criteria and purpose for creating a list of Picks.

Priorities for Selecting Resources

For more information or to request a curriculum consult, please contact your support teacher or email our Curriculum & Resources Consultant, Rachael Rennie, rachael.rennie@onlineschool.ca. Alternately, you can make an appointment with Rachael via her online calendar

Kindergarten Curriculum Picks

Picks can be purchased from Anchor Academic (using your PO#) or from one of our comprehensive vendors. Other options, such as borrowing from the Learning Commons Search Portal or Sora virtual library or purchasing from our Used Bookstore, may also be available.

Vendor websites are pick-and-choose, and some optional or alternate suggestions may be listed, so carefully select your items.

Overview Of Kindergarten Curriculum Picks

Here is an overview of the curriculum picks that we suggest for Kindergarten. Please note that some subjects provide more than one option. For more information about the curriculum, please refer to the information under Detailed Information for Kindergarten Curriculum Picks (further down the page).

Phonics/Reading/Printing Skills


  • All About Reading Pre-reading Basic Package OR Level 1 with Interactive Kit; Handwriting Without Tears Letters and Numbers for Me Workbook; Stamp and See Screen

OR

  • The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading; Fun With Letters Magnetic Activity Set; Explode the Code A, B, and C

Mathematics


  • Singapore Math 2022 Edition KA and KB Student Books and Home Instructor's Guides

OR

  • Jump Math New Canadian Edition Kindergarten
Multi-Subject
  • Come Sit By Me Volume One

(unit study based on 36 Canadian picture books - addresses standards in ADST, Art, Bible, English, Health, Science, and Social Studies)

Science

Physics is not covered in Come Sit by Me. Completing The Motion of Objects Unit Study Kit is recommended.

Optional Resources

(not listed below)

  • Healthy Habits for Healthy Kids K by Teacher-Created Resources (addresses Health standards)
  • A Day with Yayah by Nicola I. Campbell (addresses the "First Peoples Communities" content standard)

Detailed Information for Kindergarten Curriculum Picks 

Phonics/Reading/Printing Skills

Option 1: All About Reading Pre-Reading Basic Package OR Level 1 with Interactive Kit; Handwriting Without Tears Letters and Numbers for Me Workbook; Stamp and See Screen (optional)

Option 1a: All About Reading Pre-reading Basic Package OR Level 1 with Interactive Kit


Important Note: Level numbers on these books don’t refer to grade levels. Lessons are mastery-based, not grade-level-based. This means that students are placed where they are ability-wise, not according to age or grade level. Please refer to the Pre-reading Readiness Checklist and Level 1 Placement Test below. If you select Level 1 with Interactive Kit, please note that the Interactive Kit can be reused for subsequent levels.


Description of Pre-Reading: The All About Reading Pre-reading program is designed for preschoolers and kindergarteners. Your student will enjoy the special games, crafts, and storytime read-alouds, and you will love the way your student effortlessly learns essential pre-reading skills. Your student will learn five very important pre-reading skills: Print Awareness, Phonological Awareness, Letter Knowledge, Listening Comprehension, and Motivation to Read.


Description of Level 1: Students will be actively involved in the learning process. This is a multisensory program; your student will learn through sight, sound, and touch. Everything is taught in context, and your student will apply what he has learned right away. Your student will be engaged in thinking, processing, comparing, and learning. There are five key components of reading—and this program teaches all of them thoroughly:

    1. Phonological Awareness
    2. Phonics and Decoding
    3. Fluency
    4. Vocabulary
    5. Comprehension

Website:

Website: All About Reading Pre-Reading

Website: All About Reading Level - 1


Pre-reading Readiness Checklist (download)

Level 1 Placement Test (download)

Review


Supplementary Resources: Program Resources

Table of Contents: Pre-Reading; Level 1

Scope and Sequence: Pre-Reading; Level 1

PDF Samples: Reading Samples

Additional Free Resources


Option 1b: HWT Letters and Numbers for Me Workbook and Stamp and See Screen


Description of Workbook: This workbook is for kindergarten students or those working at that level. Lessons teach capitals, lowercase letters, and numbers. Activities help form good handwriting habits and develop strong writers.


Description of Stamp and See Screen (optional): Build capitals and numbers using "Wood Piece" stamps. Magnetic, chalk-like writing tool helps develop grip. Set includes 4" x 6" magnetic screen, 4 magnetic stamps (Big Line, Little Line, Big Curve, Little Curve), and a magnetic writing tool.


Website
Letters and Numbers for Me Workbook
Stamp and See Screen


Other Optional Supplementary Resources
Letters and Numbers for Me Teacher's Guide  

Roll-A-Dough Letters

Slate Chalkboard 

Free Letter & Number Formation Charts



PDF Samples
Letters and Numbers for Me Workbook 

Stamp and See Screen


Option 2: The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading; Fun With Letters Magnetic Activity Set; Explore the Code A, B, and C

Option 2a: The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading


Description: A plain English guide to teaching phonics. Every parent can teach reading; no experts need to apply! 231 lessons; 369 pages. The Ordinary Parent’s Guide to Teaching Reading cuts through the confusion, giving parents a simple, direct, scripted guide to teaching reading and is user-friendly, affordable, and easy to follow — supplying you with everything you need to teach reading in one book.


Website

Review

Table of Contents & Sample Pages


Option 2b: Fun With Letters Magnet Activity Set (used with Parent's Guide book above)


Description: Great for hands-on phonics and word-building centers! Includes 144 flexible magnet tiles with an improved font (blue consonants and red vowels), magnetic dry-erase board (9" x 12"), and activity booklet. Letters (113 lowercase, 28 uppercase, and 3 blanks) measure 1".


Website

 



Option 2c: Explode the Code A, B, C with Optional Teacher's Guide


Description: This fun pre-literacy workbook series teaches the 21 consonants, and their sounds as well as letter formation through visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activities. Students also learn print concepts.

Students will:

  • practice fine-motor skills and letter formation through tracing and writing consonants.
  • learn through visual activities.
  • use matching exercises to develop visual discrimination and letter recognition.
  • reinforce letter recognition through the use of capital and lowercase letters.

Website

Scope and Sequence  

PDF Samples 

Supplementary Resources (Optional): Wall ChartCode Cards, and Picture Letter Cards; Explode the Code Online

Mathematics

Math U See is not mentioned here simply because it is not available from our Curriculum Pick provider(s), although it is a strong option, especially in the primary grades. Math-U-See can be ordered directly from the Canadian Distributor, Math Canada. Place an order by Phone: 250-590-6761 or Toll-Free: 1-888-854-6284.

Option 1: Singapore Math 2022 Edition KA and KB Student Books and Home Instructor Guides 

Description: epitomizes what educators love about the Singapore math approach, including the CPA progression, number bonds, bar modeling, and a strong focus on mental math. It's a no-fuss, straightforward program that balances supervised learning and independent practice. The recently released Primary Mathematics 2022 Edition uses the same approach as previous Primary Mathematics editions, but features entirely new content and lesson structures.


Website

Placement Tests

Review

Scope and Sequence

PDF Samples

 

Additional Support: Singapore Math Live offers instruction, encouragement, and support for parents and students

Option 2: Jump Math New Canadian Edition Kindergarten

Description:  This program accommodates diverse student needs and abilities with an embedded review, the scaffolding of concepts, careful use of language, and opportunities for continuous assessment and practice. The New Canadian edition of AP Book 1 is printed in two parts, Book K.1 and Book K.2. In order to cover the full curriculum, students will need both parts. In conjunction with the Teacher Resources, Book K is designed to cover the curriculum for Kindergarten mathematics, with units on:

  • Number Sense
  • Patterns and Algebra
  • Geometry
  • Measurement
  • Probability and Data Management

Note from Curriculum Consultant: The multi-modal approaches to solving math problems presented in this resource can be a benefit to some students, but other students may find this approach confusing and would be better served with a program that presents a consistent approach to solving problems.


Website 

Teacher Resource and Lesson Plans (free when you register for an educator account online) 

Other Supplementary Resources (must register for educator account for access): 

Multi-Subject

Come Sit by Me Volume One

Description: This resource is a Canadian picture book unit study that uses literature as a launch point for learning activities. You and your student spend one week on each book, reading the book each day, followed by your choice of the dozen or more activities. The suggested activities are listed for all subject areas, from math to music, science to social studies and many in-between. Each book study has one or more connected Bible stories as well as a related memory verse. Suits multi-level teaching. 

Note from Curriculum Consultant: This resource addresses standards in ADST, Art, Bible, English, Health, Science, and Social Studies; additional math and phonics instruction required. It is suitable for multi-grade teaching of students in Kindergarten through Grade 2. Come Sit by Me book packs, each including one-quarter of the required literature books, are available to borrow via the HCOS Learning Commons Search Portal. 

Here are a few books that align with the content areas of BC's curriculum which you may choose to purchase and have on hand in case you experience a delay in borrowing some of the 36 books used in this unit study:

  1. A Team Like No Other (G. Graham)
  2. Baseball Bats for Christmas (M. Kusugak)
  3. Bone Button Borscht (A. Davis)
  4. Franklin Rides a Bike ( P. Bourgeois)
  5. Hannah’s Collections (M. Jocelyn)
  6. Jessie’s Island (S. McFarlane)
  7. My Arctic 1,2,3 (M. Kusugak)
  8. Sandwiches for Duke (J. Sadler)
  9. Stella, Queen of the Snow (M. Gay)
  10. The Auction (J. Andrews)
  11. The Moccasin Goalie (W. Brownridge)
  12. The Sugaring Off Party (J. London)

Website

Science

The Motion of Objects Unit Study Kit

Type of Resource: HCOS Unit Study Kit

 

Description: Much like kindergarteners, objects in our world tend to move! In this kit, you will be exploring motion alongside your child! The focus of this kit is on making objects move! Build a hovercraft, design and race a car, splatter paint on a canvas, drop an egg from a second-story window, and much more! You will be able to read engaging books, watch fun and fantastic videos, play games, make crafts, and choose from dozens of projects to create the ultimate self-directed learning experience for your kindergartener! This kit is divided into sections based around driving questions. You will have the opportunity to choose your materials and projects in each section of the kit. The materials, projects, and activities contained in the kit have been carefully selected to address the big ideas, competencies, and content of BC's Modernized Curriculum.


Download the Unit Study Kit Guide

Borrow Physical Kit


Grade One Curriculum Picks

Picks can be purchased from Anchor Academic (using your PO#) or from one of our comprehensive vendors. Other options, such as borrowing from the Learning Commons Search Portal or Sora virtual library or purchasing from our Used Bookstore, may also be available.

Vendor websites are pick-and-choose, and some optional or alternate suggestions may be listed, so carefully select your items.

Overview of Grade 1 Curriculum Picks

Here is an overview of the curriculum picks that we suggest for Grade 1. Please note that some subjects provide more than one option. For more information about the curriculum, please refer to the information under Detailed Information for Grade 1 Curriculum Picks (further down this page).

Phonics/Reading/Printing Skills


  • All About Reading Level 1 with Interactive Kit (teacher manual, student packet, 3 readers, and reading interactive kit - if not already purchased); Handwriting Without Tears My Printing book

OR

  • The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading; Fun With Letters Magnetic Activity Set; Explode the Code 1 and 2

The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading is also recommended as a Kindergarten Pick. If you started using this resource in Kindergarten, you may wish to continue using it for grade one.

Note from Curriculum Consultant: Write About Me & Write About My World with Teacher's Guide is noted as an optional resoure below. There are writing activities in Come Sit By Me, but some students may benefit from extra writing prompts and practice.

Mathematics


  • Singapore Math 2022 Edition 1A and 1B Student Books and Home Instructor Guides

OR

  • Jump Math New Canadian Edition Grade 1 (Parts 1 and 2) 

Multi-Subject
  • Come Sit By Me Volume Two (unit study based on 36 Canadian picture books) addresses ADST, Art, Bible, English, Health, Science, and Social Studies standards. 

Science

(for standards not well covered In Come Sit By Me) 

Physics and earth/space science standards are only partially covered in Come Sit by Me. Sky, Weather, Sun, Moon, and Stars AND Light and Sound Unit Study Kits are recommended.

My Pals are Here Science International 2nd Edition Level 1 Textbook, Workbook and Teacher's Guide addresses many of the Grade 1 standards and is an option for families wanting a more traditional and structured science curriculum. See correlations to BC's curriculum standards.

Optional Resources

(not detailed below)

  • Write About Me & Write About My World with Teacher's Guide by Educator's Publishing Service (English Language Arts)
  • Healthy Habits for Healthy Kids Gr. 1-2 by Teacher Created Resources (Health Education)
  • Me in My Community by Apple Press (Social Studies)
  • A Walk on the Tundra by Rebecca Hainnu (addresses First Peoples content standards)

Detailed Information for Grade 1 Curriculum Picks 

Phonics/Reading/Printing Skills

Option 1: All About Reading Level 1 with Interactive Kit; Handwriting Without Tears My Printing Book (or Canadian Handwriting Book A)

Option 1a: All About Reading Level 1 with Interactive Kit


Important Note: Level numbers on these books don’t refer to grade levels. Lessons are mastery-based, not grade-level-based. This means that students are placed where they are at ability-wise, not according to age or grade level. The Interactive Kit only needs to be purchased once and then can be used for all subsequent levels of All About Reading.


Description of Level 1: Students will be actively involved in the learning process. This is a multisensory program; your student will learn through sight, sound, and touch. Everything is taught in context, and your student will apply what he has learned right away. Your student will be engaged in thinking, processing, comparing, and learning. There are five key components of reading—and this program teaches all of them thoroughly:

    1. Phonological Awareness
    2. Phonics and Decoding
    3. Fluency
    4. Vocabulary
    5. Comprehension

Website

Level 1 Placement Test (download)

Review

Supplementary Resources

Table of Contents(download)

Scope and Sequence (download) 

PDF Samples

Option 1b: Handwriting Without Tears My Printing Book


Description: offers developmentally appropriate, multisensory strategies for early writing. The program follows research on how children learn best and includes materials that address all styles of learning. Innovative letter order and style are developmentally appropriate and promote easy learning for every letter. This student edition is for first-grade students or those working at that level. 

  • New! Expanded room for writing
  • New! Now offers digital instruction opportunities
  • Lessons emphasize the correct use of lowercase letters in words and sentences
  • Activity pages combine handwriting instruction with other language arts lessons
  • Practice pages teach writing on different styles of lines

Website

Review

Other Optional or Supplementary Resources: 

My Printing Book Teacher's Guide

PDF Samples 


Option 2: The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading; Fun With Letters Magnetic  Activity Set; Explode the Code 1 and 2 (teacher's guide is only required for a few activities and is considered optional)

Option 2a: The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading


Description: A plain-English guide to teaching phonics. Every parent can teach reading; no experts need to apply! 231 lessons; 369 pages. The Ordinary Parent’s Guide to Teaching Reading cuts through the confusion, giving parents a simple, direct, scripted guide to teaching reading and is user-friendly, affordable, and easy to follow — supplying you with everything you need to teach reading in one book.


Website

Review

Supplementary Resource (highly recommended): Fun With Letters Magnet Activity Set

Table of Contents and Sample Pages

Option 2b: Explode the Code 1 and 2


Note: These books are not required, but they are a good companion resource to use with Ordinary Parents Guide to Teaching Reading because they enable students the opportunity to practice what they are learning and practice printing letters. Some families may choose to use My Printing Book (Handwriting Without Tears) for more direct printing instructions instead, or in addition to this resource.

Description: based on the Orton-Gillingham approach to reading, which supports multisensory, structured, sequential, cumulative, and flexible instruction. Explode The Code® is a research-based, multisensory program geared to improving literacy with direct, systematic, phonics instruction. Build the essential literacy skills needed for reading success: phonological awareness, decoding, vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, and spelling with the Explode The Code series.

Website

Placement Tests 

Review

Other Optional or Supplementary Resources: Teacher's Guide; the program is also available online

Table of Contents for Book 1

Scope and Sequence

Program Overview


Mathematics

Math U See is not mentioned here simply because it is not available from our Curriculum Pick provider(s), although it is a strong option, especially in the primary grades. Math-U-See can be ordered directly from the Canadian Distributor, Math Canada. Place an order by phone at 250-590-6761 or toll-free at 1-888-854-6284.

Option 1: Singapore Math 2022 Edition 1A and 1B Student Books and Home Instructor Guides

Singapore Math 2022 Edition


Note: This program is advanced compared to our BC curriculum standards,, making placement tests more important than perhaps other programs. The long term goal would be to complete book 6B by the end of Grade 7. Books should be completed at the student's pace, which means the grade level on the cover may not correspond with the student's actual grade level.


Description: epitomizes what educators love about the Singapore math approach, including the CPA progression, number bonds, bar modeling, and a strong focus on mental math. It's a no-fuss, straightforward program that balances supervised learning and independent practice. The recently released Primary Mathematics 2022 Edition uses the same approach as previous Primary Mathematics editions, but features entirely new content and lesson structures.


Website

Placement Tests

Review

Scope and Sequence

PDF Samples

 

Additional Support: Singapore Math Live offers instruction, encouragement, and support for parents and students

Option 2: Jump Math New Canadian Edition Grade1 (Parts 1 and 2) 

Jump Math New Canadian Edition Student Assessment & Practice (AP) Book 1 (Parts 1 and 2) 


Description: This program accommodates diverse student needs and abilities with embedded review, scaffolding of concepts, careful use of language, and opportunities for continuous assessment and practice. The New Canadian edition of AP Book 1 is printed in two parts, Book 1.1 and Book 1.2. In order to cover the full curriculum, students will need both parts. In conjunction with Teacher Resources, Book 1 is designed to cover the curriculum for Grade 1 mathematics, with units on:

 

  • Number Sense
  • Patterns and Algebra
  • Geometry
  • Measurement
  • Probability and Data Management

Note from Curriculum Consultant: The multi-modal approaches to solving math problems presented in this resource can be a benefit to some students, but other students may find this approach confusing and would be better served with a program that presents a consistent approach to solving problems.


Website

On pages where there are multiple grade options, choose the correct grade from the dropdown menu. .

Teacher Resource  (free when you register for an educator account online). 

Other Supplementary Resources (must register for an educator account for access): 

Sample Pages

Multisubject

Come Sit By Me Volume 2

Note: addresses standards in ADST, Art, Bible, English, Health, Science, and Social Studies; additional math and phonics instruction is required. Come Sit by Me literature packs are available via the HCOS Learning Commons Search Portal. 

Description: A Canadian picture book unit study. You and your student spend one week on each book, reading the book each day, followed by your choice of the dozen or more activities. Units cover themes such as snow, poetry, grandparents, bugs and more. The suggested activities are listed for all subject areas, from math to music, science to social studies and many in between! Each book study has one or more connected Bible stories and a related memory verse. Also suits multi-level teaching. 

The following books are recommended to use with this volume (not included) to address BC’s Big Ideas in Science and Social Studies. As this would only provide 9 weeks of study, it is recommended that the other books be borrowed from the library or purchased separately. Here are a few books that align with the content areas of BC's curriculum, which you may choose to purchase and have on hand in case you experience a delay in borrowing some of the 36 books used in this unit study :

  1. A Northern Alphabet
  2. A Prairie Alphabet
  3. A Seaside Alphabet
  4. Emma's Eggs
  5. Franklin is Lost
  6. Have You Seen Birds?
  7. Mr Belinksy's Bagels
  8. No Dragons for Tea
  9. Something to Remember Me By

Website

Review

Other Children's Picture Books Used: the other books used in this book are Big Sarah’s Little Boots (Bourgeois), Franklin and the Tooth Fairy (Bourgeois), Katie’s Hand-Me-Down Day (Wark), Prairie Fire (Reynolds), To the Post Office with Mama (Farrell), Pettranella (Blades), Emma and the Silk Train (Lawson), Just Like New (Manson), Bear on the Train (Lawson), Alfie’s Long Winter (McEvoy), Pedrito’s Day (Garay), Don’t Dig So Deep, Nicholas (Harrison), Weighing the Elephant (Ye), The Name of the Tree (Barker), Sing a Song of Mother Goose (Reid), Hiding (Collins), I Went to the Bay (Miller), Eenie Meenie Manitoba (Heidbreder), Emma’s Eggs (Ruurs), Simon Finds a Feather (Tibo), Where Does a Tiger-Heron Spend the Night (Carney), A Mountain Alphabet (Ruurs), A Prairie Alphabet (Bannatyne-Cugnet), The City ABC Book (Milich), Have You Seen Bugs (Oppenheim), Effie (Alinson), and The Night the Stars Flew (Bogart)

Science

Sky, Weather, Sun, Moon, and Stars Unit Study Kit  

Type of Resource: HCOS Unit Study Kit

 

Description: Explore the wonders of creation in this exciting kit! Investigate patterns, journey to the stars, walk on the moon, and play with weather! You will be able to make art projects, create your own planetarium, observe the moon, listen to traditional stories, make a model of the solar system, graph the weather, make rain, and much more! You will be able to read engaging books, watch fun and fantastic videos, play games, make crafts, and choose from dozens of projects to create the ultimate self-directed learning experience for your first grader. This kit is divided into sections based around driving questions. You will have the opportunity to choose your materials and projects in each section of the kit. The materials, projects, and activities contained in the kit have been carefully selected to address the big ideas, competencies, and content of BC's Modernized Curriculum.

 

Download the Unit Study Kit Guide

Borrow the Physical Kit

Light and Sound Unit Study Kit

Type of Resource: HCOS Unit Study Kit

 

Description: Turn on all the lights and make some noise! Investigate light and sound through experiments and activities. Create a xylophone, send sound waves through water, make salt dance, tell stories with shadow puppets, craft a suncatcher, and much more! You will be able to read engaging books, watch fun and fantastic videos, play games, make crafts, and choose from dozens of projects to create the ultimate self-directed learning experience for your first grader. This kit is divided into sections based around driving questions. You will have the opportunity to choose your materials and projects in each section of the kit. The materials, projects, and activities contained in the kit have been carefully selected to address the big ideas, competencies, and content of BC's Modernized Curriculum.

 

Download the Unit Study Kit Guide

Borrow the Physical Kit



Grade Two Curriculum Picks

Picks can be purchased from Anchor Academic (using your PO#) or from one of our comprehensive vendors. Other options, such as borrowing from the Learning Commons Search Portal or Sora virtual library or purchasing from our Used Bookstore, may also be available.

Vendor websites are pick-and-choose, and some optional or alternate suggestions may be listed, so carefully select your items.

Overview Of Grade 2 Curriculum Picks

Here is an overview of the curriculum picks that we suggest for Grade 2. Please note that some subjects provide more than one option. For more information about the curriculum, please refer to the information under Detailed Information for Grade 2 Curriculum Picks (further down this page).

English Language Arts


  • Language Lessons for a Living Education 2 
  • Stone Soup with Literature Kit (or another grade-appropriate book)
  • Printing Power student workbook (OR Canadian Handwriting B)

Mathematics


  • Singapore Math 2022 Edition 2A and 2B Student Books and Home Instructor Guides

OR

  • Jump Math New Canadian Edition Grade 2 (Parts 1 and 2)

Science


  • Matter & Materials by On the Mark Press (Chemistry) AND three Unit Study Kits as below

In the absence of print resource options that comprehensively address BC's Curriculum standards for Gr 2 for biology, physics and earth/space science, we recommend using these Unit Study Kits: 1. Life Cycles of Plants and Animals, 2. Force, 3. Water.

Social Studies

  • Canada, My Country (Northwoods Press), AND
  • World Cultures and Global Citizenship Unit Study Kit

Families who prefer a Unit Study Kit over a print resource can use the Canada Has Diverse Communities Unit Study Kit instead of Canada, My Country.

Bible/Christian Studies

  • The Word in Motion Old Testament Advantage Set

Optional Resources

(not detailed below)

  • Printing Power by Handwriting Without Tears (English Language Arts)
  • Healthy Habits for Healthy Kids by Teacher Created Resources (Health Education)
  • Water Walker by Joanne Robertson (Science; addresses First People's knowledge of water) 
  • Life in a Fishing Community by Helene Bourdeau (Social Studies; use with Canada, My Country)
  • A Sled Dog for Moshi by Jeanne Bushey (Social Studies; use with Canada, My Country)
  • Canada Map Book 1 by Apple Press (Social Studies)

Detailed Information for Grade 2 Curriculum Picks 

English Language Arts

Language Lessons for a Living Education 2 

Type of Resource: workbook

Description: students will move beyond pages of text to make real-world connections as this exciting new series guides your young learner toward mastery of reading, grammar, and vocabulary, as well as the mechanics of communication and writing. Utilizing phonics, observation, and reading comprehension through poems, stories, and real books as the foundation, your student will start forming basic sentences.

 

This story-based approach, focused on young students Claire and Micah, uses Charlotte Mason's ideas for the modern homeschool student with character-building themes. Each quarter has five stories, two picture studies (one of which is Bible-based), and two poems (one of which is a Psalm). Using the spelling words and the Dictionary Worksheets, students will create their own dictionary as they move through the material weekly.


This curriculum incorporates picture study, memorization, punctuation, spelling, vocabulary, observation, poems, psalms, letters, and practical application through creative writing – all working towards the mastery of reading and grammar, as well as the mechanics of communication and writing. Equivalent to a second-grade level. Developing early reading and narration skills, by the end of the course, students should be able to comfortably write up to three sentences at a time. 

 

Website

Series Overview

Placement Guide

Review

Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

Table of Contents and PDF Sample Pages 

PDF Sample 

Stone Soup Picture Book with Literature Kit (or another grade-appropriate book)

Type of Resource: a fiction picture book and workbook

Description: Students use their brainstorming skills as they think of reasons why the villagers would hide their food from the soldiers. Find the vocabulary words from the story that have short i and long i sound. Match words to their synonyms from the novel. Put events from the story in the order in which they happened when the soup was being made. Students draw a picture of their favourite soup. Then, make a list of ingredients and directions on how to make this soup. Explore the story with the sense of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch in a graphic organizer. Written to Bloom's Taxonomy, additional crosswords, word searches, comprehension quizzes, and answer keys are also included. Other options for picture book literature kits can be found here.


Website

Free Bonus Worksheets

PDF Samples (are available on their website)

Printing Power Student Workbook

Type of Resource: workbook

Description: second-grade students, or those working at that level, master printing with advanced paragraphs, poems, and language arts activities. Features practice pages for advanced printing on a single line.

  • Expanded room for writing
  • Digital instruction opportunities
  • Learn & Check helps teachers and students check letter, word, and sentence skills
  • Activity pages combine handwriting instruction with punctuation, paragraph, poem, and language arts activities for practice

Website

Review

Additional Support (free demos, research, how-to videos, and all of our free online resources available)

Mathematics

Math U See is not mentioned here simply because it is not available from our Curriculum Pick provider(s), although it is a strong option, especially in the primary grades. Math-U-See can be ordered directly from the Canadian Distributor, Math Canada. Place an order by Phone: 250-590-6761 or Toll-Free: 1-888-854-6284.

Option 1: Singapore Math 2022 Edition 2A and 2B Student Books and Home Instructor Guides

Note: This program is advanced compared to our BC curriculum standards, making placement tests more important than perhaps other programs. The long-term goal would be to complete book 6B by the end of Grade 7. Books should be completed at the student's pace, which means the grade level on the cover may not correspond with the student's actual grade level.


Description: epitomizes what educators love about the Singapore math approach, including the CPA progression, number bonds, bar modelling, and a strong focus on mental math. It's a no-fuss, straightforward program that balances supervised learning and independent practice. The recently released Primary Mathematics 2022 Edition uses the same approach as previous Primary Mathematics editions but features entirely new content and lesson structures.


Website

Placement Tests

Review

Scope and Sequence

PDF Samples

 

Additional Support: Singapore Math Live offers instruction, encouragement, and support for parents and students

Option 2: Jump Math New Canadian Edition 2.1 and 2.2 Student Assessment & Practice (AP) Book 2 (Parts 1 and 2) 

Type of Resource: workbooks

Description: in conjunction with JUMP Math's teacher resources, Student Assessment & Practice (AP) Book 2 is designed to cover the curriculum for Grade 2 mathematics, with units on:

  • Number Sense
  • Patterns and Algebra
  • Geometry
  • Measurement
  • Probability and Data Management

The New Canadian edition of AP Book 2 is printed in two parts, Book 2.1 and Book 2.2. In order to cover the full curriculum, students will need both parts. 

 

Note from Curriculum Consultant: The multi-modal approaches to solving math problems presented in this resource can be a benefit to some students, but other students may find this approach confusing and would be better served with a program that presents a consistent approach to solving problems.


Website

Choose the correct grade from the dropdown menu on pages with multiple grade options.

Teacher Resource/Lesson Plans (free when you register for an educator account)

Other Optional or Supplementary Resources (register for an educator account for access)

Sample Pages 

Science 

Biology

Life Cycles of Plants and Animals Unit Study Kit

Type of Resource: HCOS Unit Study Kit

 

Description: Our world is filled with incredible creatures! Explore the fascinating world of plants and animals alongside your child. You will be able to investigate life cycles, build models, create a lapbook, make animal art, raise butterflies, film a stop-motion video, tell stories, play with clay, and much more! You will be able to read engaging books, watch fun and fantastic videos, play games, make crafts, and choose from dozens of projects to create the ultimate self-directed learning experience for your second grader. 


This kit is divided into sections based around driving questions. You will have the opportunity to choose your materials and projects in each section of the kit. The materials, projects, and activities contained in the kit have been carefully selected to address the big ideas, competencies, and content of BC's Modernized Curriculum.
.

Download the Unit Study Kit Guide

Borrow the Physical Kit

Chemistry

Matter & Materials by On the Mark Press (Grades 1-3)

Type of Resource: A workbook designed for classroom instruction, so some activities may need to be adapted slightly for a home setting.

Description: What is the world made of? Through hands-on activities and experiments, students will enjoy exploring the world around them as they practise science skills like observing and concluding. Games like "Simon Says" bring the realm of atoms and particles to life and demonstrate solids, liquids, and gases. Students will learn to explain the magic of ice sculptures, gas-powered rockets, and inventions. 

Note from Curriculum Consultant: Some of this resource may be review for families who have already addressed properties of matter in Grade 1. If this is the case, please begin on page 38 with the chapter, "Solids, Liquids, and Gases".

Website and Sample pages

Physics

Force Unit Study Kit

Type of Resource: HCOS Unit Study Kit

 

Description: Explore the exciting world of force alongside your learner! Push and pull with clay, paint with a pendulum, race Lego balloon cars, build a Newton’s Cradle, play with magnets, build a gyrocopter, and much more! You will be able to read engaging books, watch fun and fantastic videos, play games, make crafts, and choose from dozens of projects to create the ultimate self-directed learning experience for your second grader. 


This kit is divided into sections based around driving questions. You will have the opportunity to choose your materials and projects in each section of the kit. The materials, projects, and activities contained in the kit have been carefully selected to address the big ideas, competencies, and content of BC's Modernized Curriculum.
 

Download the Unit Study Kit Guide

Borrow the Physical Kit

Earth/Space

Water Unit Study Kit

Type of Resource: HCOS Unit Study Kit

 

Description: Roughly 71% of the earth’s surface is water, and in this engaging unit, you will be able to investigate water in-depth through hands-on activities! Investigate local water sources, make a working ecosystem model, build a rain gauge, learn about water conservation, explore water around the world, create your own water cycle, experiment with evaporation, melt snow, and much more! You will be able to read engaging books, watch fun and fantastic videos, play games, make crafts, and choose from dozens of projects to create the ultimate self-directed learning experience for your second grader. 


This kit is divided into sections based around driving questions. You will have the opportunity to choose your materials and projects in each section of the kit. The materials, projects, and activities contained in the kit have been carefully selected to address the big ideas, competencies, and content of BC's Modernized Curriculum.

 

Download the Unit Study Kit Guide

Borrow the Physical Kit

Social Studies

Canada, My Country

Type of Resource: softcover text/workbook

Video Description

Description: This easy to use, read-aloud text is a delight for both students and teacher. Lessons require minimal preparation but are packed with content, games and activities. Students will grasp the basics of Canadian geography, both physical and political. Chapters on national symbols, government and Canadian freedoms provide the groundwork for future study. Each lesson includes a reproducible activity worksheet.  

Topics include:  Understanding maps; Canada’s physical regions; Symbols; Government; Freedoms; Outstanding Canadians

    • Lessons are clearly outlined
    • Resource lists with lessons 
    • Reproducible worksheets now available digitally for original purchasers 
    • Index

This study requires photos of Canadian landscapes and a physical map. 


Website 

Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

World Cultures and Global Citizenship Unit Study Kit

Type of Resource: HCOS Unit Study Kit

 

Description: 

Travel around the world in this exciting new kit! Learners will begin by discovering fascinating countries and cultures from around the globe. They will gain a deeper understanding of what it means to live and work in God’s world. Then, in the second portion of the unit, learners will spend time exploring the ways that they can be caretakers of our beautiful planet.


This kit is divided into sections based around driving questions. You will have the opportunity to choose your materials and projects in each section of the kit. The materials, projects, and activities contained in the kit have been carefully selected to address the big ideas, competencies, and content of BC's Modernized Curriculum.

 

Download the Unit Study Kit Guide

Borrow the Physical Kit


Bible/Christian Studies

The Word in Motion Old Testament Advantage Set

Type of Resource: Homeschool Curriculum

Includes Student Textbook, Notebooking Journal, Audio Download, Streaming Video Lessons

 

Description: Apologia’s The Word in Motion Old Testament is the first volume in an illustrated, two-part Bible curriculum that equips students to know, live, and share the Word of God. As kids understand how the books of the Bible work together to tell the larger story of God’s love for people, they begin to understand God better and read the Word with purpose, passion, and real understanding. Unlock free bonus content with resources, videos, activities, and more when you buy this product! Book Extras provide rich content for students, parents, and teachers to enhance the learning experience.

 

This course is designed to be done 4 days a week in 30-45 minute segments over the course of 30 weeks. A suggested daily schedule is included in the student notebook so your student easily understands what is expected of them each day, while also providing flexibility to meet the needs of your student and family.

 

Features:

  • Free Streaming Video Lessons Included
  • Great for Visual and Auditory Learners
  • Vibrantly Illustrated

Website

Table of Contents and Sample Pages


Grade Three Curriculum Picks

Picks can be purchased from Anchor Academic (using your PO#) or from one of our comprehensive vendors. Other options, such as borrowing from the Learning Commons Search Portal or Sora virtual eBook library or purchasing from our Used Bookstore, may also be available.

Vendor websites are pick-and-choose.  Some optional or alternate suggestions may be listed, so select your items with care.

Overview Of Grade 3 Curriculum Picks

Here is an overview of the curriculum picks that we suggest for Grade 3. Please note that some subjects provide more than one option. For more information about the curriculum, please refer to the information under Detailed Information for Grade 3 Curriculum Picks (further down this page).

English Language Arts


  • Rigorous Approach (Option A): Lightning Literature Gr 3 Student Workbook and Teacher's Guide with poetry book and readers

OR

  • Lighter Approach (Option B): Language Lessons for a Living Education 3 with 101 Favorite Stories from the Bible AND The Tale of Despereaux novel with Literature Kit by Classroom Complete Press (or alternate)

Mathematics


 

  • Singapore Math 2022 Edition 3A and 3B Student Books and Home Instructor Guides

OR

  • Jump Math New Canadian Edition 3.1 and 3.2

Science


 

Biology

  • Adventures on Planet Earth: Level 3 by MasterBooks

Chemistry

  • Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics Textbook by Jeannie Fulbright and Junior Notebooking Journal - Chapters 1 and 3 

Physics

  • Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics Textbook by Jeannie Fulbright and Junior Notebooking Journal - Chapter 11

Earth/Space

  • Landforms and Erosion Unit Study Kit

Social Studies


  • From Time Immemorial by Pacific Edge Publishing

Bible/Christian Studies

  • The Word in Motion New Testament Advantage Set by Apologia

Optional Resources

(not detailed below)

 

  • Canadian Handwriting Book C (English Language Arts)
  • Healthy Habits for Healthy Kids Grades 3-4  by Teacher Created Resources (Health Education)

Detailed Information for Grade 3 Curriculum Picks 

English Language Arts

OPTION A: Lightning Literature Gr 3 Student Workbook and Teacher's Guide with poetry books and readers

Type of Resource: Home Education Curriculum

Description: Lightning Literature is a language arts curriculum designed to instill a love of literature in students, expand their ability to read intelligently and deeply, and prepare them for more advanced language arts concepts. The key components of this series are literature, grammar and mechanics, and composition. The Teacher Guide provides scripted questions for comprehension with answers, teaching tips, and daily schedules. The Workbook and Guide can be purchased separately, in a set together, or in two different packs, one with and one without Random House Book of Poetry for Children. The author’s goal in writing this series is to “instill a love of great literature in children, expand their ability to read intelligently and deeply, improve their communication abilities, and prepare them for more advanced language arts concepts.” The three key components to this series are literature, grammar and mechanics, and composition. The Student Workbook explains the lesson’s concept for the child and includes Reading Journal Pages, Dictionary Pages, and Sentence Puzzle Pages. Workbook answers are in the Teacher’s Guide. The Workbook and Guide can be purchased separately, in a set together, or in two different packs, one with and one without Random House Book of Poetry for Children. You’ll need something else for teaching spelling, learning to read, and penmanship.

 

Website

Review

 

Samples: Teacher Intro, Teacher's Sample, Student Workbook Sample

Other Optional or Supplementary Resources: Worksheets

OPTION B: Language Lessons for a Living Education 3 with 101 Favorite Stories from the Bible AND The Tale of Despereaux novel with Literature Kit by Classroom Complete Press (or alternate) 

Type of Resource: workbook

Description: incorporates picture study, memorization, punctuation, spelling, vocabulary, observation, poems, psalms, letters, and practical application through creative writing – all working towards the mastery of reading and grammar, as well as the mechanics of communication and writing.

Enjoy this story-based course featuring Claire and Micah, designed to engage your young learner and strengthen their reading and writing skills. Real-world examples and applications are the focus as they practice reading, apply grammatical skills, and increase their vocabulary. Complete with helpful illustrations and guides, this book will teach your student paragraph structure, compound words, contractions, sentence combining, helping verbs, prepositions, and more!

This language arts series adapts Charlotte Mason's ideas for the modern homeschool student, complete with character-building themes. Each quarter has five stories, two picture studies (one of which is Bible-based), and two poems (one of which is a Psalm). Using the spelling words and the Dictionary Worksheets, students will create their very own dictionary as they move week by week through the material.

Develops reading and narration skills as well as writing mastery of multi sentence paragraphs. Continuing with what the student has learned in Level 2, Book 3 will add to their reading, communication and observation skills. They will begin to write paragraphs. They will review and refine lessons from Level 2 in addition to learning new skills. 101 Favorite Stories from the Bible is a required resource for this program.

 

Website

Series Overview

Placement Guide

Review

 

Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

Scope & Sequence and PDF Samples

PDF Sample

The Tale of Despereaux novel with Classroom Complete Press Literature Kit (or another grade-appropriate book)

Type of Resource: fiction novel and workbook

Description: Learn the value of courage and fortitude with this twist on the classic fairy tale. Our comprehensive resource has response questions and activities that are great for guided reading and independent work. Use clues to match vocabulary words from the novel to a crossword puzzle. Show an understanding of details from the book by answering short questions. Imagine the inner qualities Roscuro has by describing why he decides never to torture another prisoner again. Compare the expression, "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," with the character Mig. Organize a character's actions and thoughts as they happened in the story with a graphic organizer. Written to Bloom's Taxonomy; additional crossword, word search, comprehension quiz and answer key are also included.

About the novel: a story of a special mouse who is on a dangerous quest to rescue the princess. Despereaux falls in love with a princess, even though mice and humans are not supposed to! Caught, Despereaux is sentenced to the dungeon; however, he escapes and goes looking for his beloved princess. Unfortunately, the Princess has already been tricked and has been taken to the dungeon. Despereaux must save his love, and together with the help of his friends, eventually rescues her. As his quest comes to a close, Despereaux realizes that he still cannot marry the Princess, but they become friends. The story ends with the King, the Princess and Despereaux eating a feast and living happily together forever. Other options for picture book literature kits can be found here.


Website

Free Bonus Worksheets

PDF Samples (to the left of the cover image)

Mathematics

Math U See is not mentioned here simply because it is not available from our Curriculum Pick provider(s), although it is a strong option, especially in the primary grades. Math-U-See can be ordered directly from the Canadian Distributor, Math Canada. Place an order by Phone: 250-590-6761 or Toll-Free: 1-888-854-6284.

Option 1: Singapore Math 2022 Edition 3A and 3B Student Books and Home Instructor Guide

Note: This program is advanced compared to our BC curriculum standards,, making placement tests more important than perhaps other programs. The long term goal would be to complete book 6B by the end of Grade 7. Books should be completed at the student's pace, which means the grade level on the cover may not correspond with the student's actual grade level.

Description: epitomizes what educators love about the Singapore math approach, including the CPA progression, number bonds, bar modeling, and a strong focus on mental math. It's a no-fuss, straightforward program that balances supervised learning and independent practice. The recently released Primary Mathematics 2022 Edition uses the same approach as previous Primary Mathematics editions, but features entirely new content and lesson structures.


Website

Placement Tests

Review

Scope and Sequence

PDF Samples

 

Additional Support: Singapore Math Live offers instruction, encouragement, and support for parents and students

Option 2: Jump Math New Canadian Edition 3.1 and 3.2 - Student Assessment & Practice (AP) Book 3 (Parts 1 and 2) 
Type of Resource: workbooks

Description: 

in conjunction with the JUMP Math's teacher resources, Student Assessment & Practice (AP) Book 4 is designed to cover the curriculum for Grade 4 mathematics, with units on:

  • Number Sense
  • Patterns and Algebra
  • Geometry
  • Measurement
  • Probability and Data Management

The New Canadian edition of AP Book 4 is printed in two parts, Book 4.1 and Book 4.2. In order to cover the full curriculum, students will need both parts. 

 

Note from Curriculum Consultant: The multi-modal approaches to solving math problems presented in this resource can be a benefit to some students, but other students may find this approach confusing and would be better served with a program that presents a consistent approach to solving problems.


Website

On pages where there are multiple grade options, choose the correct grade from the dropdown menu.

Teacher Resource/Lesson Plans  (free when you register for an educator account)

Other Optional or Supplementary Resources (register for an educator account for access):

Sample Pages 

  •  

Science

Biology

Adventures on Planet Earth: Level 3 by MasterBooks

Type of Resource: softcover student home education resource book

Description: Earth science is the perfect study for budding young scientists. This curriculum is packed with fun activities and adventures to help your student learn about God’s creation of biomes, the food chain, climate, trees, and so much more. Each lesson offers Hidden Treasures to help the student see the biblical connection of the scientific facts and build a deeper relationship with God.


Website

Sample Pages

Chemistry and Physics 

Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics Textbook by Jeannie Fulbright and Junior Notebooking Journal 

Chapters 1 and 3 address grade three chemistry standards; chapter 11 addresses grade three physics standards.

The Junior Notebooking Journal is recommended, but students who have mastered handwriting, can take notes, and enjoy upper elementary-level activities may prefer the Regular Notebooking Journal.

This resource is recommended to address chemistry and physics standards for grades 3, 5, and 6. A full correlation between Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics and BC's Gr 1 - 6 science standards can be found here.

Type of Resource: home education curriculum

 

Description: Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics is part of Apologia’s award-winning Young Explorer Series and a curriculum specifically designed for elementary students. From the laws of motion to electricity and magnetism to the very building blocks of creation, this course is a God-honoring study about some of the most impactful scientific principles that are at work all around us. As your student works through this course, their scientific curiosity and confidence will explode as they engage with the vivid graphics, thought-provoking lessons, and hands-on experiments that will bring theory to life.

 

Curriculum Overview

We believe that your child’s education is at their best when their learning begins with curiosity. That’s why this course was designed for elementary students with no prerequisite. We use the practical concepts and things in their world to help them to learn and experience that science isn’t just a class–it’s a means for them to discover their world! 

 

Apologia’s Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics course is written in a conversational tone, and takes complex and abstract concepts and makes them approachable for curious young minds. As your student engages with the lessons, projects, and experiments, they will better understand the fascinating world of chemistry and physics, and the Master Designer who created it all. 


Throughout this course, they’ll study and explore the basic building blocks of creation, atoms and molecules, simple chemicals, the laws of motion, energy in its many forms, as well as concepts of electricity and magnetism. Your student will get to put their learning to work as they have fun making a bouncy ball, developing a smoke bomb, building a solar oven, constructing a working periscope, fashioning a miniature motor, and creating a lava lamp! 


Lesson Plans and Materials
There are 14 lessons in this one-year chemistry and physics course.  Detailed lesson plans as well as a suggested daily schedule are included in the student notebooking journal (sold separately). This will set you and your student up for success as they work through the course, while also providing flexibility to meet the needs of your student and your family.


Packed with vivid photos and a variety of hands-on activities and experiments that bring chemistry and physics to life, the student textbook and provides engaging hands-on activities to help solidify the concepts learned. The hard-cover textbook and notebooking journals (sold separately) are recommended for your student to make the most of this course. 


All of the activities and experiments use easy-to-obtain household items and truly make the lessons come alive!


Website

Preview and Table of Contents

Resource Extras

Earth/Space

Landforms and Erosion Unit Study Kit
Type of Resource: HCOS Unit Study Kit

Description: How does land change? Why does land change? You and your learner will be able to investigate these and many other questions in this exciting unit! Experiment with erosion on a small scale, become an erosion detective, become a landform explorer, create posters, conduct research, make salt dough landforms, create an island, paint outside, erupt a volcano, and much more! You will be able to read engaging books, watch fun and fantastic videos, play games, make crafts, and choose from dozens of projects to create the ultimate self-directed learning experience for your third grader. This kit is divided into sections based around driving questions. You will have the opportunity to choose your materials and projects in each section of the kit. The materials, projects, and activities contained in the kit have been carefully selected to address the big ideas, competencies, and content of BC's Modernized Curriculum.

 

Download the Unit Study Kit Guide

Borrow the Physical Kit

Social Studies

From Time Immemorial by Pacific Edge Publishing 

Type of Resource: full-colour student book

Description: provides an honest survey of the history of the coastal First Nations from pre-contact to the present. From Time Immemorial has been recommended by the First Nations Education Steering Committee of BC as an “authentic First Peoples text that meets provincial standards and reflects First Peoples knowledge and perspectives in a respective way.

This book provides a broad overview of traditional ways common to a large number of diverse groups. It encourages readers to learn more about particular groups who, long ago, walked the shorelines and forest trails of the Pacific Northwest.

While meeting the Learning Standards for the new BC Grade 3 Social Studies curriculum, it also addresses First Nations content for grades 4-8 (See Learning Standards Chart). Special features include:

  • Before You Read: suggests pre-reading activities
  • Looking Ahead: provides an overview of the content of the chapter
  • First Nations Today: raises awareness of the issues facing First Nations in the present
  • Ask the Elders: encourages students to learn about the unique characteristics of local First Nations
  • Stories: First Nation’s stories based on traditional values
  • What Do You Think: invites students to express their opinions about relevant issues
  • Looking Back: summarizes the content of the chapter
  • After You Read: suggest activities that review or extend the content of the chapter
  • 121 Illustrations and Photos: illustrate the culture and lifestyle of the West Coast First Nations.

Website

Other Optional or Supplementary Resources: Teacher's Guide (Print) & (PDF)

Scope and Sequence

PDF Samples

Bible/Christian Studies

The Word in Motion New Testament Advantage Set

Type of Resource: Homeschool Curriculum

Includes Student Textbook, Notebooking Journal, Audio Download, Streaming Video Lessons

 

Description: Apologia’s The Word in Motion New Testament is the first volume in an illustrated, two-part Bible curriculum that equips students to know, live, and share the Word of God. As kids understand how the books of the Bible work together to tell the larger story of God’s love for people, they begin to understand God better and read the Word with purpose, passion, and real understanding. Unlock free bonus content with resources, videos, activities, and more when you buy this product! Book Extras provide rich content for students, parents, and teachers to enhance the learning experience.

 

This course is designed to be done 4 days a week in 30-45 minute segments over the course of 30 weeks. A suggested daily schedule is included in the student notebook so your student easily understands what is expected of them each day, while also providing flexibility to meet the needs of your student and family.

 

Features:

  • Free Streaming Video Lessons Included
  • Great for Visual and Auditory Learners
  • Vibrantly Illustrated

Website

Table of Contents and Sample Pages



Grade Four Curriculum Picks

Picks can be purchased from Anchor Academic (using your PO#) or from one of our comprehensive vendors. Other options, such as borrowing from the Learning Commons Search Portal or Sora virtual eBook library or purchasing from our Used Bookstore, may also be available.

Vendor websites are pick-and-choose and some optional or alternate suggestions may be listed, so select your items with care.

Overview Of Grade 4 Curriculum Picks

Here is an overview of the curriculum picks that we suggest for Grade 4. Please note that some subjects provide more than one option. For more information about the curriculum, please refer to the information under Detailed Information for Grade 4 Curriculum Picks.

English Language Arts


  • Rigorous Approach (Option A): Lightning Literature Gr 4 Student Workbook and Teacher's Guide with poetry book and readers

OR

  • Lighter Approach (Option B): Language Lessons for a Living Education 4 with 101 Favorite Stories from the Bible; Sarah, Plain and Tall novel with Literature Kit (or alternate); Growing up in Wild Horse Canyon by Karen Autio with teacher's guide (or alternate)

Mathematics

  • Dynamic Classroom Math 4

OR

  • Jump Math New Canadian Edition 4.1 and 4.2

Science

(all of these)


 

Biology, Chemistry, Physics: My Pals are Here Science International 2nd Edition (Marshall Cavendish) Level 4 Textbook, Workbook and Teacher's Guide

 

Students using My Pals are Here Level 4 should focus on units 1, 2, 5, and 8. Teachers may request students supplement in areas where this resource does not completely address standards. See correlations.

 

Biology

  • Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology (Apologia, Ch. 11)

Lesson 11 of Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology addresses the Grade 4 standard of humans sensing and responding to their environment. This resource is also recommended for the Grade 5 and 6 picks (a full description can be found here). If students do not have easy access to this textbook in Grade 4, they can complete Chapter 11 in Grade 5. 


Earth/Space

  • Earth, Sun, and Moon Unit Study Kit

Social Studies


  • Courage & Conquest by Northwoods Press

Bible/Christian Studies

  • Who Is God? And Can I Really Know Him? by David Webb and John Hay (Apologia)

Optional Resources

(not detailed below)

 

  • STEM Starters: Zip-Line Racers (ADST)
  • I Am Canada: Blood and Iron (English Language Arts, Social Studies)
  • Hudson's Bay Company Adventures (English Language Arts, Social Studies)
  • Canadian Handwriting D (English Language Arts)
  • Healthy Habits for Healthy Kids Gr. 3-4 (Health Education)
  • ScienceWiz Energy Kit (Science)
  • Discovering New France (Social Studies; use with Courage and Conquest)
  • Canada Map Book 3 (Social Studies)

Detailed Information for Grade 4 Curriculum Picks 

English Language Arts

OPTION A: Lightning Literature Gr 4 Student Workbook and Teacher's Guide with poetry book and readers

Type of Resource: Home Education Curriculum

Description: Lightning Literature is a language arts curriculum designed to instill a love of literature in students, expand their ability to read intelligently and deeply, and prepare them for more advanced language arts concepts. The key components of this series are literature, grammar and mechanics, and composition. The Teacher’s Guide contains the answers to the comprehension questions and the grammar pages, instructions for daily composition, a discussion guide for each book, and suggestions for additional activities. The Workbook and Guide can be purchased separately, in a set together, or in a pack with the readers. The author’s goal in writing this series is to “instill a love of great literature in children, expand their ability to read intelligently and deeply, improve their communication abilities, and prepare them for more advanced language arts concepts.” The three key components to this series are literature, grammar and mechanics, and composition. This year, students read a variety of great children’s literature, classic and modern. Two books written in verse encourage students to explore poetry in different ways than they may have previously. An inspiring nonfiction story of a boy’s quest in Africa to bring electric power to his home provides lessons on expository, descriptive, persuasive, and narrative writing. The consumable four-color Student Worktext contains comprehension questions, discussion questions, instruction on grammar (including sentence diagramming), workbook pages, and a reading journal. Workbook answers are in the Teacher’s Guide. The Workbook and Guide can be purchased separately, in a set together, or in a pack with the readers. You’ll need something else for teaching spelling, learning to read, and penmanship.

 

Website

Review

Samples: Teacher Intro, Teacher's Sample, Student Workbook Sample

Other Optional or Supplementary Resources: Worksheets

OPTION B: Language Lessons for a Living Education 4 with 101 Favorite Stories from the Bible; Sarah, Plain and Tall novel with Literature Kit (or alternate); Growing up in Wild Horse Canyon by Karen Autio with teacher's guide

Type of Resource: Workbook 

Description: This course utilizes a story-based approach, using Charlotte Mason's ideas for the modern homeschool student with character-building themes. Each quarter has five stories, two picture studies (one of which is biblically-based), and two poems (one of which is a psalm). Using the spelling words and the Dictionary Worksheets, the student will create their very own dictionary as they move week by week through the material. This course incorporates picture study, memorization, grammar and punctuation, spelling and vocabulary, observation, and application through creating their own stories through pictures, sentences, paragraphs, poems, psalms, and letters. This course also develops reading skills and gently develops narration skills.

 

Students will build on and reinforce essential communication skills as they achieve proficiency in grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and reading comprehension. Independent reading and mastery of effective sentences and paragraphs are at the heart of this course. Students will enjoy poem, hymn, and picture studies and faith-growing stories to inspire detailed and descriptive paragraphs. Activities include memorizing poems, Scripture, and the books of the Bible, creating a dictionary, gentle narration and copy work, and critical thinking games to hone and apply their writing and reading skills creatively.

Additional copy work, fun games, and activities are in the back for extra practice of key grammar concepts and spelling, making the course easily adaptable to meet the needs of each student. Writing stamina is built up gradually. By the end of the course, students should be able to comfortably write a four to five-sentence paragraph. 101 Favorite Stories from the Bible is a required resource for this program.

 

Website

Series Overview

Placement Guide

Review

Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

Table of Contents (under "Scope & Sequence")

PDF Samples

 

Sarah, Plain and Tall Novel with Literature Kit

Type of Resource: fiction novel and workbook

Description: Students begin by imagining the hardships of living as a pioneer on the American prairies. Answer true or false questions about Sarah's letter to Anna and Caleb. Complete sentences from the story with their missing vocabulary words. Do some investigation to learn about mica, something that Sarah says her dune sparkled with. Use events from the story to inspire a tercet poem. Students imagine interviewing Sarah about her experiences. The comprehension quiz works great as a study guide for a final exam. Written to Bloom's Taxonomy; additional crossword, word search, comprehension quiz and answer key are also included.

About the Novel: a story filled with wisdom, gentle humour and the practical concerns necessary for a satisfying life. This Newbery Medal-winning story is based on the true adventures of a family living on the vast prairie in the early years of the 20th century. The story begins when Anna and Caleb missing their mother who died, wish for another woman to make their father laugh again. Sarah responds to an ad, stating she will come by train, wearing a yellow bonnet and that she is plain and tall. And into their lives comes Sarah, with her own needful loneliness and searching to help them create a whole family. But life on the endless prairie can be hard and unforgiving, taking all a person's strength and courage just to survive.


Website

Free Bonus Worksheets

PDF Samples

 

Growing Up in Wild Horse Canyon by Karen Autio with Free Teacher's Guide

Type of Resource: nonfiction picture book

Description: explores Okanagan history by focusing on Wild Horse Canyon in Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park (south of Kelowna, BC) and its vicinity. This narrative nonfiction picture book, with illustrations by Loraine Kemp, includes natural and social history.

 

A hidden canyon in British Columbia's southern interior, a ponderosa pine tree sprouts. Seasons pass as the tree grows, witness to generations of human history in the Okanagan Valley, from First Nations quests to fur brigades, horse wrangling, secret wartime commando training, to the firestorm of 2003. Richly illuminated by maps, illustrations and historical images and informed by a timeline and historical notes, this fascinating book weaves First Nations history with European settlement and natural history. By following the thread of one tree growing in one sheltered and sacred space, award-winning author Karen Autio gently explores patterns of colonization that will resonate with readers all over North America. 

Note from Curriculum Consultant: This resource also addresses many standards in Grade 3 Social Studies, especially when the activities in the teacher guide are explored.

Website

Reviews

Teacher's Guide

Sample Pages (Amazon)

Growing Up In Wild Horse Canyon Sample on Sora

Mathematics

Option 1: Dynamic Classroom Math Grade 4 Workbook

Description: curriculum aligned for each Province.  Easy for students to get started due to the clear explanations with guided examples and step-by-step solutions. Students gain confidence by working through exercises that are structured for all ability levels.  Unit tests provide students and parents with feedback on topic mastery. Students and parents have access to video lessons that are directly connected to the book and provide that extra level of support to gain confidence and excel in math (video lessons are optional and cost extra).


Website 

Samples

Pricing

Video Bundle

Supplementary Resources: video lessons, free resources

Option 2: Jump Math New Canadian Edition Student 4.1 and 4.2 - Assessment & Practice (AP) Book 4 (Parts 1 and 2) 

Type of Resource: workbooks

Description:  in conjunction with the New Canadian Edition of JUMP Math's teacher resources, Student Assessment & Practice (AP) Book 4 is designed to cover the curriculum for Grade 4 mathematics, with units on:

  • Number Sense
  • Patterns and Algebra
  • Geometry
  • Measurement
  • Probability and Data Management

The New Canadian edition of AP Book 4 is printed in two parts, Book 4.1 and Book 4.2. In order to cover the full curriculum, students will need both parts. 

 

Note from Curriculum Consultant: The multi-modal approaches to solving math problems presented in this resource can be a benefit to some students, but other students may find this approach confusing and would be better served with a program that presents a consistent approach to solving problems


Website

On pages where there are multiple grade options, choose the correct grade from the dropdown menu.

Teacher Resource/Lesson Plans (free when you register online as a Teacher)

Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

Table of Contents (free when you register online as a Teacher)

Sample Pages (free when you register online as a  Parent)

  • Student AP Book 4.1
  • Student AP Book 4.2
  • Grade 4 Problem-Solving Lessons

Science

Biology, Chemistry, and Physics

My Pals are Here Science International 2nd Edition (Marshall Cavendish) Level 4 Textbook, Workbook and Teacher's Guide

Type of Resource: classroom curriculum

Description: My Pals are Here Science focuses on awareness, collaboration, and critical and inventive thinking using an inquiry-based approach. The program is for Grades 1-6 and is based on the principles of engagement, exploration, explanation, elaboration, and evaluation. Includes many engaging hands-on activities and caters to various learning styles.

Although this series was written for a classroom environment, it can be easily adapted for a home learning setting.

 

My Pals Are Here! 2nd Edition Gr K-6 Science Correlations to BC's Curriculum Standards

Biology

Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology (Apologia)

Lesson 11 addresses the Grade 4 standard of humans sensing and responding to their environment. This resource is also recommended for the Grade 5 and 6 picks (a full description can be found here)

Earth/Space

Earth, Sun, and Moon Unit Study Kit

Type of Resource: HCOS Unit Study Kit

 

Description: Expand your knowledge of the earth, sun, moon, and beyond! This unit will take your child’s knowledge of the earth and our solar system to a deeper level, while providing them with opportunities to conduct research and design their own experiments! You will investigate seasonal changes, view the moon, experience myths and legends, take a virtual field trip to the surface of the moon, discover nocturnal animals, write a psalm of praise, build your own solar oven, make a sundial, and much more! You will be able to read engaging books, watch fun and fantastic videos, play games, make crafts, and choose from dozens of projects to create the ultimate self-directed learning experience for your fourth grader. 


This kit is divided into sections based around driving questions. You will have the opportunity to choose your materials and projects in each section of the kit. The materials, projects, and activities contained in the kit have been carefully selected to address the big ideas, competencies, and content of BC's Modernized Curriculum.

 

Download the Unit Study Kit Guide

Borrow the Physical Kit

Social Studies

Courage and Conquest: Discovering Canadian History 7th Edition by Northwoods Press

Type of Resource: softcover student home education resource book

Description: a chronological study of Canadian History including all major events in the settlement of Canada to Confederation. Each lesson includes references to literature sure to captivate the student's interests. Text, reproducible work pages and timeline picture with each lesson. Includes exciting living text geared for upper elementary.  


Assignments with each lesson introduce the Six Historical Thinking Concepts for critical thinking. Colour timeline pictures complement each lesson. Historical fiction titles are listed for each topic, both in print and out of print for library users.  While this resource is most suitable for upper elementary, all ages can benefit. 


The following additional resources are recommended to deepen the quality of learning not essential to this independent guide.

  • Stowing Away with the Vikings - fiction
  • Gold Rush Fever: A Story of the Klondike, 1898 (fiction; out of print)
  • The Kids Book of Canadian History - highly recommended
  • The Kids Book of Canada's Railway - highly recommended
  • The Kids Book of Canadian Exploration - highly recommended
  • Discovering Canada Series by Robert Livesey and A. G. Smith (7 books in the series)

Website

Review

Digital Content: To collect digital content on a product you have purchased Login (or create a user account) and enter the code inside the front cover on the Redeem Code Field (original purchaser only).


A sample of this book can be seen in the photos on this page

Bible/Christian Studies

Who Is God? And Can I Really Know Him?

Type of Resource: Student Textbook

 

Description: introduces the concept of worldview while laying the foundational truths upon which a biblical Christian worldview is built. Our children are bombarded on a daily basis with competing messages. Every song, movie, book, TV show, blog, and game is full of ideas about truth, morality, beauty, identity, faith, and more. Not all of these ideas are true. Some are wrong, some are deceptive, and some are outright destructive. Young children must be equipped to discern among competing ideas and stand firm in the truth. Concepts covered include:

  • God is truth and He reveals His truth to people
  • He is the one true and almighty God; He is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
  • He created everything
  • We are God’s children and are made to love and to praise Him
  • God meets all of our needs
  • Sin separates us from God
  • Jesus is the only way to God

Note from Curriculum Consultant: this resource is most suitable for students in Grades 4-8 but could be used for children as young as 6 and as old as 14 in a multi-grade learning environment. This resource could be used for family devotions and discussions.

Website

Review

Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

Table of Contents and PDF Samples


Grade Five Curriculum Picks

Picks can be purchased from Anchor Academic (using your PO#) or from one of our comprehensive vendors. Other options, such as borrowing from the Learning Commons Search Portal or Sora virtual eBook library or purchasing from our Used Bookstore, may also be available.

Vendor websites are pick-and-choose, and some optional or alternate suggestions may be listed, so carefully select your items.

Overview Of Grade 5 Curriculum Picks

Here is an overview of the curriculum picks that we suggest for Grade 5. Please note that some subjects provide more than one option. For more information about the curriculum, please refer to the information under Detailed Information for Grade 5 Curriculum Picks.

English Language Arts


  • Rigorous Approach (Option 1): Lightning Literature Gr 5 Student Workbook and Teacher's Guide with poetry book and readers

OR

  • Lighter Approach (Option 2): Language Lessons for a Living Education 5 by Master Books with 101 Favorite Stories from the Bible; From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E Frankweiller by E.L. Konigsburg with Classroom Complete Press Literature Kit (or alternate); Sabotage by Karen Autio with activity guide OR No Time to Say Goodbye: by Sylvia Olsen with activity guide (pg. 29; cross-curricular w/social studies). A selection of Progeny Press novel studies are available if preferred.

Mathematics

    • Dynamic Math 5

    OR

    • Jump Math New Canadian Edition 5.1 and 5.2

    Science


     

    Biology

    • Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology by Jeannie Fulbright and Brooke Ryan, MD, lessons 1 - 8. (Lessons 9, 10, and 14 address grade six content standards; lesson 11 addresses grade four content standards)

    Chemistry

    • Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics Textbook by Jeannie Fulbright and Notebooking Journal - Chapter 5 

    Physics

    • Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics Textbook by Jeannie Fulbright and Notebooking Journal - Chapter 14

    Earth/Space

    • The Geology Book by John D Morris (Chapters 1 - 4) and Rocks and Geology ScienceWiz Kit by Penny Norman, Ph.D. (optional)

    Social Studies



    • Human Rights Unit Study Kit
    • BC Land and People by Bill MacDonald (Apple Press)
    • Canadian Government by Classroom Complete Press

    Bible/Christian Studies

    • Who Am I? And What Am I Doing Here? by John Hay (Apologia)

    Optional Resources

    (not detailed below)

     

    • STEM Starters: Balloon Cars by Teacher Created Resources (ADST)
    • Healthy Habits for Healthy Kids Gr. 5-6 by Tracie Heskett  (Health Education)
    • Sockeye Mother by Hetxw’ms Gyetxw Brett D. Huson (Science; to address First Peoples concepts of interconnectedness in the environment)
    • Above & Beyond with Communication by Robin Johnson  (Career Education)
      Detailed Information for Grade 5 Curriculum Picks 

      English Language Arts

      Lightning Literature Gr 5 Student Workbook and Teacher's Guide with poetry book and readers 

      Type of Resource: Home Education Curriculum

      Description: Lightning Literature is a language arts curriculum designed to instill a love of literature in students, expand their ability to read intelligently and deeply, and prepare them for more advanced language arts concepts. The key components of this series are literature, grammar and mechanics, and composition. The Teacher’s Guide contains the answers to the comprehension questions for all nine books, as well as four chapters on poetry and the grammar pages, instructions for daily composition, a discussion guide for each book, and suggestions for additional activities. The Workbook and Guide can be purchased separately, in a set together, or in a pack with the readers. The author’s goal in writing this series is to “instill a love of great literature in children, expand their ability to read intelligently and deeply, improve their communication abilities, and prepare them for more advanced language arts concepts.” The three key components of this series are literature, grammar and mechanics, and composition. This year, students read a variety of great children’s literature, classic and modern. Grade 5 Lighting Literature will continue the Lightning Literature method of teaching intelligent reading, composition, and grammar using great children’s literature. Students will be introduced to new authors, exciting stories, and different cultures and experiences. The consumable four-colour Student Worktext contains comprehension questions, discussion questions, instruction on grammar (including sentence diagramming), and workbook pages. Workbook answers are in the Teacher’s Guide. The workbook will ask questions on the reading, teach (and quiz on) grammar and mechanics, and introduce composition techniques. Each week, students will write something of their own to keep their composition muscles exercised and growing. The Workbook and Guide can be purchased separately, in a set together, or in a pack with the readers. You’ll need something else to teach spelling, learning to read, and penmanship.

       

      Website

      Review

      Samples: Teacher Intro, Teacher's Sample, Student Workbook Sample

      Other Optional or Supplementary Resources: Worksheets

       

      (Option 2): Language Lessons for a Living Education 5 by Master Books with 101 Favorite Stories from the Bible; From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E Frankweiller by E.L. Konigsburg with Classroom Complete Press Literature Kit (or alternate); Sabotage by Karen Autio OR No Time to Say Goodbye by Sylvia Olsen (cross-curricular w/social studies)

      Type of Resource: Workbook

       Description: students will build on and reinforce essential communication skills as they achieve proficiency in grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, spelling, and written communication. Independent reading and mastery of effective sentences and paragraphs are at the heart of this course.

      Students will enjoy poem, hymn, and picture studies, as well as faith-growing stories to inspire detailed and descriptive paragraphs while making real-world connections that enhance this fun and engaging story-based approach. Written with a Charlotte Mason influence but designed for modern homeschoolers, activities include book reports, Scripture, creating a dictionary, narration, and critical thinking games to hone and apply their writing and reading skills creatively.

      This course is a story-based approach, using Charlotte Mason's ideas for the modern homeschool student with character-building themes. Each quarter has five stories, two picture studies (one of which is biblically based), and two poems (one of which is a proverb). Using the spelling words and the Dictionary Worksheets, the student will create their own dictionary as they move through the material weekly. 

      This course incorporates picture study, memorization, grammar and punctuation, spelling and vocabulary, observation, and application through creating their own stories through pictures, sentences, paragraphs, poems, proverbs, and letters. This course also develops reading and narration skills. Writing stamina is built up gradually. By the end of the course, students should be able to comfortably write various types of paragraphs.

      Scope and sequence, daily course calendar, assessment charts, recommended reading list, spelling practice ideas, and grammar sheets are also included.

       

      Website

      Series Overview 

      Placement Guide

      Review

      Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

      Table of Contents (under "Scope & Sequence")

      PDF Samples

      From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E Frankweiler with Literature Kit by Classroom Complete Press (or alternate)

      Type of Resource: fiction novel and workbook

      Description: enhance instruction and allow for much deeper conversations to keep students engaged. Imagine who the character of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler will be and what role she will play in the story. Put the Kincaid children's actions in the correct order they occurred as they ran away. Find a simile in the book to describe how hungry the children are. Invent a character and write a letter similar to what Mrs. Frankweiler does at the beginning of the novel. Draw a map of the children's journey in the style of a plot pyramid. 


      About the Novel: From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler is a Newbery Medal-winning story about two young children who run away from home. Twelve-year-old Claudia and nine-year-old Jamie run away to New York using an old unused adult ticket for the train. The pair find themselves living in the famous Metropolitan Museum of Art by hiding in the bathrooms when the Museum closes. While there, they become interested in Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and her recent purchase of the marble statue of an angel on display at the Museum. They use the rest of their money to visit the woman in Connecticut. Their trip leads to them discovering the secret behind the angel statue.


      Note from Curriculum Consultant: Any novel can be chosen in place of this one. Other options for novels/novel studies can be found here.

      Sabotage by Karen Autio

       Type of Resource: novel, suitable for cross-curricular learning in Social Studies (internment camps) and Language Arts

      Description: It's 1915, and the Great War is raging in Europe. What does that have to do with Port Arthur, Ontario? Heaps, thinks John Maki. Sure, he's a prankster, but he's also a hard-working newsboy with a secret dream to be a reporter. So he keeps his eyes peeled, waiting for the big story. Sabotage is the final book of Karen Autio's trilogy about a Finnish family in early Thunder Bay. This story, told by both Saara and John, takes us into a real-life world of espionage, sabotage, and paranoia - right here in Canada!

       

      Student Activity Guide

      Website

      Sample Chapters 1 and 2

      Other Supplementary Resources: Clippings from the Port Arthur Daily News, The Note Book, Spies and Sabotage, Internment and Enemy Aliens, Vernon Internment Camp

       

      No Time to Say Goodbye: Children's Stories of Kupe Island Residential School

      Type of Resource: Historical Fiction

      Description: a fictional account of five children sent to an Indigenous boarding school, based on the recollections of a number of Tsartlip First Nations people. These unforgettable children are taken by government agents from Tsartlip Day School to live at Kuper Island Residential School. The five are isolated on the small island, and life is regimented by the strict school routine. They experience the pain of homesickness and confusion while trying to adjust to a world completely different from their own. Their lives are no longer organized by fishing, hunting and family but by bells, line-ups and chores. In spite of the harsh realities of the residential school, the children find adventure in escape, challenge in competition, and camaraderie with their fellow students. Sometimes sad, sometimes funny, always engrossing, No Time to Say Goodbye is a story that readers of all ages won’t soon forget.


      Note from Curriculum Consultant: this book addresses standards in Social Studies as well as English Language Arts. No Time to Say Goodbye is made up of a number of different stories. Not all of them are appropriate for Grade 5, and some refer to sensitive material. Parents should exercise their discretion in assigning stories.

      Website

      Other Optional or Supplementary Resources:

      FNESC Indian Residential Schools & Reconciliation Teacher Resource Guide, Gr. 5, pages 29 - 62

      Mathematics

      Option 1: Dynamic Classroom Math Grade 5 Workbook

      Description: curriculum aligned for each Province.  Easy for students to get started due to the clear explanations with guided examples and step-by-step solutions. Students gain confidence by working through exercises that are structured for all ability levels.  Unit tests provide students and parents with feedback on topic mastery. Students and parents have access to video lessons that are directly connected to the book and provide that extra level of support to gain confidence and excel in math (video lessons are optional and cost extra).


      Website 

      Samples

      Pricing

      Video Bundle

      Supplementary Resources: video lessons, free resources

      Option 2: Jump Math New Canadian Edition Student Assessment & Practice (AP) Book 5 (Parts 1 and 2) 
      Type of Resource: workbooks

      Description: in conjunction with the New Canadian Edition of JUMP Math's teacher resources, Student Assessment & Practice (AP) Book 5 is designed to cover the curriculum for Grade 5 mathematics, with units on:

      • Number Sense
      • Patterns and Algebra
      • Geometry
      • Measurement
      • Probability and Data Management

      NOTE: The New Canadian edition of AP Book 5 is printed in two parts, Book 5.1 and Book 5.2. In order to cover the full curriculum, students will need both parts. 

       

      Note from Curriculum Consultant: The multi-modal approaches to solving math problems presented in this resource can be a benefit to some students, but other students may find this approach confusing and would be better served with a program that presents a consistent approach to solving problems.

       Website

      Choose the correct grade from the dropdown menu on pages with multiple grade options.

      Teacher Resource/Lesson Plans (free when you register online as a Teacher)

      Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

      Table of Contents (free when you register online as a Teacher)

      Sample Pages (free when you register online as a  Parent)

      • Student AP Book 5.1
      • Student AP Book 5.2
      • Grade 5 Problem-Solving Lessons
      • Teacher Resource 5.1
      • Teacher Resource 5.2
      Science
      Biology
      Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology Textbook and Student Notebooking Journal Lessons 1 - 8

      Type of Resource: home education student textbook and student notebooking journal (like a workbook)

      Description: From the brain in your head to the nails on your toes, you and your students will encounter fascinating facts, engaging activities, intriguing experiments, and loads of fun as you learn about the human body and how to keep it working well. Beginning with a brief history of medicine and a peek into cells and DNA, your students will voyage through fourteen lessons covering many subjects, such as the body systems: skeletal, muscular, respiratory, digestive, cardiovascular, nervous and more! They’ll study nutrition and health, how God designed their immune system to protect them, embryology, and what makes them unique creations of God.

      As they work their way through the course, your students will enjoy adding the organs about which they learn to their own personalized human figure to be placed in their course notebook. In addition to all this exploration, your students will enjoy scientific experiments and projects, such as testing the bacteria content around the house, finding their blood type, creating a cell model from Jello and candy, and even building a stethoscope!

      In keeping with the other books in the Apologia elementary science Young Explorer Series, the Charlotte Mason methodology is employed with engaging narratives, narration prompts and notebooking projects, all of which reinforce their learning using proven techniques that strengthen retention.

       

      Website

      Review

      Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

      Table of Contents and PDF Samples:

      Additional Support:

      Chemistry and Physics 

      Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics Textbook by Jeannie Fulbright and Notebooking Journal 

      Chapter 5 addresses grade five chemistry standards; chapter 14 addresses grade five physics standards.

      This resource is recommended to address chemistry and physics standards for grades 3, 5, and 6. A full correlation between Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics and BC's Gr 1 - 6 science standards can be found here.

      Type of Resource: home education curriculum

       

      Description: Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics is part of Apologia’s award-winning Young Explorer Series and a curriculum specifically designed for elementary students. From the laws of motion to electricity and magnetism to the very building blocks of creation, this course is a God-honoring study about some of the most impactful scientific principles that are at work all around us. As your student works through this course, their scientific curiosity and confidence will explode as they engage with the vivid graphics, thought-provoking lessons, and hands-on experiments that will bring theory to life.

       

      Curriculum Overview

      We believe that your child’s education is at its best when their learning begins with curiosity. That’s why this course was designed for elementary students with no prerequisite. We use the practical concepts and things in their world to help them to learn and experience that science isn’t just a class–it’s a means for them to discover their world! 

      Apologia’s Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics course is written in a conversational tone, takes complex and abstract concepts, and makes them approachable for curious young minds. As your student engages with the lessons, projects, and experiments, they will better understand the fascinating world of chemistry and physics and the Master Designer who created it all. 


      Throughout this course, they’ll study and explore the basic building blocks of creation, atoms and molecules, simple chemicals, the laws of motion, energy in its many forms, as well as concepts of electricity and magnetism. Your student will get to put their learning to work as they have fun making a bouncy ball, developing a smoke bomb, building a solar oven, constructing a working periscope, fashioning a miniature motor, and creating a lava lamp! 


      Lesson Plans and Materials
      There are 14 lessons in this one-year chemistry and physics course.  Detailed lesson plans and a suggested daily schedule are included in the student notebooking journal (sold separately). This will set you and your student up for success as they work through the course while also providing flexibility to meet the needs of your student and your family.


      Packed with vivid photos and a variety of hands-on activities and experiments that bring chemistry and physics to life, the student textbook and provides engaging hands-on activities to help solidify the concepts learned. The hard-cover textbook and notebooking journals (sold separately) are recommended for your student to make the most of this course. 


      All of the activities and experiments use easy-to-obtain household items and truly make the lessons come alive!

      Website

      Preview and Table of Contents

      Resource Extras

      Earth/Space

      The Geology Book (Wonders of Creation)

      Note: only the first 4 of 8 chapters need to be completed to address content standards. This is not a very costly book.


      Type of Resource: Nonfiction 

      Description: rocks firmly anchored to the ground and rocks floating through space fascinate us. Jewellery, houses and roads are just some of the ways we use what has been made from geologic processes to advance civilization. Whether scrambling over a rocky beach or gazing at spectacular meteor showers, we can’t get enough of geology! The Geology Book will teach you: what really carved the Grand Canyon; how thick the earth’s crust is; why the earth is unique for life; the varied features of the earth’s surface—from plains to peaks; how sedimentary deposition occurs through water, wind and ice; effects of erosion; ways in which sediments become sedimentary rock; fossilization and the age of the dinosaurs; the powerful effects of volcanic activity; continental drift theory; radioisotopes and carbon dating; and geological processes of the past.

       Website

      Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

      ScienceWiz Rocks and Geology Book & Kit (Optional)

      Type of Resource: Science Kit with Book

      Description: This is the WEIGHTIEST ScienceWiz book sold, as it has lots of good-sized rock samples! Eruptive experiments are used to explore the active geology of planet Earth. Relate rocks to the history of the planet and connect the earth’s crust to real rocks through exciting eruptive experiments to foster comprehension.

      20 activities, which include:

      • Mold and slice open a model of the earth
      • Create a lava fountain to explore density
      • Spew your own volcano
      • Make your own pyroclastic eruptions
      • Discover which rocks will float and which will burn
      • Identify, break & display volcanic rocks
      • Sediment your own sedimentary rocks
      • Acid test rocks
      • Explore metamorphic rocks
      • Form fossils

      Website

      Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

      Social Studies

      Human Rights Unit Study Kit

      Type of Resource: HCOS Unit Study Kit

       

      Description: What are human rights, and why are they important? How can we protect human rights in Canada? How can we protect human rights around the world? What does the Bible have to say about human rights? You and your student will be investigating these and many other fascinating questions about human rights in this exciting unit! You will be able to investigate historical injustices, create your own treatise on human rights, design a brochure about children’s rights, play the Time Shuffle historical game, create a project on the history of Chinese Canadians, analyze the Japanese internment during World War II, engage with technology, tell stories with stop-motion animation, research and create a dynamic presentation, take a virtual tour of Ellis Island, make your own heritage fair project, learn about the sad history of Canadian Residential schools, and much more! You will be able to read engaging books, watch fun and fantastic videos, play games, make crafts, and choose from dozens of projects to create the ultimate self-directed learning experience for your fifth grader. This kit is divided into sections based around driving questions. You will have the opportunity to choose your materials and projects in each section of the kit. The materials, projects, and activities contained in the kit have been carefully selected to address the big ideas, competencies, and content of BC's Modernized Curriculum.

       

      Download the Unit Study Guide

      Borrow Physical Kit

      BC Land and People by Apple Press

      Type of Resource: Consumable Workbook


      Description: This reproducible activity book is about Canada's Pacific province. Topics include a cross-section of British Columbia, the Cordillera, climate, the Fraser River system, preserving a temperate rainforest and natural resources, Indigenous place names, a traditional winter lodge, the gold rush, fruit growing, copper mining, Pacific Rim National Park, the capital, Victoria and emblems of British Columbia.


      The self-directing activities are designed to help students acquire a knowledge of Canada's basic geography and social history. Numerous map activities are a part of the book, and map skills are developed, such as plotting a route, interpreting symbols, and using a scale to calculate distance. Pictures and charts are used to clarify and enhance the content. Activities such as crossword puzzles and quizzes are used for review. The answers to the activities and outline maps for the teacher or student use are included at the end of the book.

      Coming to Canada by Robert Livesy

      Type of Resource: student textbook

      Description: This textbook of 160 pages contains personal stories of 42 young people aged 8 to 25 who left their native countries to come to Canada. It describes their reasons for leaving, why they (or their parents) chose Canada, the problems that they encountered on the way here, the immediate culture shock when they arrived, their adjustment to their new environment, the problems and advantages that they discovered and their opinions of Canada today.

      Note from Curriculum Consultant: This resource could cross over into some English language arts standards as it includes hundreds of Topics for Discussion and Creative Challenges that will inform students about their new multicultural citizens and the advantages of living in Canada as seen by new Canadians.

      Website

      Canadian Government by Classroom Complete Press 

      Type of Resource: Workbook


      Description: travel back to Confederation to see how Canada became a new nation.  This resource breaks down the responsibilities and parts of the federal government. Recognize that Canada is a democracy and a constitutional monarchy, with the head of state being the King or Queen. Read the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms before writing your own Constitution for a new country. Create a presentation on one of the departments the federal government is responsible for, such as national defence or the post office. Understand that Canada is comprised of provinces and territories, and each has its own government under the federal system. Jump into the political process to elect the next Prime Minister and see how a majority of minority government affects his or her leadership. Written to Bloom's Taxonomy. Additional writing tasks, crosswords, word searches, comprehension quizzes, and answer keys are also included. Gr. 5-8; reading level Gr. 3-4.

       

      Video Overview

      Website

      PDF Samples (shown as photos on this site)

      Bible/Christian Studies

      Who Am I? And What Am I Doing Here? by David Webb and John Hay 

      Type of Resource: textbook

       

      Description: helps children understand what it means to be fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of the Most High God. Students will develop a healthy, biblical self-image based on the truths taught in this second book in the What We Believe Series.

      Students will develop a healthy, biblical self-image based on these truths:

      • God made me in His image and crowned me with glory
      • He has given me special gifts and a unique purpose in life
      • I can creatively express God’s love
      • I am meant to think about beautiful and praiseworthy things, especially God and His Word
      • I must make decisions based on God’s truth
      • I can always know the wise thing to do
      • I must cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in my life
      • I am a beloved child of God whose true identity is found in Christ.

      Website

      Review

      Table of Contents and Sample Pages

       

      Note from Curriculum Consultant: this resource is most suitable for Grades 4-8 students but could be used for children as young as 6 and as old as 14 in a multi-grade learning environment. This resource could be used for family devotions and discussions.

       


      Grade Six Curriculum Picks

      Picks can be purchased from Anchor Academic (using your PO#) or from one of our comprehensive vendors. Other options, such as borrowing from the Learning Commons Search Portal or Sora virtual eBook library or purchasing from our Used Bookstore, may also be available.

      Vendor websites are pick-and-choose, and some optional or alternate suggestions may be listed, so carefully select your items.

      Overview Of Grade 6 Curriculum Picks

      Here is an overview of the curriculum picks that we suggest for Grade 6. Please note that some subjects provide more than one option. For more information about the curriculum, please refer to the information under Detailed Information for Grade 6 Curriculum Picks.

      English Language Arts

       

      • Rigorous Approach (Option A): Lightning Literature Gr 6 Student Workbook and Teacher's Guide with poetry book and readers

      OR

      • Moderate Approach (Option B): Essentials in Writing 6 with Novel Studies

      OR

      • Lighter Approach (Option B): Language Lessons for a Living Education 6 by Master Books and The 10-Minute Bible Journey by Dale Mason with Novel Studies

      Mathematics

       

       

      • Dynamic Classroom Math 6

      OR

      • Jump Math New Canadian Edition 6.1 and 6.2

      Science

       

       

      Biology

      • Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology Textbook and Notebooking Journal by Jeannie Fulbright and Brooke Ryan, MD (Apologia) Lessons 9 - 14 

      Chemistry

      • Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics Textbook by Jeannie Fulbright and Notebooking Journal - Chapter 5 

      Physics

      • Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics Textbook by Jeannie Fulbright and Notebooking Journal - Chapter 6

      Earth/Space

      • Space and Extreme Environments Unit Study Kit (updated version; available fall 2024)

      Social Studies

       

       

      • Digital Literacy Mini Unit Study Kit
      • Economics and Globalization Unit Study Kit
      • Global Issues Unit Study Kit
      • Shifting Horizons: War and Its Impact Unit Study Kit
      • World Governments Unit Study Kit

      Bible/Christian Studies

      • Who Is My Neighbour? Textbook by David Webb, John Hay (Apologia)

      Optional Resources

      (not detailed below)

       

      • Egg Drop STEM Starters by Teacher Created Resources (ADST)
      • Above and Beyond with Critical Thinking and Problem Solving by Megan Kopp (Career Education)
      • Healthy Habits for Healthy Kids Grades 5+ by Teacher Created Resources (PE/Health Education

        Detailed Information for Grade 6 Curriculum Picks 

        English Language Arts

        OPTION A: Lightning Literature Gr 6 Student Workbook and Teacher's Guide with poetry book and readers
        Type of Resource: Home Education Curriculum

        Description: Lightning Literature is a language arts curriculum designed to instill a love of literature in students, expand their ability to read intelligently and deeply, and prepare them for more advanced language arts concepts. The key components of this series are literature, grammar and mechanics, and composition. The Teacher’s Guide contains the answers to the comprehension questions for all books covered in the Student Workbook, as well as four chapters on poetry and the grammar pages, instructions for daily composition, a discussion guide for each book, and suggestions for additional activities. The Workbook and Guide can be purchased separately, in a set together, or in a pack with the readers. You’ll need something else for teaching spelling and penmanship. The books are listed in the order they are read for the course in the description of the Student Workbook. The author’s goal in writing this series is to instill a love of great literature in children, expand their ability to read intelligently and deeply, improve their communication abilities, and prepare them for more advanced language arts concepts. The three key components of this series are literature, grammar and mechanics, and composition. Students read a variety of great children’s literature, classic and modern. Grade 6 Lighting Literature continues the Lightning Literature method of teaching intelligent reading, composition, and grammar using great children’s literature. Students are introduced to new authors, exciting stories, and different cultures and experiences. The consumable four-colour Student Worktext contains comprehension questions, discussion questions, instruction on grammar (including sentence diagramming), and workbook pages. Workbook answers are in the Teacher’s Guide. The workbook asks questions on the reading, teaches (and quizzes on) grammar and mechanics, and introduces composition techniques. Each week, students write something of their own to keep their composition muscles exercised and growing. The Workbook and Guide can be purchased separately, in a set together, or in a pack with the readers. You’ll need something else for teaching spelling and penmanship.

         

        WebsiteReview

        Samples: Teacher Intro, Teacher's Sample, Student Workbook Sample

        OPTION B: Essentials in Writing 6; Novel Studies

        Type of Resource: homeschool curriculum 

        Description: features a slow, systematic approach for students aged 11-12 who want to learn how to write well. The step-by-step approach allows students to focus on small, daily assignments so they don’t feel overwhelmed.

        • Includes access to ONLINE Student Book and Teacher Handbook
        • Includes lesson-by-lesson online video instruction for students 
        • includes 12-month online video lesson access with FREE renewals
        • Includes 100% free customer service and teacher support 
        • includes Alternative Instructional Strategies for Struggling StudentsAssessment/Resource Book providing quizzes and comprehensive unit tests available for add-on

        Website

        Video Lesson Sample

        Free Trial

        OPTION C: Language Lessons for a Living Education 6 by Master Books and The 10-Minute Bible Journey by Dale Mason; Novel Studies
        Type of Resource: workbook and supplementary book

        Description: students will focus on the essentials of written communication as they master and apply their skills to grammar, spelling, reading comprehension, and vocabulary expansion. Independent reading and writing proficiency are developed by consistently writing clear, effective sentences within dynamic paragraphs. In practising these skills, students will start to incorporate more creative challenges, such as figures of speech and descriptive writing.

         

        Students will also review and integrate the eight parts of speech, tricky words and verbs, parts of a story, poems, Bible genres, map studies, picture observation, and much more. With a large Teacher Aids section included, students are equipped to meet any writing challenge. Written with a Charlotte Mason influence but designed for modern homeschoolers, the course also includes a Scope and Sequence, daily course calendar, assessment charts, recommended reading list, spelling practice ideas, and grammar sheets.

         

        Website

        Series Overview

        Placement Guide

        Review

        Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

        Table of Contents (under "Scope & Sequence")

        PDF Samples

         

        Novel Studies

        Note from Curriculum Consultant: These novels have been selected as a cross-curricular resource to address Gr. 6 social studies content standards; however, alternate novels can be chosen instead.

        Number the Stars (or similar) novel with Literature Kit by Classroom Complete Press

        Type of Resource: novel with workbook

        Description: Experience the fear and danger of World War II as one girl risks her life to save her Jewish friend.

        High-quality, detailed questions and support materials go beyond the typical drill questions. Find proof from the text that shows Mama is determined and quick-thinking. Put events at the end of World War II in order that they happened in the novel. Find examples of foreshadowing in the story and explain what it may be hinting at. Match vocabulary words to their underlined synonyms in the sentences. Create questions for the game Jeopardy using information from the story. Conduct an interview with one of the characters from the book with questions and the character's response. Additional crosswords, word searches, comprehension quizzes, and answer keys are also included.

        About the Novel:
        A story of a ten-year-old girl, her family and their courageous journey to save the lives of their Jewish friends. During the darkest days of World War II, living in Copenhagen, ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen is caught up in these unfolding historical events when she learns that the life of her best friend, Ellen Rosen, is in danger. The Rosens go into hiding, and Annemarie's parents volunteer to take Ellen into their home until the voyage to Sweden, a safe country, can be arranged. Annemarie is thrust into several perilous adventures as she does the utmost to save the lives of the Rosens. Annemarie's courage and ingenuity are severely tested as she is forced to confront German soldiers intent on killing her friend.

        Website

        Video Overview

        Reviews (click the link, then scroll down on the left side)

        Other Optional or Supplementary Resources (free Number the Stars Bonus Worksheets) 

        PDF Samples (select sample page images on the left side)

         

        Underground to Canada by Barbara Smucker, novel with Literature Kit by Classroom Complete Press

        Type of Resource: novel with workbook

        Description: Understand the importance of freedom and what lengths people will go to achieve it. Our comprehensive resource saves time with useful and detailed activities in a range of styles, from vocabulary, multiple choice and short answer questions. Imagine what the story would be like if it was set today, and better understand the issues that would cause two girls to run away. Become familiar with Julilly and her family with true or false questions. Identify which character said the provided statements. Rewrite the story with a third child taken on the journey. Draw Julilly and Liza's journey on a map.

        About the Novel: A sensitive and dramatic story about a young girl's escape from slavery. Julilly is taken away from her mammy by a ruthless slave trader and is sold to the Riley Plantation. Sims oversees all the slaves and is very abusive toward them. If the slaves don't produce, obey rules or try to run away, he will whip them as punishment. She longs for the day when she and her friend Liza are free and can live in peace. Julilly meets a young Canadian ornithologist named Alexander Ross, who helps four slaves escape through the Underground Railroad north to Canada. Julilly, her friend Liza, Lester, and Adam travel following the North Star to freedom.

        Website (including samples, video overview and reviews)

        Bonus Materials

         

        In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson by Bette Bao Lord novel with Progeny Press Study Guide

        Type of Resource: novel with workbook

        Description: Formatted with your Upper Elementary grade student in mind, Progeny Press language arts study guides divide the book into writing assignments and lessons that build and strengthen their reading comprehension and vocabulary and establish their critical analysis and writing skills. Each Progeny Press novel study accomplishes all of this without busy work that can drain the fun out of reading and literature!

         

        • Vocabulary: Understand words used throughout the novel, utilizing a variety of activities to stimulate retention and growth.
        • Literary Techniques: Setting, context, point of view, similes, synonyms, drawing conclusions, conflict, resolution.
        • Moral Lessons and Character Values: Respect for elders, ambassadors for Christ, God is the one true God, friendship, our words, helping others, God values us, family, immigrants.
        • Activities and Writing Assignments: Mapwork, world religions, writing letters, Pledge of Allegiance, service project, education, crossword, heritage, art, journal, speech.

        Approximate Completion Time: 9-10 weeks

        About the Novel:
        In the year 1947, Shirley Temple Wong and her mother receive a letter from her father. He asks them to come and join him in New York City, where he has been working and preparing a home for them. New York is a long way from Chungking, China, but Shirley is excited that her family will be together again at last. Shirley has difficulty adjusting to life in a new country, with its new customs and languages. But then summer comes, bringing the miracle of baseball. Suddenly, Shirley is playing stickball and following superstar Jackie Robinson as he leads the Brooklyn Dodgers to victory after victory. Jackie Robinson proves that in America, the grandson of a slave can make a difference and be a hero! And for Shirley as well, the land of America becomes the land of opportunity. Poignant, touching, and often hilariously funny!

        Website

        Review

        Math

        Option 1: Dynamic Classroom Math Grade 6 Workbook

        Description: curriculum aligned for each Province.  Easy for students to get started due to the clear explanations with guided examples and step-by-step solutions. Students gain confidence by working through exercises that are structured for all ability levels.  Unit tests provide students and parents with feedback on topic mastery. Students and parents have access to video lessons that are directly connected to the book and provide that extra level of support to gain confidence and excel in math (video lessons are optional and cost extra).


        Website 

        Samples

        Pricing

        Video Bundle

        Supplementary Resources: video lessons

        Option 2: Jump Math New Canadian Edition 6.1 and 6.2 Student Assessment & Practice (AP) Book 6 (Parts 1 and 2) 
        Type of Resource: workbooks

        Description: in conjunction with the New Canadian Edition of JUMP Math's teacher resources, Student Assessment & Practice (AP) Book 6 is designed to cover the curriculum for Grade 6 mathematics, with units on:

        • Number Sense
        • Patterns and Algebra
        • Geometry
        • Measurement
        • Probability and Data Management

        NOTE: The New Canadian edition of AP Book 6 is printed in two parts, Book 6.1 and Book 6.2. In order to cover the full curriculum, students will need both parts. The Teacher's Resource is highly recommended and is free when you create an account at https://jumpmath.org/.

         

        Note from Curriculum Consultant: The multi-modal approaches to solving math problems presented in this resource can be a benefit to some students, but other students may find this approach confusing and would be better served with a program that presents a consistent approach to solving problems.

        Website

        On pages where there are multiple grade options, choose the correct grade from the dropdown menu.

        Teacher Resource/Lesson Plans (free when you register online as a Teacher)

        Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

        Table of Contents (free when you register online as a Teacher)

        Sample Pages (free when you register online as a teacher)

        • Teacher Resource 6.1
        • Teacher Resource 6.2
        • Student AP Book 6.1
        • Student AP Book 6.2
        • Grade 6 Problem-Solving Lessons

        Science 

        Biology

        Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology Textbook and Student Notebooking Journal Lessons 9 - 14

        Students in grade 6 should complete lessons 9 - 14, plus pages 80 - 81, which briefly addresses the excretory system. (Lessons 1-8 address Grade 5 content standards). 

         

        Type of Resource: home education student textbook and student notebooking journal (like a workbook)

         

        Description: From the brain in your head to the nails on your toes, you and your students will encounter fascinating facts, engaging activities, intriguing experiments, and loads of fun as you learn about the human body and how to keep it working well. Beginning with a brief history of medicine and a peek into cells and DNA, your students will voyage through fourteen lessons covering many subjects, such as the body systems: skeletal, muscular, respiratory, digestive, cardiovascular, nervous and more! They’ll study nutrition and health, how God designed their immune system to protect them, along with embryology and what makes them a unique creation of God.

        As they work their way through the course, your students will enjoy adding the organs about which they learn to their own personalized human figure to be placed in their course notebook. In addition to all this exploration, your students will enjoy scientific experiments and projects, such as testing the bacteria content around the house, finding their blood type, creating a cell model from Jello and candy, and even building a stethoscope!

        In keeping with the other books in the Apologia elementary science Young Explorer Series, the Charlotte Mason methodology is employed with engaging narratives, narration prompts and notebooking projects, all of which reinforce their learning using proven techniques that strengthen retention.

         

        Website

        Review

         

        Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

        Table of Contents and PDF Samples:

        Additional Support:

        Chemistry and Physics 

        Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics Textbook by Jeannie Fulbright and Notebooking Journal 

        Chapter 5 addresses grade six chemistry standards; chapter 6 addresses grade six physics standards.

        This resource is recommended to address chemistry and physics standards for grades 3, 5, and 6. A full correlation of Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics to BC's Gr 1 - 6 science standards can be found here.

        Type of Resource: home education curriculum

         

        Description: Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics is part of Apologia’s award-winning Young Explorer Series and a curriculum specifically designed for elementary students. From the laws of motion to electricity and magnetism to the very building blocks of creation, this course is a God-honoring study about some of the most impactful scientific principles that are at work all around us. As your student works through this course, their scientific curiosity and confidence will explode as they engage with the vivid graphics, thought-provoking lessons, and hands-on experiments that will bring theory to life.

         

        Curriculum Overview

        We believe that your child’s education is at their best when their learning begins with curiosity. That’s why this course was designed for elementary students with no prerequisite. We use the practical concepts and things in their world to help them to learn and experience that science isn’t just a class–it’s a means for them to discover their world! 

        Apologia’s Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics course is written in a conversational tone, and takes complex and abstract concepts and makes them approachable for curious young minds. As your student engages with the lessons, projects, and experiments, they will better understand the fascinating world of chemistry and physics, and the Master Designer who created it all. 


        Throughout this course, they’ll study and explore the basic building blocks of creation, atoms and molecules, simple chemicals, the laws of motion, energy in its many forms, as well as concepts of electricity and magnetism. Your student will get to put their learning to work as they have fun making a bouncy ball, developing a smoke bomb, building a solar oven, constructing a working periscope, fashioning a miniature motor, and creating a lava lamp! 


        Lesson Plans and Materials
        There are 14 lessons in this one-year chemistry and physics course.  Detailed lesson plans as well as a suggested daily schedule are included in the student notebooking journal (sold separately). This will set you and your student up for success as they work through the course, while also providing flexibility to meet the needs of your student and your family.


        Packed with vivid photos and a variety of hands-on activities and experiments that bring chemistry and physics to life, the student textbook and provides engaging hands-on activities to help solidify the concepts learned. The hard-cover textbook and notebooking journals (sold separately) are recommended for your student to make the most of this course. 


        All of the activities and experiments use easy-to-obtain household items and truly make the lessons come alive!

        Website

        Preview and Table of Contents

        Resource Extras

        Earth/Space

        Space and Extreme Environments Unit Study Kit
        Type of Resource: HCOS Unit Study Kit

        Description: Welcome to Space and Extreme Environments! This engaging unit study kit has been created to fully align with many of the Big Ideas, content strands, and competencies of the BC Sixth Grade Science Curriculum. It has been written directly for students, marking an exciting step forward in learning independence for many of our HCOS learners. Students will work through seven distinct sections: Engage, Explore, Explain, Apply, Share, Reflect, and Extend. Each section represents a "step" in the "stairs" of learning, guiding students through a comprehensive educational journey. Students will start by exploring important vocabulary and scientific terminology in their glossary. They will view images and begin thinking deeply about the themes of space and extreme environments, creating their own crash course introduction to each of the extreme environments they will explore. Throughout the kit, students will learn about:

        • The features of different extreme environments
        • The locations of extreme environments
        • How people explore and survive in extreme environments
        • Features of our solar system
        • The relationship between Earth and the rest of the solar system
        • Canadian exploration technologies
        • Indigenous perspectives on space and the solar system

        Download the Unit Study Kit Guide

        Borrow the Physical Kit

        Social Studies

        Digital Literacy Mini Unit Study Kit

        Type of Resource: HCOS Mini Unit Study Kit

         

        Description: In this mini-unit, students in grades 6-9 will learn about digital literacy, including media, social media, and research, while practicing new skills and discovering how to stay safe and think critically in a digital environment. Addresses Social Studies standards in Grade 6 and some Social Studies, Career, and ADST standards in grades 6-9.

         

        Download the Unit Study Guide

        Borrow the Physical Kit

        Global Issues Unit Study Kit

        Type of Resource: HCOS Unit Study Kit

         

        Description: Sixth grade is filled with fascinating opportunities to learn about the modern world. This kit focuses specifically on global issues such as poverty, food and water shortages, human rights, international cooperation, child labour, and more.The phrase “global issues,” may sound somewhat confusing, and that is because it is incredibly broad! Global issues are anything that impacts people and the earth in a significant way. When we say “global issues,” we are usually referring to challenging issues such as poverty, climate change, pollution, racism, slavery, and other similar challenges. In this unit, you will spend time exploring a variety of global issues. You will also complete an exploration of human rights.

         

        Download the Unit Study Guide

        Borrow the Physical Kit

        Economics and Globalization Unit Study Kit

        Type of Resource: HCOS Unit Study Kit

         

        Description: Economics and all of the different concepts associated with economics can be both fascinating and confusing. You may not be familiar with what we mean by economics, but don’t worry, in this unit you will become an expert! Much like government, economics impacts every aspect of our lives. Every day, the choices we make, the choices our family members make, and the choices our friends make are influenced by the economic situation in which we find ourselves. 

         

        Download the Unit Study Guide 

        Borrow the Physical Kit

        Shifting Horizons: War and Its Impact Unit Study Kit

        Type of Resource: HCOS Unit Study Kit

         

        Description: Coming soon

         

        Download the Unit Study Guide - Coming September 2024

        Borrow the Physical Kit - Coming September 2024

        World Governments Unit Study KitEconomy and Globalization by Classroom Complete Press

        Type of Resource: HCOS Unit Study Kit

         

        Description: This exciting deep dive into world governments is written to the student and designed to usher students into independent learning. Helpful features throughout the kit include a fully linked table of contents, a fully linked timetable, an interactive student presentation, and much more! The kit takes a humanities-based perspective to the study of world governments. Students will explore Social Studies/History, Bible, and Language Arts content. Engaging activities will help students build their understanding of world governments while applying their Communication, Critical Thinking, and Creative and Reflective Thinking skills. As students complete the kit, they will be able to create a crash course in government, play vocabulary matches, build mini-biographies for important historical figures, conduct research and argue for their perspective, dive deeply into books, analyze literature, create a presentation, learn how to craft a persuasive paragraph and become an Island Ruler as they design their own government.

         

        Download the Unit Study Guide 

        Borrow the Physical Kit

        Bible/Christian Studies

        Who Is My Neighbour? 

        Type of Resource: Home education curriculum 

         

        Description: Who Is My Neighbor? And Why Does He Need Me? helps students understand what it means to be salt and light to the world (Matthew 5:13-14). This study will encourage students to develop a Christlike servant attitude based on biblical truths taught in this third book in the What We Believe series. This book covers the following concepts,

        • God created me to be a blessing to the world
        • God chooses to work through me
        • I can make a difference at home, in my community, and at church
        • The church is God’s family
        • The church is one body with many gifts and I am an important member of Jesus’ body.

        Note From Curriculum Consultant: This resource works really well as a family devotional where discussion and open conversation are encouraged and fostered. The content is suitable for elementary grades through middle school, however, most Grade 7 students could work through this resource independently.

        Website

        Review

         

        Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

        Table of Contents and PDF Samples

        Additional Support

        Grade Seven Curriculum Picks

        Picks can be purchased from Anchor Academic (using your PO#) or from one of our comprehensive vendors. Other options, such as borrowing from the Learning Commons Search Portal or Sora virtual eBook library or purchasing from our Used Bookstore, may also be available.

        Vendor websites are pick-and-choose, and some optional or alternate suggestions may be listed, so carefully select your items.

        Overview Of Grade 7 Curriculum Picks

        Here is an overview of the curriculum picks that we suggest for Grade 7. Please note that some subjects provide more than one option. For more information about the curriculum, please refer to the information under Detailed Information for Grade 7 Curriculum Picks.

        English Language Arts

        • Option A (integrated literature focus with composition): Lightning Literature Gr 7 Student Workbook, Student Guide and Teacher's Guide with novels and poetry reader (The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, All Creatures Great and Small, The Story of My Life (Helen Keller), and Stories and Poems for Extremely Intelligent Children).
        OR
        • Option B: Essentials in Writing 7; Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare with Progeny Press Study Guide; The Golden Goblet by Eloise Jarvis McGraw with Progeny Press Study Guide (or alternate); another novel and novel study or stories as per interest/goals of the student.
        OR
        • Option C (lighter option): Writing Strands by Master Books Intermediate 1 (or level as per placement test results); Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare; The Golden Goblet by Eloise Jarvis McGraw; Mara, Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Jarvis McGraw; and/or other novels/stories as assigned by parent/teacher. 

        Mathematics


        • Dynamic Classroom BC Grade 7

        OR

        • Singapore Dimensions Math 6A and 6B Textbooks and Teacher's Guides

        Science


        • StudyForge Individualized Science Subscription


        Social Studies


        • Ancient Civilizations and the Bible Essentials Pack by Diana Waring

        Bible/Christian Studies

        • What on Earth Can I Do? by David Webb and John Hay Textbook (Apologia)

        Optional Resources

        (not detailed below)

         

        • The Bottom Line: Money Basics by Diane Dakers (Math/Financial Literacy)
        • Paper Circuits STEM Starters by Teacher Created Resources (ADST)
        • Above and Beyond with Creativity and Innovation by Robin Johnson (Career)
        • ACSI's Total Health: Talking About Life's Changes - Student Textbook and Workbook (PE/Health)
        • The Archaeology Book by David Down (to address Socials content area, "Geographic conditions shaped the emergence of civilizations".)

        Detailed Information for Grade 7 Curriculum Picks 

        Note from Curriculum Consultant: In the middle school years (grades 7 - 9), academic standards begin to increase in preparation for high school. Teachers/parents/students may also notice that the resources begin to shift towards more independent student work and that the role of the parent may begin to shift to more of a coach/facilitator. This is a healthy and necessary shift that is not without its challenges. One way I have tried to mitigate the challenges is to recommend resources in the same series for these grades so that students can gain a level of confidence with them over time. It is reasonable to expect that grade seven could be a bit of a learning curve for families as they navigate increasing expectations.

        English Language Arts

        Option A: Lightning Literature Gr 7 Student Workbook, Student Guide and Teacher's Guide with poetry book and readers

        Type of Resource: Home Education Curriculum
        Description:
        Lightning Literature is a language arts curriculum designed to instill a love of literature in students, expand their ability to read intelligently and deeply, and prepare them for more advanced language arts concepts. The key components of this series are literature, grammar and mechanics, and composition.
        Novels: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, All Creatures Great and Small, The Story of My Life (Helen Keller).

        Poetry Reader:
        Stories and Poems for Extremely Intelligent Children.
        The Workbook
        gives students a chance to practice the skills and concepts learned in the lessons, along with composition skills (writing from note cards, rewriting in your own words, etc.), thinking skills (e.g., differentiating fact from opinion, identifying bias), and grammar review (e.g., capitalization, pronouns and antecedents). There are also optional puzzles and extra “Challenge” workbook pages.
        The Student Guide
        consists of lessons on the plot line, increasing your creativity, autobiography, the character sketch, dialogue, basic terms and rhyme in poetry, sound in poetry, nonce words, brainstorming, outlining, choosing a topic, writing a good opening, and instruction on four poetic forms (limerick, haiku, cinquain, and list poem). Each lesson contains a brief biographical introduction, vocabulary, comprehension questions, the literary lesson and mini-lesson, and writing exercises. The workpages allow students to practice the skills and concepts learned in the lessons. Book-length works are sold separately and in a pack with the guides and workbook. The Teacher’s Guide (see Related items below) includes the answers to comprehension questions and the workbook pages, a teaching schedule, extra teaching help for the lessons, help choosing appropriate writing exercises, and discussion questions.
        The Teacher’s Guide
        includes an explanation of the course’s philosophy, a weekly lesson planner, answers to the comprehension questions and the workbook pages, additional teaching suggestions for the lessons, and additional information on the writing exercises.

        Website

        Lightning Literature Grade 7 Scope and Sequence
        Review
        Samples: Teacher Guide Sample, Student Guide Sample, Student Workbook Sample

        Option B: Essentials in Writing 7; Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare with Progeny Press Study Guide; The Golden Goblet by Eloise Jarvis McGraw with Progeny Press Study Guide (or alternate); another novel and novel study or stories as per interest/goals of the student.

        Type of Resource: Homes education curriculum

        Description: a homeschool writing curriculum that teaches middle school students proper grammar, how to properly write meaningful sentences, and implement mechanics. Students learn to use the writing process for narrative/descriptive/expository/ persuasive writing, how to use effective writing techniques, and much more. The step-by-step approach allows students to focus on small, daily assignments, so they don’t feel overwhelmed. Level 7 includes a textbook/workbook and contains a video component.

        Lesson-by-lesson video instruction is provided via streaming or DVD. These lessons are essential to the program and must be used in conjunction with the textbook/workbook combo book. Note that additional workbooks may be purchased if there are additional students in the family taking the course.

        Website

        Placement Test (Level Wizard)

        Review

        Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

        Sample Video Lesson

        Table of Contents and PDF Sample

        Free Trial

        Option C: Writing Strands by Master Books Intermediate 1 (or level as per placement test results), with reading assigned by the teacher/parent according to the goals/interests of the student.

        Type of Resource: Workbook

        Description: Writing Strands Intermediate 1 will help your junior high/high school student learn about effective paragraphs, descriptive writing, narrative voice, and tense usage, as well as how to analyze plots in literature. It explores the art of writing effectively—and creatively! In this comprehensive course, students will discover how to structure a story, utilize topic sentences, organize information, craft written descriptions, explore voice and character position, and more.

        This is a hybrid course that combines reading and writing into one course. Worksheets add structure to reading assignments chosen by the teacher/parent. Students will rotate writing and reading assignments each week—thus also learning to write through literature because good readers make good writers! Additionally, the Bible is used as the literature base for teaching how narrative voice can be used to form captivating pieces of literature.

        Note from Curriculum Consultant: This resource alternates weekly between writing assignments and reading assignments. The teacher/parent is asked to assign a different book for every other week's reading lesson. Writing Strands Overview Video & Teaching Companion

        Novels

        Note from Curriculum Consultant: These novels are suggestions only and are cross-curricular historical fiction selections set in ancient history (the time period of study in Social Studies for grade 7 students). Alternate options are available at Progeny PressTotal Language Plus, or Classroom Complete Press.

        Novel #1: Bronze Bow and Progeny Press Study Guide

        Type of Resource: Novel and workbook

        Description: Angry and vengeful at the death of his parents, Daniel bar Jamin joins an outlaw Zealot band pledging to all he can to rid the land of the hated Romans. Daniel meets Joel and Malthace, two young people with a similar desire to see their land free of the Romans. The three of them make a pact to fight together for God's victory. 

        Then Daniel learns his grandmother has died and finds he must leave the mountain to care for his sister, Leah. He is torn between the responsibility he feels toward his sister and his hatred against the Romans. To support himself and his sister, Daniel takes over a blacksmith shop belonging to his friend, Simon, who has left town to follow a travelling teacher named Jesus.

        Daniel begins to wonder if Jesus is the leader they have all been hoping for, the one who will lead them against the Romans. But Jesus is teaching a very different message from the one Daniel wants to hear.

        Website

        Review

        Table of Contents and PDF Sample Pages

         

        Novel #2: The Golden Goblet with Progeny Press Study Guide

        Type of Resource: Novel and workbook

        Description: Ranofer dreams of following in his father's footsteps as a goldsmith, but when he is suddenly orphaned, he struggles under the abusive control of a half-brother. When he stumbles across tomb robbers, Ranofer is swept into danger, mystery, and intrigue, but he never loses sight of his dream. This exciting coming-of-age mystery brings Ancient Egypt to life.

        Website

        Review

        Table of Contents and PDF Sample Pages

         

        Novel #3: Mara, Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Jarvis McGraw

        Type of Resource: Novel

        Description: This compelling story of adventure, romance, and intrigue, set in ancient Egypt, was written by the three-time Newbery Honor and Edgar Award winning author Eloise Jarvis McGraw.

        Mara is a proud and beautiful slave girl who yearns for freedom in ancient Egypt under the rule of Queen Hatshepsut. Mara is not like other slaves; she can read and write, as well as speak the language of Babylonian. So, to barter for her freedom, she finds herself playing the dangerous role of double spy for two arch enemies—each of whom supports a contender for the throne of Egypt.

        Against her will, Mara finds herself falling in love with one of her masters, the noble Sheftu, and she starts to believe in his plans of restoring Thutmose III to the throne. But just when Mara is ready to offer Sheftu her help and her heart, her duplicity is discovered, and a battle ensues in which both Mara’s life and the fate of Egypt are at stake.

         

        Math

        Select one of the following math programs (A or B) below

        Jump Math has not been included as a "Pick" in the middle school grades because the workbooks themselves often do not provide sufficient instruction for most students to adequately learn new and increasingly more difficult concepts. Families who have had good success with this program may wish to continue, however.

        Option A: Dynamic Classroom BC Grade 7

        Type of Resource: Workbook

        Description: aligned to BC's curriculum

        • Detailed explanations of every topic with step-by-step guided examples with solutions. 
        • A series of problems for the student to practice the concept they just learned. Questions start out easy and gradually increase in difficulty. Challenging questions are provided for those students that really want to push themselves.
        • Practice tests for each chapter/unit in the book. 
        • An answer key for all questions in the book. 
        • Students can get extra support through the website that provides additional worksheets and a limited selection of video lessons when you create an online account.
        • A complete set of video lessons (a paid service) where you can watch a math teacher while they explain a concept and then walk you through some examples. 

        Website

        Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

        Table of Contents and PDF Sample Pages

        Option B: Singapore Dimensions Math 6A and 6B Textbooks and Teacher's Guides

        Type of Resource: Home education/classroom curriculum

        Description: The program emphasizes problem-solving and empowers students to think mathematically, both inside and outside the classroom. Pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, data analysis, probability, and some advanced math topics are included in this rigorous series. The series follows the principles outlined in the Singapore mathematics framework, including the Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract (CPA) Approach, bar modelling, and more. In the Dimensions Math program, concepts are introduced and explained in a new format with vibrant imagery, all with the progression and scope that has defined Singapore math.

        Components

        • Textbooks build on prior knowledge and develop familiar concepts in an accessible way.
        • Workbooks offer independent practice while maintaining the careful progression of exercise variation.
        • Teacher’s Guides provide teaching suggestions and important information for educators to help students achieve math mastery.
        • Workbook Solutions contain fully worked solutions for problems in workbooks.

        Components Samples

        Notes from Curriculum Consultant: This US-based resource is advanced for BC standards, and books 6 - 8A align reasonably well (although not entirely) with BC's curriculum for grades 7 - 9. There are sufficient exercises in the textbook for many students, and so the workbook may not be necessary (and may even be frustrating) for students who learn quickly. For students who require repetition and extra practice, the workbook (and workbook solutions) are recommended. Even though this resource does not completely align with BC's curriculum, it was chosen for its proven approach which has been a favourite with home educators for years. It is a rigorous program that generally works best for students who have developed an aptitude for math. Those looking towards using this program to prepare for the BC grad course, Foundations and Math and Pre-Calculus 10 should be aware that levels 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B and 8A should be sufficient preparation. That is 5 books over 3 years, and so in terms of pacing, one would be looking at completing approximately 1 and 2/3 books per year, allowing for a slightly less rigorous pace than 2 books per year.

        Website

        Review

        Scope and Sequence

        Brochure

        Science

        If you prefer to use print resources, see this spreadsheet for correlations.

        StudyForge Individualized Science Subscription

        See this page for the most up-to-date information.

        Social Studies

        Ancient Civilizations and the Bible Essentials Pack

        Type of Resource: Home education curriculum 

        Key Features:

        • Presents many opportunities for students of all learning styles to thrive
        • Develops critical thinking skills in a Charlotte Mason style Unit Study approach
        • Different levels of projects and books allow multiple ages to learn together … Grades 5-12 with main curriculum and kindergarten to grade 4 with the Elementary Activity Book
        • Learn history from a Bible-centered approach
        • History Revealed integrates events and people of the Bible with the study of ancient civilizations from Creation to Jesus
        • Give high school credit for history plus possible credit for geography, creative writing, research writing, music appreciation, art appreciation, world literature, and more! (Possible credit based on hours spent and work completed in the subject area.)

        The Essentials Pack includes:  Teacher Guide, Student Manual, What in the World Volume 1 CD Set, Test Kit, Rubric Set, Quick-Start Guide and Basic Lesson Plan

        Note from Curriculum Consultant: Assignments could possibly be applied for credit in English Language Arts, and Arts Education as well, depending on which activities students choose. This resource may seem daunting at first, but many of the assignments are pick and choose, and students can select activities that are appealing to them. I recommend listening to a sample of the audio lessons online here, as this makes up a large portion of the teaching.

        Website

        Review

        Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

        PDF Samples

        Additional Support: Video Introduction (highly recommended)

        Bible/Christian Studies

        What on Earth Can I Do? 

        Type of Resource: Home education curriculum 

         

        Description: What On Earth Can I Do?, the fourth book in the award-winning What We Believe series, helps students understand what it means to be a “good and faithful servant” of God (Matthew 25:23) and to be stewards of all the blessings we have from God. It will help them choose to put God first in every area of their lives based on biblical truths taught in this study of stewardship. This study will help them choose to put God first in every area of their lives based on these biblical truths:

        • God owns all things because He created and sustains all things
        • He has entrusted me with certain gifts and wants me to use these gifts for His glory
        • I honour God by using my money and possessions wisely
        • I glorify Him by investing my time and talents wisely
        • My body is not my own but has been bought at a price
        • God expects me to care for His creation
        • God will reward me for my faithfulness

        Note From Curriculum Consultant: This resource works really well as a family devotional where discussion and open conversation are encouraged and fostered. The content is suitable for elementary grades through middle school, however, most Grade 8 students could work through this resource independently.

        Website

        Review

         

        Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

        Table of Contents and PDF Samples

        Additional Support


        Grade Eight Curriculum Picks

        Picks can be purchased from Anchor Academic (using your PO#) or from one of our comprehensive vendors. Other options, such as borrowing from the Learning Commons Search Portal or Sora virtual eBook library or purchasing from our Used Bookstore, may also be available.

        Vendor websites are pick-and-choose and some optional or alternate suggestions may be listed, so select your items with care.

        Overview Of Grade 8 Curriculum Picks

        Here is an overview of the curriculum picks that we suggest for Grade 8. Please note that some subjects provide more than one option. For more information about the curriculum, please refer to the information under Detailed Information for Grade 8 Curriculum Picks.

        English Language Arts


        • Option A (integrated literature focus with composition): Lightning Literature Level Storm Student Workbooks and Teacher's Guide with The Rainy Day Reader, Elijah of  Buxton, Prairie Lotus, All Creatures Great and Small, The Hobbit, A Day of Pleasure, and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

        OR

        • Option B: Essentials in Writing 8 with novels studies (as follows or alternate novels/stories): Crispin: The Cross of Lead with Classroom Complete Press Literature Kit, Progeny Press Study, or Total Language Plus Focus Guide; Trumpeter of Krakow with Total Language Plus Study Guide; The Door in the Wall with Progeny Press Study Guide or Total Language Plus Focus Guide.

        OR

        • Option C (lighter option): Writing Strands by Master Books Intermediate 2 (or level as per placement test results); novels: Trumpeter of Krakow; Crispin: The Cross of Lead; Door in the Wall; Anna of Byzantium and/or other novels or stories as assigned by parent/teacher.

        Mathematics


         

        • Dynamic Classroom BC Grade 8

        OR

        • Theory and Problems for Mathematics 8 - Third Edition by Crescent Beach Publishing 

        OR

        • Singapore Dimensions Math 7A and 7B Textbooks and Teacher's Guides

        Science

         

        • BC Science Connections 8 textbook and workbook (biology, chemistry, physics, and earth/space combined in one resource)

        OR ALL of the following: 

         

        Biology

        • Apologia Exploring Creation with General Science (Modules 10, 11)

        • The Genesis of Germs (Master Books) by Allen L Gillen

        Chemistry

        • Apologia Exploring Creation with Physical Science (Module 3)

        Physics

        • Apologia Exploring Creation with Physical Science (Module 10)

        Earth Science

        • Apologia Exploring Creation with General Science (Module 6) OR Apologia Exploring Creation with Physical Science (Module 12) Both cover the same content in regard to Earth’s crust. 

        • What Is the Theory of Plate Tectonics? by Craig Saunders

        Social Studies

        • Romans, Reformers, Revolutionaries Essentials Pack by Diana Waring

        Bible/Christian Studies

        • Foundations in Faith (Set by MasterBooks)

        Optional Resources

        (not detailed below)

         

        • Hydraulics STEM Starters by Teacher Created Resources (ADST)
        • Find Your Fit Book, and Find Your Fit Discovery Workbook 2018 Edition by Kevin Johnson (Career Education)
        • Making Smart Financial Choices by Diane Dakers (Mathematics)
        • ACSI's Total Health: Talking About Life's Changes by Susan Boe Student Textbook and Workbook (Health)

        Detailed Information for Grade 8 Curriculum Picks 

        English Language Arts

        Option A: Lightning Literature Level Storm Student Workbooks and Teacher's Guide With Readers 

        Type of Resource: Home Education Curriculum

        Description: Rooted in our commitment to excellence, this revamped edition harmonizes with the design and approach of our elementary levels, ensuring a consistent and progressive learning experience for your young literary enthusiasts. Dive deep into a curriculum meticulously designed to span 36 weeks. Our comprehensive Teacher’s Guide covers the entire academic year, ensuring a seamless teaching experience. For students, we’ve made the learning journey more digestible by splitting the workbook into two separate books, each tailored for an 18-week semester.
        Readers: The Rainy Day Reader, Elijah of  Buxton, Prairie Lotus, All Creatures Great and Small, The Hobbit, A Day of Pleasure, and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
        Teacher’s Guide: Navigate Level Storm of Lightning Literature with ease using our comprehensive Teacher’s Guide. Expertly designed to cover a full 36-week academic year, this guide offers instructors clear, step-by-step instructions and insights to enrich the teaching experience. Seamlessly bridging classic literature with contemporary learning techniques, it’s the indispensable companion for educators seeking to provide students with a transformative literary journey. Equip yourself with the best to unlock your student’s potential.
        Student Guides: Each of these two guides is carefully tailored for an 18-week journey; this workbook dives into a diverse selection of literature and enhances students’ comprehension, critical thinking, and writing skills. 

         

        Website

        Samples: Teacher' Guide, Student Workbook 1 Sample, Student Workbook 2 Sample

         

        Option B: Essentials in Writing 8 with novels studies

        (as follows or alternates): Trumpeter of Krakow with Total Language Plus Study Guide; Crispin: The Cross of Lead with Progeny Press Study Guide or Total Language Plus Focus Guide; Door in the Wall with Progeny Press Study Guide or Total Language Plus Focus Guide; another novel and novel study as per interests/goals of the student

        Type of Resource: Homes education curriculum

        Description: EIW Level 8 is a homeschool writing curriculum that teaches middle school students ages 13 to 14 how to write meaningful sentences, proper grammar, and sentence mechanics as well as the writing process for narrative/descriptive/expository/ persuasive writing. Instruction on effective writing techniques and much more are included as well. The step-by-step approach allows students to focus on small, daily assignments, so they don’t feel overwhelmed. Level 8 includes a textbook/workbook and contains a video lesson component.

        Lesson-by-lesson video instruction is provided via streaming or DVD. These lessons are essential to the program and must be used in conjunction with the textbook/workbook combo book. Note that additional workbooks may be purchased if there are additional students in the family taking the course.


        Website

        Placement Test (Level Wizard)

        Review

        Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

        Sample Video Lesson

        Table of Contents and PDF Sample

        Free Trial

        Option C: Writing Strands by Master Books Intermediate 2 (or level as per placement test results)

        Novels: Trumpeter of Krakow; Crispin: The Cross of Lead; Door in the Wall; Anna of Byzantium and/or other novels or stories assigned by parent/teacher.

        Type of Resource: Home education workbook

        Description: Writing Strands Intermediate 2 will help your junior high student study writing string arguments, dialogue, papers, and letters, as well as literary elements like theme, genre, point of view, and tone. This language arts curriculum is ideal for a 6-9 grade level. In this comprehensive course, students will discover how narrative voice and attitude influence the reader, the elements of an effective written argument, explore character voice and dialogue, and so much more!

        This resource takes a comprehensive approach to language arts, teaching students how to construct effective paragraphs, write persuasively and explore narrative voice while also developing the student's reading, writing, and speaking skills. Students will learn how to read and evaluate literature, practice spelling, analyze worldview, and write a story.

        Students will rotate writing and reading assignments each week—thus also learning to write through literature because good readers make good writers! Additionally, the Bible is used as the literature base for teaching how narrative voice and attitude can be used to form captivating pieces of literature.

        Note from Curriculum Consultant: This resource alternates weekly between writing assignments and reading assignments. The teacher/parent is asked to assign a different book for every other week's reading lesson. 

        Website

        Writing Strands Overview Video

        Placement Tests

        Review

        Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

        Table of Contents and PDF Sample Pages

        Scope and Sequence

        Novels

        Note from Curriculum Consultant: Alternate novels can be chosen. The ones below are cross-curricular historical fiction selections set in the Middle Ages (a period of study in Social Studies for grade 8 students). Alternate options can be found at Progeny Press, Total Language Plus, or Classroom Complete Press

        Novel #1: Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi and Novel Study Guide by Classroom Complete Press

        Note from Curriculum Consultant: Progeny Press and Total Language Plus also have guides for this novel as alternatives.

        Type of Resource: novel and workbook

        Description: This all-in-one resource provides everything needed for student comprehension, including vocabulary and writing prompts with each chapter. Determine whether Crispin would support the viewpoint, "cruelty is contagious in uncivilized communities". Brainstorm possible inscriptions on Crispin's cross that would cause Bear's reaction. Investigate the trade of a tinker as it would appear during the time of the novel. Consider the battle between Bear and John Aycliffe from a different perspective, then complete a chart. Aligned to your State Standards and written to Bloom's Taxonomy, additional crossword, word search, comprehension quiz and answer key are also included.

        About the Novel: Crispin: The Cross of Lead is the Newbery Medal-winning story of a young boy hiding from the law. Set in 14th Century England, a young boy—only known as Crispin—finds himself on the run from Lord Furnival and his evil steward, John Aycliffe. When Crispin overhears the private conversation of Aycliffe and another man in the forest, he becomes the object of a massive hunt. Crispin then flees from the area after his only allies—his mother and Father Quinel—are dead. Crispin soon meets up with Bear—a travelling entertainer—who trains him in the arts of the mummer. However, Bear is not what he seems, and Crispin is thrown into a life full of dangerous adventures that lead to a dramatic ending, where the secret of Crispin’s heritage is revealed.


        Website 

        Video Overview

        Reviews (scroll down on left side)

        Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

        PDF Samples (select sample page images on the left side) 

         

        Novel #2 Trumpeter of Krakow by Eric P. Kelly and Total Language Plus Study Guide

        Type of Resource: novel with optional Total Language Plus Study Guide
        About the Novel:
        Joseph and his family gave their word to protect the Great Tarnov Crystal, but can they survive the violent, superstitious inhabitants of the city of Krakow?
        Website

        Video Overview
        Teacher's Manual
        How Novel Studies Work

         

        Novel #3 The Door in the Wall by Marguerite de Angeli and Total Language Plus Focus Guide

        About the Novel: Now that Robin’s legs are useless, he will never serve the king as a knight like his father planned. But Brother Luke says, “Thou hast only to follow the wall far enough, and there will be a door in it.” Will Robin be a disappointment to his father, or can he find his “door”?
        Type of Resource: novel with optional Total Language Plus Focus Guide
        Description: 
        Focus Guides center on specific character traits and/or writing skills. Some use extensive scripture. All take approximately three weeks to complete. The lessons do not include vocabulary or spelling worksheets; neither do they list optional activities such as field trips or hands-on suggestions found in our regular study guides. The listed titles are not available as study guides; these are Focus Guides only. An * by the writing description indicates the guide includes detailed writing instruction.

        Website
        Instructional Video for Focus Guides

        Novel #4 Anna of Byzantium Novel (or alternate)

        Type of Resource: Novel

        Description: Anna Comnena has every reason to feel entitled. She's a princess, her father's firstborn and his chosen successor. Someday she expects to sit on the throne and rule the vast Byzantine Empire. So the birth of a baby brother doesn't perturb her. Nor do the "barbarians" from foreign lands, who think only a son should ascend to power. Anna is as dismissive of them as are her father and his most trusted adviser--his mother, a manipulative woman with whom Anna studies the art of diplomacy. Anna relishes her lessons, proving adept at checkmating opponents in swift moves of mental chess. But as she matures into a young woman, her arrogance and intelligence threaten her grandmother. Anna will be no one's puppet. Almost overnight, Anna sees her dreams of power wrenched from her and bestowed on her little brother. Bitter at the betrayal, Anna waits to avenge herself, and to seize what is rightfully hers.

        Math

        Select one of the following math programs (A or B or C) below

        Option A: Dynamic Classroom BC Grade 8

        Type of Resource: Workbook

        Description: aligned to BC's curriculum

        • Detailed explanations of every topic with step-by-step guided examples with solutions. 
        • A series of problems for the student to practice the concept they just learned. Questions start out easy and gradually increase in difficulty. Challenging questions are provided for those students that really want to push themselves.
        • Practice tests for each chapter/unit in the book. 
        • An answer key for all questions in the book. 
        • Students can get extra support through the website that provides additional worksheets and a limited selection of video lessons when you create an online account.
        • A complete set of video lessons (a paid service) where you can watch a math teacher while they explain a concept and then walk you through some examples. 

        Website

        Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

        Table of Contents and PDF Sample Pages

        Option B: Crescent Beach Publishing Theory and Problems for Mathematics 8 - Third Edition

        Description: aligned to BC's curriculum

        • Written to be used as a primary teaching resource
        • Contains a comprehensive explanation of the subject for each section
        • 364 detailed example questions
        • Hundreds of practice problems with answers and step by step solutions where necessary
        • Space is given for each practice question to complete the problem, and keep the work organized all in one place

        Website

        Table of Contents

        PDF Sample Pages


        Note: this resource may not be available from vendors other than Crescent Beach Publishing; see our Resource Vendor Directory for ordering details.

        Option C: Singapore Dimensions Math 7A and 7B Textbooks and Teaching Notes/Solutions

        Type of Resource: Home education/classroom curriculum

        Description: The program emphasizes problem-solving and empowers students to think mathematically, both inside and outside the classroom. Pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, data analysis, probability, and some advanced math topics are included in this rigorous series. The series follows the principles outlined in the Singapore mathematics framework, including the Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract (CPA) Approach, bar modelling, and more. In the Dimensions Math program, concepts are introduced and explained in a new format with vibrant imagery, all with the progression and scope that has defined Singapore math.

        Components

        • Textbooks build on prior knowledge and develop familiar concepts in an accessible way.
        • Workbooks offer independent practise while maintaining the careful progression of exercise variation.
        • Teaching Notes and Solutions provide teaching suggestions and important information for educators to help students achieve math mastery.
        • Workbook Solutions contain fully worked solutions for problems in workbooks.

        Components Samples

        Note from Curriculum Consultant: This US-based resource is advanced for BC standards, and books 6 - 8A align reasonably well (although not entirely) with BC's curriculum for grades 7 - 9. There are sufficient exercises in the textbook for many students, and so the workbook may not be necessary (and may even be frustrating) for students who learn quickly. For students who require repetition and extra practice, the workbook (and workbook solutions) are recommended. Even though this resource does not completely align with BC's curriculum, it was chosen for its proven approach which has been a favourite with home educators for many years. It is a rigorous program that generally works best for students who have demonstrated an aptitude for math. Those looking towards using this program to prepare for the BC grad course, Foundations and Math and Pre-Calculus 10 should be aware that levels 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B and 8A should be sufficient preparation. That is 5 books over 3 years, and so in terms of pacing, one would be looking at completing approximately 1 and 2/3 books per year, allowing for a slightly less rigorous pace than the standard 2 books per year.

        Website

        Review 

        Scope and Sequence

        Brochure

        Science

        Some science standards for Grades 7 - 9 are addressed when both Apologia’s Exploring Creation with General Science and Exploring Creation with Physical Science are used in Grades 7 - 9. See this spreadsheet for correlations.

        BC Science Connections 8 Textbook and Workbook

        Description: The BC Science Connections program is 100% Curriculum-aligned and supports inquiry-based learning. It leverages students' natural sense of curiosity and wonders so they learn by actively engaging in activities while having access to clear, concise, and highly visual curriculum-specific content to support knowing, doing and understanding.

        • Inquire - new activities and labs offer a wide variety of problem-based and inquiry options from directed, guided and open to meet student needs.
        • Connect - written by a trusted team of BC educators with years of classroom experience who have actively worked on implementing the new curriculum.

        Key Features:
        - Supports place-based learning and integrates First Peoples' ways of knowing into your science classroom.
        - Builds students' confidence with solid science content that is easy to understand and provides the background necessary to personalized inquiry.
        - Engages students with relevant science content, dynamic visuals and intriguing labs.
        - Develops and supports scientific literacy, engages students with dynamic content, lab experiences and a rich array of resources to ensure students understand the big idea.

         

        Website

         

        The textbook is available for extended loan through the Learning Commons Search Portal. If you would like to write in the workbook, it can be purchased from Anchor Academic.

         Only HCOS teachers can access the Teacher Guide.

        The science resources below this callout must all be used together to address BC's Curriculum standards.

        Biology

        Apologia Exploring Creation with General Science Textbook, Solutions and Test Manual, and Student Notebook (Modules 10,11) *

        Type of Resource: Home Education Curriculum

        Description: This resource was created to give middle school students an understanding of the basic world that surrounds them each day so that they can appreciate the real-world relevance of scientific inquiry and the beauty of creation. This course covers a wide range of branches of science while making the connections between each. A large component of Earth Science (modules include astronomy, meteorology, oceanography, earth study, geology, paleontology, and environmental science) gives students a great foundation for that broad field of study. Students will learn what science is and, in a detailed and engaging way, how to utilize the proper scientific method. This course has many hands-on science experiments that can be completed with household materials.

         

        Website

        Review

         

        Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

        Table of Contents and PDF Sample Pages

        The Genesis of Germs Revised Edition by Allen L Gillen (Master Books) 

        Type of Resource: Homeschool Curriculum

        Description: Learn how constantly mutating diseases are proof of devolution rather than evolution and how these germs fit into a biblical worldview. Dr. Gillen shows how germs are symptomatic of the fall and curse of creation due to man's sin and our hope in the coming of Jesus Christ.

         

        Website

        Sample and Table of Contents

         

        Note from Curriculum Consultant: This resource is aimed at a high school audience. Students may need support working through the content.

        Chemistry 

        Apologia Exploring Creation with Physical Science Textbook, Solutions and Test Manual, and Student Notebook  (Module 3) 

        Type of Resource: Home education curriculum

        Description: Middle school students are taught the methods they will need to succeed in high school science courses. Using a conversational tone, we present challenging science concepts and thought-provoking experiments in an easily navigated, personalized format to help students methodically learn, self-check, and master difficult concepts before moving on. We also keep science relevant. Additional online materials are available through a book extras portal so that students can see science in action. This course covers:

        • The basics of science including the scientific process, scientific theories and laws, inferences and models, and measurement and units
        • Chemistry including properties and states of matter, atomic structure and the periodic table, chemical bonds and reactions and energy
        • Physics including motion, forces, energy, waves and sound, light and electricity and magnetism
        • Earth Science including the Earth’s structure and processes and our atmosphere and beyond
        • Chemistry and Physics in the life sciences
        • Physical Science research

        Website

        Review

         

        Other Optional or Supplementary Resource: 

        MP3 Audio CD

        Note from Curriculum Consultant: Although this resource is lengthy, it is conversational in its approach and makes science concepts interesting and accessible for students. Supplementation will be necessary to address all the standards of BC’s curriculum. Please converse with your teacher regarding the best course of action to ensure standards are appropriately addressed.

        Physics

        Apologia Exploring Creation with Physical Science Textbook, Solutions and Test Manual, and Student Notebook  (Module 10- see above for details)

        Earth Science

        Apologia Exploring Creation with General Science (Module 6) OR
        Apologia Exploring Creation with Physical Science (Module 12) 

        See the descriptions in the Biology and Chemistry sections above. Both of these resources cover the same content about Earth’s crust. 

        What Is the Theory of Plate Tectonics? by Craig Saunders

        Type of Resource: Nonfiction book

        Available in the Learning Commons

        Description: In 1912, German meteorologist Alfred Wegener published his groundbreaking theory of continental displacement. His theory proposed that the continents were once a single land mass but had slowly moved apart over millions of years. This fascinating book examines the scientific process behind Wegener's theory and how it challenged prevailing views of the time. Readers will discover how, years after Wegener's death, his theory was embraced by scientists and is now the basis for modern earth science.

         

        Website and Excerpt

        Social Studies

        Romans, Reformers, Revolutionaries Essentials Pack

        Type of Resource: Home education curriculum 

        Key Features:

        • Quick Start Guide to help you easily navigate through the 4-Phase structure
        • Basic Lesson Plan to give you confidence for each week’s activities
        • Teacher Guide to provide helpful background information suggested resources, motivating suggestions, and much more
        • Student Manual to introduce each era, offer multiple topics for further exploration, encourage hands-on participation, and invite creative expression
        • What in the World Vol 2 CD set to bring history to life through audio instruction and stories
        • Rubrics Set to help the student know what is expected and to help parent/teacher evaluate the student’s creative work (qualitative assessment)
        • Test Kit to allow students to demonstrate what they’ve learned (quantitative assessment).

        The Essentials Pack includes:  Teacher Guide, Student Manual, What in the World Volume 2 CD Set, Test Kit, Rubric Set, Quick-Start Guide and Basic Lesson Plan

        Note from Curriculum Consultant: Assignments could possibly be applied for credit in English Language Arts, and Arts Education as well, depending on which activities students choose. This resource may seem daunting at first, but many of the assignments are pick and choose, and students can select activities that are appealing to them. I recommend listening to a sample of the audio lessons online here, as this makes up a large portion of the teaching.

        Website

        Review

        Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

        PDF Samples

        Additional Support: Video Introduction (highly recommended)

        Bible/Christian Studies

        Foundations in Faith

        Type of Resource: Home education curriculum 

         

        Description:  Foundations in Faith is a homeschool curriculum designed to teach Bible doctrine to teens and preteens. Your students will learn the basics of what Christians have held true as they study Scripture along with the creeds, confessions, and catechisms used over time to instill biblical truths. These helpful tools have been written to help Christ followers cling to the authority of God’s Word and avoid the pitfalls of believing heresies promoted within the culture and possibly even the church.

        This one-year course is conveniently scheduled so a student can complete 20-30 minute lessons five days a week.

         

        Table of Contents and PDF Sample



        Grade Nine Curriculum Picks

        Picks can be purchased from Anchor Academic (using your PO#) or from one of our comprehensive vendors. Other options, such as borrowing from the Learning Commons Search Portal or Sora virtual eBook library or purchasing from our Used Bookstore, may also be available.

        Vendor websites are pick-and-choose and some optional or alternate suggestions may be listed, so select your items with care.

        Overview Of Grade 9 Curriculum Picks

        Here is an overview of the curriculum picks that we suggest for Grade 9. Please note that some subjects provide more than one option. For more information about the curriculum, please refer to the information under Detailed Information for Grade 9 Curriculum Picks.

        English Language Arts


        • Option A (integrated literature focus with composition): Lightning Literature Level Tempest Teacher's Guide, Student Workbooks and Readers

        OR

        • Option B: Essentials in Writing 9 with novels studies (as follows or alternates): Red Badge of Courage with Progeny Press Study Guide, Call of the Wild with Progeny Press Study Guide, Treasure Island with Progeny Press or Total Language Plus Study Guide, Scarlet Pimpernel with Progeny Press or Total Language Plus Study Guide; and/or alternate novel and novel study or stories as per interest/goals of the student.

        OR

        • Option C (lighter option): Writing Strands by Master Books Advanced 1 (or level as per placement test results); Red Badge of Courage, Call of the Wild, Treasure Island, Scarlet Pimpernel; and/or novel and novel study or stories as per interest/goals of the student.

        Mathematics


        • Dynamic Classroom BC Grade 9

        OR

        • Theory and Problems for Mathematics 9 - Third Edition by Crescent Beach Publishing 

        OR

        • Singapore Dimensions Math 8A and 8B Textbooks and Teaching Notes and Solutions

        Science

        • BC Science Connections 9 Textbook and Workbook

        Social Studies

        • Nelson Socials 9 OR
        • World Empires, World Missions, World Wars Essentials Pack by Diana Waring

        Bible/Christian Studies

        • Quest – The Gospel of John

        OR

        • Foundations in Worship (MasterBooks)

        Optional Resources

        (not detailed below)

         

        • What Color Is Your Parachute? for Teens, Third Edition by Carol Christen (Career Education)
        • Getting Things Done for Teens: Take Control of Your Life in a Distracting World by David Allen (Career Education)
        • Invest in your Financial Future by Diane Dakers (Mathematics/Career Education)
        • Total Health: Choices for a Winning Lifestyle by Susan Boe (ACSI) - Student Textbook and Workbook (Heath Education; can also be used for Grade 10)
        • Canada Map Book 6 by George Quinn, Apple Press (Social Studies; says Gr. 6-8 on the cover, but is still suitable )
        • Righting Canada's Wrongs - any of the 6 books in the series by Lorimer Publications (Social Studies)
        • Heritage Collection: The Immigrant Experience by Rose Fine-Myer (Social Studies)

        Detailed Information for Grade 9 Curriculum Picks 

        English Language Arts

        Select one of the following writing programs (A or B), in addition to two novel studies listed below these options.

        Option A: Lightning Literature Level Tempest With Readers

        Type of Resource: Home Education Curriculum

        Description: Discover the expansive literary world with Level Tempest of Lightning Literature. Dive deep into a curriculum meticulously designed to span 36 weeks. Our comprehensive Teacher’s Guide covers the entire academic year, ensuring a seamless teaching experience. For students, we’ve made the learning journey more digestible by splitting the workbook into two separate books, each tailored for an 18-week semester. This is the first of those two workbooks.
        Readers:  Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan, MC Higgins the Great by Virginia Hamilton, Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell, The Glory Field by Walter Dean Myer, The Story of My Life by Helen Keller, and Rainy Day Reader.
        Workbooks: designed to be paired seamlessly with the Level Tempest Teacher’s Guide. Educators and parents will find the guide invaluable, as it not only provides the necessary answers but also offers in-depth instructions on writing assignments and invaluable tips on teaching the myriad of concepts introduced in the workbook. Together, they form a comprehensive toolkit to ensure students not only appreciate literature but also develop the essential skills to analyze and engage with it deeply.

        Teacher’s Guide: Expertly designed to cover a full 36-week academic year, this guide offers instructors clear, step-by-step instructions and insights to enrich the teaching experience. Seamlessly bridging classic literature with contemporary learning techniques, it’s the indispensable companion for educators seeking to provide students with a transformative literary journey. Equip yourself with the best to unlock your student’s potential.

        Website

         

         

        Option B: Option B: Essentials in Writing 9 with stories and/or novel studies (as follows or alternates)

        Type of Resource: Homes education curriculum

        Description: EIW Level 9 provides students with the writing skills needed for high school and university writing, the SAT, college application, and beyond. This curriculum contains step-by-step guidance throughout the program and is relatively self-contained between the workbook and online (or DVD) video lessons.


        Placement Test (Level Wizard)

        Review

        Other Optional or Supplementary Resources:

        Sample Video Lesson

        Table of Contents and PDF Sample

        Free Trial

        Option C: Writing Strands by Master Books Advanced 1 (or level as per placement test results); novel and novel study or stories as per interest/goals of the student.

        Note from Curriculum Consultant: This resource alternates weekly between writing assignments and reading assignments. The teacher/parent is asked to assign a different book for every other week's reading lesson. ADD: Writing Strands Overview Video Teaching Companion

        Novels

        Note from Curriculum Consultant: Alternate novels can be chosen. The ones below are cross-curricular historical fiction selections set in the time period studied in Gr 9 social studies (1750 - 1919). Alternate options can be found at Progeny Press, Total Language Plus, or Classroom Complete Press.

        Novel #1: The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane

        Type of Resource: novel with optional study guide by Progeny Press
        About the novel:
        Stephen Crane’s classic novel looks at the trauma and horror of war through a young man’s eyes. Henry Fleming joins the Union army as a green recruit dreaming of glory and heroic acts of bravery on the battlefield. He wants to earn his “badge of courage.” He imagines himself as "a blue determined figure standing before a crimson and steel assault, getting calmly killed on a high place before the eyes of all." Henry must learn, through much mental and spiritual agony, to stand in the face of physical danger with no thought to his own heroics nor to the opinions of others. He learns to despise his earlier dreams of war and glory. Instead, he finds quiet manhood, non-assertive but of sturdy and strong blood. He has faced death and become a man.
        Description:
        Author Biography: Learn about Stephen Crane. Vocabulary: Understand words used throughout the novel, utilizing a variety of activities to stimulate retention and growth.
        Literary Techniques: Words create setting, double meanings, parallels, synonyms, antonyms, foil, similes, characterization, in context, metaphors, self-justification, role models, natural law, Christ figure, coming-of-age. Moral Lessons and Character Values: The church and war, Jesus is our example, lessons from nature, small before God, coming-of-age, fear & cowardice, mortality, courage, maturity, anger, heroism, suffering and the refining it causes. Activities and Writing Assignments: Wordsearch, God looks at our inner character/not outer, Essays including a just war, Lincoln and the Civil War, nature as a counterpoint to humanity, coming-of-age, Civil War timeline, creative writing: letters from a soldier, biography of your choice of famous Civil War men and women, write a historical play/scene, field trip to a Civil War site, journalism interview of a war veteran. Suggestions for Further Reading: We include an in-depth reading list of more books by the same author(s) and other books that tie in with, or are similar to, The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane. Movie suggestions included.


        Website
        Sample pages

         

        Novel #2: The Call of the Wild by Jack London

        Type of Resource: novel with optional Progeny Press Study Guide
        About the Novel:
        The dog Buck lives a privileged life in the family of a California judge. But when gold is discovered in the Yukon Valley and thousands of men rush north, Buck is stolen from his home and sent north to pull sleds for the Canadian mail service. Buck finds he must learn fast or die, and the new law of life is primitive—the law of club and fang. London reveals the lengths to which men will go to satisfy the gold lust, and he explores the animal instinct of kill or be killed as Buck rises to become leader of the pack.
        Description:
        Author Biography: Learn about Jack London. Before-You-Read Activities: History research, maps, timeline, biography, art, movies. Vocabulary: Understand words used throughout the novel, utilizing a variety of activities to stimulate retention and growth. Literary Techniques: In context, dictionary, anthropomorphism, personification, setting, hyperbole, repetition, dialect, irony, foil, paradox, allusion, simile, metaphor, legend, dichotomy, theme, dramatic structure. Moral Lessons and Character Values: Equal under God, do unto others, authority, determinism, moral relativism, pragmatism, success vs. doing right, pride, strong vs. weak, wise counsel, love our neighbor, conflict, mercy, power and wealth. Activities and Writing Assignments: Animals, morality, multiple essay ideas, absurdity used to justify, class discussions, animal euthanasia, leadership, trip/activity planning, haiku, dog training. Suggestions for Further Reading: We include an in-depth reading list of more books by the same author(s) and other books that tie in with, or are similar to, Call of the Wild by Jack London. Movie suggestions included.

        Website

        Sample Pages
         

        Novel #3: Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

        Type of Resource: novel with optional Progeny Press Study Guide
        About the Novel: Jim Hawkins is just a boy trying to do the best he can running an inn with his widowed mother when adventure and danger literally walk through the door in the form of a pirate! He is left with a treasure map and the warning, "Beware the one-legged man!" Jim goes sailing in search of treasure with Squire Trelawney, Dr. Livesey, and Captain Smollett. Put under the tutelage of the ship's cook, Long John Silver, Jim learns much of the sea-faring life and gains a great friend. But where treasure is concerned, honor and friendship can be held cheap. As they near the island, the ship's crew mutinies, and Jim has to decide where his loyalties are and what it means to be honorable. Set sail aboard the Hispaniola with the fearless Jim and the formidable Long John Silver!
        Description: About the Author: Learn about Robert Louis Stevenson. Vocabulary: Understand words used throughout the novel, utilizing a variety of activities to stimulate retention and growth. Literary Techniques: Mood, foreshadow, dialect, synonym, pace, transition, stereotype, idiom, simile, descriptive language, hubris, point of view, dictionary, poetic justice, irony, ambiguity, parallelism, anthropomorphism, cliffhanger, characterization, dynamic vs. static, symbolism, main character, conflict, complication, theme, dramatic structure. Moral Lessons and Character Values: Courage, peer pressure, discretion, advice, fear, discouragement, God is with us, doing good, eternal life, death, mercy. Activities and Writing Assignments: Coins, ships, writing, pirates, maps, art, sea shanties, biographies, essays. Suggestions for Further Reading: We include a wonderful reading list of more books by the same author(s) and other books that tie in with, or are similar to, Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson.

        Website
        Sample Pages

        Novel #4: The Scarlet Pimpernel by with Optional Study Guide by Progeny Press

        Type of Resource: novel with optional novel study
        About the novel:
        Funny, courageous, and filled with downright danger! The Scarlet Pimpernel was the blueprint for what became known as the masked-avenger genre. This captivating story combines humor, bravery, and an abundance of perilous situations. Step into the midst of the French Revolution, a time of immense fear and the ruthless persecution of the noble class. Amidst the chaos, a mysterious and elusive figure, often referred to as a phantom, emerges as the savior of doomed nobles, defying the executioner's grasp—the legendary Scarlet Pimpernel. Unyielding in his pursuit, French official Chauvelin will stop at nothing to unveil the true identity of the Scarlet Pimpernel. His relentless quest leads him to manipulate Marguerite Blakeney, the reluctant assistance of Sir Percy Blakeney's French wife. Sir Percy himself, England's wealthiest and most dandyish lord, becomes embroiled in a web of secrets and danger. In this world of deception, treachery, and mortal peril, nothing is as it appears. Brace yourself for an enthralling adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
        Description:
        Historical Background: Explore the backdrop of the French Revolution, a defining era in history. Author Biography: Discover the life of Baroness Orczy, the brilliant mind behind The Scarlet Pimpernel. Before-You-Read Activities: Engage in interactive exercises such as mapping, diving into the intriguing stories of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, and learning about the figure Robespierre. Vocabulary: Develop a deep understanding of the novel's vocabulary through a variety of stimulating activities designed to enhance retention and encourage vocabulary growth. Literary Techniques: Delve into the rich tapestry of literary techniques such as antonym, synonym, juxtaposition, stereotype, irony, paradox, foreshadowing, cliffhanger, in context, simile, metaphor, onomatopoeia, moral dilemma, hyperbole, romanticism, allusion, anthropomorphism, protagonist, antagonist, false climax, foil, theme, willing suspension of disbelief, and contrivance. Moral Lessons and Character Values: Explore profound themes of conflict, accountability, marriage, wise counsel, virtue vs. self-righteous, misunderstandings, fate vs. free will, altruism, self-interest, egoism, leadership, freedom, bigotry, prejudice, stereotypes, the Good Samaritan, and the golden rule of treating others as you would like to be treated. Activities and Writing Assignments: Engage in dynamic class discussions, create visually captivating bulletin boards, analyze and interpret meaningful quotations, select from a range of essay choices, bring the story to life through dramatic adaptations, and explore artistic expressions inspired by the novel. Suggestions for Further Reading: Expand your literary horizons with our carefully curated reading list, which includes more captivating works by Baroness Orczy and other books that complement or share similarities with The Scarlet Pimpernel. Additionally, discover recommended movies.
        Website

        Sample Pages

        Math

        Select one of the following math programs (A or B or C) below

        Option A: Dynamic Classroom BC Grade 9

        Type of Resource: Workbook

        Description: Aligned to BC's curriculum

        • Detailed explanations of every topic with step-by-step guided examples with solutions. 
        • A series of problems for the student to practice the concept they just learned. Questions start out easy and gradually increase in difficulty. Challenging questions are provided for those students that really want to push themselves.
        • Practice tests for each chapter/unit in the book. 
        • An answer key for all questions in the book. 
        • Students can get extra support through the website that provides additional worksheets and a limited selection of video lessons when you create an online account.
        • A complete set of video lessons (a paid service) where you can watch a math teacher while they explain a concept and then walk you through some examples. 

        Website

        Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

        Table of Contents and PDF Sample Pages

        Option B: Crescent Beach Publishing Theory and Problems for Mathematics 9 - Third Edition

        Description: Aligned to BC's curriculum

        • Written to be used as a primary teaching resource

        • Contains a comprehensive explanation of the subject for each section

        • Over 300 detailed example questions

        • Hundreds of practise problems with answers and step by step solutions where necessary

        • Space is given for each practice question to complete the problem, and keep the work organized all in one place 

        Website

        Table of Contents

        PDF Sample Pages

        Note: this resource may not be available from vendors other than Crescent Beach Publishing; see our Resource Vendor Directory for ordering details.

        Option C: Singapore Dimensions Math 8A and 8B (Optional) Textbooks and Teaching Notes/Solutions

        Type of Resource: Home education/classroom curriculum

        Description: The program emphasizes problem-solving and empowers students to think mathematically, both inside and outside the classroom. Pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, data analysis, probability, and some advanced math topics are included in this rigorous series. The series follows the principles outlined in the Singapore mathematics framework, including the Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract (CPA) Approach, bar modelling, and more. In the Dimensions Math program, concepts are introduced and explained in a new format with vibrant imagery, all with the progression and scope that has defined Singapore math.

        Components

        • Textbooks build on prior knowledge and develop familiar concepts in an accessible way.
        • Workbooks offer independent practice while maintaining the careful progression of exercise variation.
        • Teaching Notes and Solutions provide teaching suggestions and important information for educators to help students achieve math mastery.
        • Workbook Solutions contain fully worked solutions for problems in workbooks.

        Components Samples

        Note from Curriculum Consultant: This US-based resource is rather rigorous and is advanced for BC standards. Books 6 - 8A align reasonably well (although not entirely) with BC's curriculum for grades 7 - 9. If students are just beginning to use this series in grade 9, it is recommended that they begin with level 7B (sample pages here), and students who have been using the series for a year are two could be starting 7B or be partway through 7B at the beginning of grade 9. There are sufficient exercises in the textbook for many students, and so the workbook may not be necessary (and may even be frustrating) for students who learn quickly. For students who require repetition and extra practice, the workbook (and workbook solutions) are recommended. Even though this resource does not completely align with BC's curriculum, it was chosen for its proven approach which has been a favourite with home educators for years.

        Website

        Review

        Scope and Sequence

        Brochure

        Science

        Students who used Exploring Creation with General Science and Exploring Creation with Physical Science in grades 7 and 8 may have already addressed some grade 9 standards. See this spreadsheet for correlations.

        BC Science Connections 9 Textbook and Workbook

        Type of Resource: Secular classroom Student Edition textbook and workbook

        Description: The BC Science Connections program is 100% Curriculum aligned and supported inquiry-based learning. It leverages students' natural sense of curiosity and wonder so they learn by actively engaging in activities while having access to clear, concise, and highly visual curriculum-specific content to support knowing, doing and understanding.

        Key Features:

        • Support for place-based learning and integrates First Peoples' ways of knowing.
        • Builds students confidence with solid science content that is easy to understand and provides the background necessary for personalized inquiry.
        • Engages students with relevant science content, dynamic visuals and intriguing labs.
        • Develops and supports scientific literacy, engages students with dynamic content, lab experiences and a rich array of resources to ensure students understand the big idea.

        Website

        Social Studies

        Option A: Nelson Socials 9 Student Resource and eBook

        Type of Resource: Student textbook and eBook

        Description: A comprehensive resource aligned to BC’s curriculum that helps students become active, engaged citizens with the ability to think and communicate critically, historically and geographically. Includes rich and engaging primary sources and inquiry-focused questions. The Student Resource includes a print textbook with built-in activity cards and lifetime access to an online student centre.


        Website

        Table of Contents and Sample Pages

        Option B: World Empires, World Missions, World Wars Essentials Pack

        Bible/Christian Studies

        Quest - The Gospel of John

        Type of Resource: student workbook


        Description: John focuses on the spiritual significance of what Jesus did and said rather than just reporting the events of His life. He begins the gospel with a declaration of the deity of Jesus, His pre-existence, and His direct involvement in creation. To John, the miracles of Jesus are not just demonstrations of God’s mercy and compassion – they are glimpses into the very glory of God. When Lazarus is raised from the dead, it is “for the glory of God”– demonstrating that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. When Jesus feeds thousands of people with a boy’s lunch, is not just a miracle of multiplication – it demonstrates that Jesus is “the bread of life”. As you study, you will discover that John has a very penetrating gaze into eternal truth and into the very heart and mind of God. But John gives us more than just information; he reveals an invitation – to abundant life in Jesus, the True Vine. May this study help you find “life in His name” and bear much fruit from (and for) Him.

         

        Answer Key

        Website

        Sample Lesson

         

        (or) Foundations in Worship

        Type of Resource: Home Education Curriculum

         

        Description: Foundations in Worship is a unique homeschool Bible curriculum created to expand your junior high and high school student’s understanding of God and the Gospel through the study of hymns. This engaging, full-colour Bible elective reveals scriptural truths expressed in these long-cherished anthems of the Christian faith. As they study the hymn writer and their faith, your student will learn to better articulate their own faith in God. Lessons can be completed in 20-40 minutes over five days a week in this one-year course.

         

        Website

        Table of Contents and Sample Lesson