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
- Kindergarten Curriculum Picks
- Grade One Curriculum Picks
- Grade Two Curriculum Picks
- Grade Three Curriculum Picks
- Grade Four Curriculum Picks
- Grade Five Curriculum Picks
- Grade Six Curriculum Picks
- Grade Seven Curriculum Picks
- Grade Eight Curriculum Picks
- Grade Nine Curriculum Picks
Curriculum Picks Introduction
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. These picks are also available to view in spreadsheet format.
Criteria: "Why THAT Resource?"
These Picks are print options, not digital.
It is a rare thing to find a home education curriculum that aligns to BC standards from a Christian worldview at the proper grade level. This is the ideal but is the exception rather than the rule.
In general, stand-alone resources have been selected. This means that Picks can be used regardless of whether or not the resources in the grade or level prior have been completed, and are specific to the subject area. Picks for the most part are not cross-curricular; exceptions to this have been noted.
The Picks also do not include many of the digital or borrowed resources that are available. For more information about these, please visit our learning commons website.
Curriculum selection is best completed in consultation with the support teacher.
The suggestions listed may not be suitable for every student and should be considered as an option among other options.
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
- A print resource
- Address the big ideas of BC’s curriculum at the appropriate grade level
- Is user-friendly
- Is designed for home education
- Is written from a Christian worldview
- Includes lessons and/or activities so that the parent/student knows what to do with the resource. In cases where this is not possible and an information resource such as a nonfiction book has been recommended, a book of graphic organizers has been suggested to supplement that resource.
For more information, or to request a curriculum consult, please contact your support teacher or email our Curriculum Consultant, cynthia.duncalfe@onlineschool.ca.
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 |
OR
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Mathematics |
OR
OR
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Multi-Subject |
(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) |
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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:
Website: Website: All About Reading Pre-Reading Website: All About Reading Level - 1 Pre-reading Readiness Checklist (download) Level 1 Placement Test (download) Supplementary Resources: Program Resources Table of Contents: Pre-Reading; Level 1 Scope and Sequence: Pre-Reading; Level 1 PDF Samples: Reading Samples |
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 Other Optional Supplementary Resources Free Letter & Number Formation Charts PDF Samples |
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. 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".
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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:
Supplementary Resources (Optional): Wall Chart, Code 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: Math Lessons for a Living Education K
Description: Designed to engage students through exciting stories, teach them how to apply mathematical concepts through everyday life situations, and allow them to learn smarter instead of harder.
This book was written to be used by you and your young students together. It begins the story of a twin brother and sister as they interact with their family, friends, and town. They make connections in life and find it full of learning opportunities! Students will learn about counting, basic shapes, opposites, positional words, graphing, and more. They will also learn about the weather, nature, and how unique God created them to be. Features:
Preview (includes Table of Contents, Scope & Sequence, Daily Schedule, PDF Samples and more) |
Option 2: 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.
Additional Support: Singapore Math Live offers instruction, encouragement, and support for parents and students |
Option 3: 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:
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.
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:
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Science
Intro to Engineering Science Kit
Description: Intro to Engineering welcomes young children to the field of engineering with 21 experiments and building projects in five sections. Start by learning some engineering basics with experiments on levers, forces, and pulleys. Build simple devices using these basic components. Move on to explore engineering on land by building vehicles with wheels, such as a race car and a wind-up car. Next, investigate engineering with air (and in the air) by building a helicopter, a pinwheel, a parachute, a glider, a balloon rocket, and an air-powered carousel. Then, build a diving bell, a sailboat, and a paddleboat to experiment with engineering in water. Finally, find engineering in your own home with experiments modelling the telephone and television. Includes a 48-page guidebook. |
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 |
OR
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.
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Mathematics |
OR
OR
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Multi-Subject |
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Science (for standards not well covered In Come Sit By Me) |
My Pals are Here Science International 2nd Edition (Marshall Cavendish) Level 1 Textbook, Workbook and Teacher's Guide addresses many of the Grade 1 standards and is an option for families wanting a more structured science curriculum. My Pals Are Here! 2nd Edition Gr K-6 Science Correlations to BC's Curriculum Standards. |
Optional Resources (not detailed below) |
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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:
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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.
Other Optional or Supplementary Resources: My Printing Book Teacher's Guide |
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. Supplementary Resource (highly recommended): Fun With Letters Magnet Activity Set |
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. Other Optional or Supplementary Resources: Teacher's Guide; the program is also available 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 at 250-590-6761 or toll-free at 1-888-854-6284.
Option 1: Math Lessons for a Living Education 1
Description: teaches math through engaging, real-life stories and practical application because math is all around us! This story-based approach invites students to participate in the story, make mathematical connections, explore the world around them with Charlie & Charlotte, and realize the value of math in their own lives. It is an instructional blend of stories, copywork, oral narration, and hands-on experience to bring concepts to life. Math Lessons for a Living Education Level 1 teaches through:
Other Optional or Supplementary Resources: |
Option 2: 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.
Additional Support: Singapore Math Live offers instruction, encouragement, and support for parents and students |
Option 3: 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:
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): |
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 :
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
Science Wiz Light Kit
Description: Learn about the fundamentals of light: lenses, reflection, refraction, microscopes, telescopes, cameras, and the speed limit of the universe. Contains a 40-page science book with materials. 25 activities which include: Split light into a cascade of rainbows; make a kaleidoscope; mold lenses; make a microscope and telescope; capture a shadow; construct a pinhole camera; bounce, bend and blend light; play the “I Spy” game with mirrors; solve filter puzzles. |
Sunshine Makes The Seasons
Description: Filled with colourful, full-page illustrations and clear, concise text, this long-running series remains a benchmark for early reader nonfiction. This book explains how the sun and the Earth's rotation cause our seasons. |
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 |
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Mathematics |
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OR
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Science |
In the absence of print resource options that comprehensively address BC's Curriculum standards for Gr 2 science, we recommend using these Unit Study Kits: 1. Water, 2. Force, 3. Life Cycle of Plants and Animals, and 4. Matter Can Undergo Changes. |
Social Studies |
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 |
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Optional Resources (not detailed below) |
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Detailed Information for Grade 2 Curriculum Picks
English Language Arts
Language Lessons for a Living Education 2 with 101 Favorite Stories from the Bible
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 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 student will create their very own dictionary as they move week by week through the material. 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. The additional resource, 101 Favorite Stories from the Bible by Ura Miller is a required supplement to this program.
Other Optional or Supplementary Resources |
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 that 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 crossword, word search, comprehension quiz and answer key are also included. Other options for picture book literature kits can be found here. 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.
Supplementary Resources
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: Math Lessons for a Living Education 2
Type of Resource: workbook Description: teaches math through a blend of stories, copy work, oral narration and hands-on activities, showing how math is used in "real life"---just like a living math book! Thirty-six weeks of instruction guide students through the content, story, and hands-on activities using inexpensive manipulatives provided/made by the parent. This book is written to be used by teachers and students together. It includes a suggested weekly schedule (30 minutes per lesson, 5 days per week, 36 weeks) with easy-to-manage lessons that include reading, worksheets, and assessments. Pages are perforated and three-hole-punched so that parents can easily tear out, hand-out, and store pages. Students will read the pages in the book and complete the corresponding section provided by the teacher. Assessments are given at regular intervals. Answer keys are available online. This second-grade resource features the continuing story of twins Charlie and Charlotte, who are learning that life is full of learning opportunities! As students read, they'll be drawn into an adventure that teaches them about numbers, shapes, place value, adding, and subtracting, as well as the seasons, geography, and the love of family. The first 30 lessons have a story about the twins, followed by a lesson taught by Mom or Dad that features hands-on learning. Covering one year of 2nd-grade math, by the end of the course students will have reviewed addition and subtraction and basic numbers up to 100, and will have learned about word problems, skip counting, money, time, bar & line graphs, basic measurement, place value, regrouping, and more. Other Optional or Supplementary Resources |
Option 2: 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 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.
Additional Support: Singapore Math Live offers instruction, encouragement, and support for parents and students |
Option 3: 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 of JUMP Math's teacher resources, Student Assessment & Practice (AP) Book 2 is designed to cover the curriculum for Grade 2 mathematics, with units on:
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.
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) |
Science
The Elementary Teacher's Book of Graphic Organizers, K-5
100 ready-to-use graphic organizers that help elementary students learn Type of Resource: workbook Description: graphic organizers are a powerful metacognitive teaching and learning tool. These graphic organizers can be used before learning, during learning, or after learning activities. This resource provides tools to help students understand relationships between facts, terms, and ideas.
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Biology
Watch It Grow: Backyard Life Cycles by Barbara Reid
This unit should be done in May when the butterfly larvae are available. Use this book with one of the "Graphic Organizers" resources mentioned on this page to assist with learning and reinforcing key concepts. Type of Resource: nonfiction picture book Description: Barbara Reid’s one-of-a kind art brings an engaging exploration of nature to life! Readers young and old will enjoy this introduction to the marvels of the natural world: watching a tadpole hatch from an egg, a caterpillar turn into a butterfly, an acorn become a mighty oak and a glorious sunflower grow from a tiny seed! The book includes graphic illustrations of the four backyard life cycles. Live Butterfly KitLive Painted Lady Butterflies can be ordered in March for May delivery. Watch as the butterfly larvae grow through their stages to full-grown butterflies. Available from Homeschool Canada or Canadian Home Education Resources |
Salmon Stream (Carol Reed-Jones)
Use this book with one of the "Graphic Organizers" resources mentioned on this page to assist with learning and reinforcing key concepts. Type of Resource: nonfiction picture book Description: a poetic yet accurate description of the life cycle of salmon. Fast-paced prose and brilliant illustrations follow the salmon from their form as eggs in a stream to the wide ocean, eventually making a hazardous journey home to their stream of origin. At the back is a section on salmon facts and what makes a good habitat for them, teaching the basics of ecology and why clean streams and waters are so important. |
Chemistry
Matter & Materials by On the Mark Press (Grades 1-3)
This unit will make up at least half of the overall workload for Grade 2 Science. The other branches of science addressing the other big ideas and content competencies are purposefully not addressed to the same level of depth. 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, as well as demonstrating solids, liquids, and gases. Students will learn to explain the magic of ice sculptures, gas-powered rockets, and invention.
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Physics
ScienceWiz Physics Kit
Includes a 40-page science book with materials*. Concepts are covered with time-tested experiments and highly visual illustrations. This kit includes a balance scale for measuring mass and a jet car that really zooms. 24 activities that include:
*Also requires common household items. |
Earth/Space
The Water Cycle: A 4D Book by Catherine Ipcizade
Use this book with one of the "Graphic Organizers" resources mentioned on this page to assist with learning and reinforcing key concepts. Type of Resource: nonfiction picture book Description: Lakes evaporate. Clouds form from condensation. Rain falls and fills rivers and lakes. Soak up facts about the water cycle and why we need to keep water clean. Bring augmented reality to your students by downloading the free Capstone 4D app and scanning for access to awesome videos! |
Social Studies
Canada, My Country
Type of Resource: softcover text/workbook 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.
This study requires photos of Canadian landscapes and a physical map. |
Global Communities (On the Mark Press)
Type of Resource: workbook designed for classroom instruction so some activities may need to be adapted slightly for a home setting. Description: goals of this resource include having students identify a number of global issues and recognizing the role that Canada and Canadian citizens have played in these issues; using the social studies inquiry process to investigate a variety of responses to the global issues identified and promoting an understanding of the impact on identified regions of the world of Canada's actions and inactions. Includes 19 activities, 9 extension activities, teacher guide and assessments. Website and Table of Contents and Sample Pages |
Bible/Christian Studies
Finding God's Promises Student Manual
Type of Resource: workbook Description: encourage the study of God’s Word with this full-colour workbook filled with approachable exercises that teach biblical truth and apply what is taught. The Student Manual includes:
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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 |
OR
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Mathematics
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Science
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Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Earth/Space
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Social Studies (three options) |
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Bible/Christian Studies |
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Optional Resources (not detailed below)
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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.
Samples: Teacher Intro, Teacher's Sample, Student Workbook Sample Other Optional or Supplementary Resources: Worksheets |
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.
Other Optional or Supplementary Resources Scope & Sequence and PDF Samples 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. 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: Math Lessons for a Living Education 3
Type of Resource: workbook
Description: brings concepts to life through a Charlotte Mason flavour of engaging stories, copy work, oral narration, hands-on experience, and practical application. This story-based approach ensures math is exciting and enjoyable as students participate in the story, make mathematical connections, explore the world around them with Charlie & Charlotte, and learn how they can put math to work in their own lives Students learn math concepts such as column addition & subtraction, multiplication, division, and Roman numerals through exciting, real-world stories. As your student explores the world around them with Charlie & Charlotte, they discover how math is related to everyday life in exciting—and sometimes unexpected ways! Students are encouraged to explore the big picture and break it down into smaller pieces, discover important connections as they work out solutions, develop a better understanding, and strengthen their critical thinking skills. The course features an instructional blend of stories, copy work, oral narration, and hands-on experience to bring concepts to life. It includes a convenient Daily Schedule, short, engaging 15-30 minute lessons, full-colour worksheets, an answer key, and a manipulatives section. Students will learn:
Scope & Sequence and PDF Sample Pages |
Option 2: 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.
Additional Support: Singapore Math Live offers instruction, encouragement, and support for parents and students |
Option 3: 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:
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.
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):
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Science
The Elementary Teacher's Big Book of Graphic Organizers, K-5 (OR 3-D Graphic Organizers)
100 ready-to-use graphic organizers that help elementary students learn Type of Resource: workbook Description: graphic organizers are a powerful metacognitive teaching and learning tool. These graphic organizers can be used before learning, during learning, or after learning activities. This resource provides tools to help students understand relationships between facts, terms, and ideas.
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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. |
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 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.
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Earth/Space
Use of The Elementary Teacher's Big Book of Graphic Organizers or 3-D Graphic Organizers with the resources in the section below is recommended, as the books below provide only a few ways to interact with the content.
Earth's Landforms and Bodies of Water by Natalie Hyde
Use this book with one of the "Graphic Organizers" resources mentioned on this page to assist with learning and reinforcing key concepts. Type of Resource: nonfiction book
Description: This informative book explains how Earth is covered by landforms and bodies of water, all of which change shape over time. Interesting images feature landforms such as mountains, valleys, and sand dunes, as well as waterways such as oceans, rivers, and ponds. Children will learn how they develop and why they change. Teacher's Guide: see lesson 1, pages 4-5; 18 designed for a classroom, but can easily be adapted for a home setting. |
How Do Wind and Water Change Earth? by Natalie Hyde
Use this book with one of the "Graphic Organizers" resources mentioned on this page to assist with learning and reinforcing key concepts. Type of Resource: nonfiction book Description: This fascinating book explains how the shape of Earth is changed by weathering and erosion—the breaking down of rocks and minerals which are then carried from one place to another by water, ice, wind, and gravity. It is this movement that carves out valleys, causes trees to topple over, and creates or destroys good farmland. Examples of changes to landforms help show young readers the effects of weathering and erosion, which can happen quickly or sometimes take centuries! Teacher’s Guide: see lesson 3, pages 8-11;19. Designed for a classroom, but can easily be adapted for a home setting. |
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:
Other Optional or Supplementary Resources: Teacher's Guide (Print) & (PDF) |
Vanishing Cultures: Down Under
Type of Resource: nonfiction book Description: Amprenula, a young Tiwi girl from an island off the Australian coast, gathers food with her mother. Amprenula lives closely with the land, just as her people have done for thousands of years, taking only what they need from the forest and the ocean around them. For the Tiwi and other Aborigines, the land is sacred. It connects them with their ancestors and the beginning of creation. As Amprenula combs through the forests and mangrove swamps, she is proud to travel along the same paths, sharing the same land, as her ancestors from centuries ago. Sample Pages (under book cover image) |
Celebrate! Connections Among Cultures
Type of Resource: Nonfiction book Description: Every culture has its own special traditions and reasons for celebrating. At first glance, these practices seem quite different from each other, but they are actually much more alike than most people may realize. In Celebrate! readers travel to communities near and far and explore the essence of celebrations the world over. With striking photographs and engaging text, photojournalist Jan Reynolds presents a refreshing look at the similarities among cultural traditions around the world. Readers will be captivated as they discover the universal connections people share when they celebrate. Sample Pages (under book cover image) |
Bible/Christian Studies
Growing With God Student Manual
Type of Resource: workbook Description: Encourage the study of God’s Word with this full-colour workbook filled with approachable exercises that teach biblical truth and apply what is taught. This Student Manual includes
The lives of Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, and Daniel can teach us much about the rewards of living for God. Each of these men faced rejection, but by God’s grace, they all remained faithful. In this study, students will see examples of discipline and character, all while learning about the God that strengthens us. Other Optional or Supplementary Resources Teacher's Manual: equips teachers to help build a spiritual foundation for their students. With tools like a weekly schedule, target truths, teaching strategies, and read-aloud stories, you’ll have everything you need to help your students grow in their knowledge of God and His Word.
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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 |
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Mathematics |
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Science
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Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Earth/Space
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Social Studies |
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Bible/Christian Studies |
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Optional Resources (not detailed below)
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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.
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.
Other Optional or Supplementary Resources Table of Contents (under "Scope & Sequence")
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.
Growing up in Wild Horse Canyon by Karen Autio with Free Teacher's GuideType 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. Season 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 one sheltered and sacred space, award-winning author Karen Autio gently explores patterns of colonization that will resonate with readers all over North America.
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Mathematics
Singapore Primary Mathematics 2022 Edition is not mentioned here because as the grades progress, it is more difficult to "jump in" to this method of learning. It is still a strong option and can be considered for students looking for an academically rigorous curriculum. A placement test is strongly recommended before selecting a level.
Option 1: Math Lessons for a Living Education 4
Type of Resource: workbook
Description: teaches math concepts through engaging, real-life stories and practical application. In Level 4, a summer spent in Peru has meant a lot of changes for Charlie, Charlotte, and their growing family! Your student joins them as they see new sights on a family trip, explore the role math plays in their adventures, develop important character traits, apply critical thinking skills, and discover how mathematical concepts interact with the world around them. Math is a living subject that happens all over everyday life! In Math Lessons for a Living Education Level 4, students learn math concepts such as fractions, metric units of measurement, basic geometry, and averaging through exciting, real-world stories and applications. A blend of stories, copy work, oral narration, and hands-on experience brings the concepts to life, invites the student to explore the world around them, and gives this math course a Charlotte Mason flavour. This course includes: convenient Daily Schedule; short, engaging 15-30 minute lessons; full-colour worksheets; answer key; manipulatives section, and features convenient perforated pages. Students will learn:
Table of Contents (under "Scope & Sequence") |
Option 2: 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). Supplementary Resources: video lessons, free resources |
Option 3: 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:
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.
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)
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Science
The Elementary Teacher's Big Book of Graphic Organizers
100 ready-to-use graphic organizers that help elementary students learn Type of Resource: workbook Description: graphic organizers are a powerful metacognitive teaching and learning tool. These graphic organizers can be used before learning, during learning, or after learning activities. This resource provides tools to help students understand relationships between facts, terms, and ideas.
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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 in the Grade 5 and 6 picks (and a full description can be found here).
What is a Biome? by Bobbie Kalman
Use this book with one of the "Graphic Organizers" resources mentioned on this page to assist with learning and reinforcing key concepts. Type of Resource: nonfiction book Description: the earth has over 30 types of biomes, some of which are home to thousands of ecosystems. All of the plants and animals living in these huge natural areas depend on one another for survival. Children will love learning about life in each major biome. Using simple-to-understand text and beautiful images, What is a Biome? clearly defines the concepts of biome and climate and covers:
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Earth/Space
Seasons, Tides and Lunar Phases by Tara Haelle
Use this book with one of the "Graphic Organizers" resources mentioned on this page to assist with learning and reinforcing key concepts. Type of Resource: nonfiction book Description: the Earth rotates on its axis, causing day and night, and revolves around the Sun, causing changes in season and weather occurrences |
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.
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). Sample of this book can be seen in the photos on this page. |
Bible/Christian Studies
Building Life's Castles Student Manual by Positive Action for Christ
Type of Resource: workbook Description: encourage the study of God’s Word with this full-colour workbook filled with approachable exercises that teach biblical truth and apply what is taught. This Student Manual includes
Fourth Edition improvements include . . .
Other Optional or Supplementary Resources Teacher's Manual: provides tools for teaching and discipling students. With features including a weekly schedule, lesson objectives, discussion questions, and character trait activities, you’ll have everything you need to help your students grow in their knowledge of God and His Word.
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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 select your items with care.
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 |
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Mathematics |
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Science
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Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Earth/Space
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Social Studies |
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Bible/Christian Studies |
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Optional Resources (not detailed below)
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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 to 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 for teaching spelling, learning to read, and penmanship.
Samples: Teacher Intro, Teacher's Sample, Student Workbook Sample Other Optional or Supplementary Resources: Worksheets
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(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 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, 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 also included.
Other Optional or Supplementary Resources Table of Contents (under "Scope & Sequence") 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 used to describe how hungry the children are in the book. 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. Aligned to your State Standards, additional crossword, word search, comprehension quiz and answer key are also included. 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.
Sabotage by Karen AutioType 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!
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 SchoolType of Resource: Historical Fiction Description: a fictional account of five children sent to aboriginal 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 becomes 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.
Other Optional or Supplementary Resources: FNESC Indian Residential Schools & Reconciliation Teacher Resource Guide, Gr. 5, pages 29 - 62 |
Mathematics
Singapore Primary Mathematics 2022 Edition is not mentioned here because as the grades progress, it is more difficult to "jump in" to this method of learning. It is still a strong option and can be considered for students looking for an academically rigorous curriculum. A placement test is strongly recommended before selecting a level.
Option 1: Math Lessons for a Living Education 5
Type of Resource: workbook
Description: students learn best and retain more when they are engaged in the material and actively applying concepts to everyday life—Math Lessons for a Living Education Level 5 engages your student through exciting stories and teaches them how to apply mathematical concepts through everyday life situations—allowing your student to learn smarter instead of harder! Math Lessons for a Living Education teaches through short, story-based lessons; real-life application; Hands-on activities; and engaging, full-colour worksheets.
This engaging, story-based approach puts math into context for your student as they student build connections between mathematical concepts and their own lives—learning both how to do math, and how to apply it to life outside the textbook. A blend of stories, copy-work, oral narration, and hands-on experience brings the concepts to life, invites the student to explore the world around them, and gives this course a Charlotte Mason flavour. In Math Lessons for a Living Education Level 5 your student will learn:
Table of Contents (under "Scope & Sequence") |
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). Supplementary Resources: video lessons, free resources |
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:
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.
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)
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Note: This resource may take more than half of students' time for science to complete. 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.
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 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.
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Earth/Space
Option 1: ScienceWiz Rocks and Geology Book & Kit
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:
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Option 2: 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. Other Optional or Supplementary Resources |
Science/Social Studies
Option 1: The Elementary Teacher's Big Book of Graphic Organizers, K-5
Type of Resource: workbook Description: graphic organizers are a powerful metacognitive teaching and learning tool. These graphic organizers can be used before learning, during learning, or after learning activities. This resource provides tools to help students understand relationships between facts, terms, and ideas.
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Option 2: 3-D Graphic Organizers: 20 Easy-to-Make Learning Tools That Reinforce Key Concepts
Type of Resource: Workbook Description: bring a new dimension to graphic organizers-and increase students' ability to learn and remember important content-area information-with these 20 engaging learning tools. Each organizer comes with a ready-to-go template, easy step-by-step directions, and ideas for using it across the curriculum. The finished three-dimensional products serve as powerful reference tools-and make a great classroom display to show off what students have learned. Great for individual, small-group, and whole-class learning!
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Social Studies
Internment Camps by Natalie Hyde
Use of The Elementary Teacher's Big Book of Graphic Organizers or 3-D Graphic Organizers with the resources in the section below is recommended, as the books below provide only a few ways to interact with the content. Type of Resource: Nonfiction Book Description: an important addition to any multicultural collection, this title examines the internment of “enemy aliens” in the United States and Canada during the Second World War. With particular emphasis on “yellow peril” and the plight of Japanese-American and Canadian citizens, the book reveals the events, mindsets, and policies leading up to and following the forced removal of thousands of citizens from their homes into internment camps. Using primary sources including real accounts of survivors, the title encourages readers to examine differing perspectives on the events and think critically about the complex relationship between citizenship and diversity in North America. A final chapter considers the lasting effects of internment—and how harmful stereotypes in today’s global climate run the risk of repeating past mistakes.
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My Name is Seepeetza by Shirley Sterling
Type of Resource: historical fiction novel Description: An honest look at life in an Indian residential school in the 1950s, and how one indomitable young spirit survived it. Seepeetza loves living on Joyaska Ranch with her family. But when she is six years old, she is driven to the town of Kalamak, in the interior of British Columbia. Seepeetza will spend the next several years of her life at an Indian residential school. The nuns call her Martha and cut her hair. Worst of all, she is forbidden to “talk Indian,” even with her sisters and cousins. Based on her own experiences at the Kamloops Indian Residential School, this powerful novel by Nlaka’pamux author Shirley Sterling is a moving account of one of the most blatant expressions of racism in the history of Canada. The 30th Anniversary edition Includes a new afterword by acclaimed Cree author Tomson Highway of the Barren Lands First Nation in northern Manitoba. Teacher’s Guide by Groundwood Books (automatic download) Novel Study by First Nations Young People: Becoming Healthy Leaders (FNED Victoria SD #61) |
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, Aboriginal 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. This series of reproducible resource books are filled with factual and up-to-date information. The imaginative and self-directing activities in each book focus on a particular province or territory of Canada and are designed to help students acquire a knowledge of the basic geography and social history of Canada. Numerous map activities are a part of each book and develop map skills 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 as well as outline maps for the teacher or student use are included at the end of each 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.
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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 defense or the post office. Understand that Canada is made up of provinces and territories and that 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, crossword, word search, comprehension quiz and answer key are also included. Gr. 5-8; reading level Gr. 3-4.
PDF Samples (shown as photos on this site) |
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:
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. Other Optional or Supplementary Resources |
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 select your items with care.
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
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Mathematics
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Science
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Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Earth/Space
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Social Studies
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Bible/Christian Studies |
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Optional Resources (not detailed below)
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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.
Samples: Teacher Intro, Teacher's Sample, Student Workbook Sample |
OPTION B: Language Lessons for a Living Education 6 by Master Books and The 10-Minute Bible Journey by Dale Mason; Number the Stars by Lois Lowry novel with Literature Kit by Classroom Complete Press; Underground to Canda by Barbara Smucker novel with Literature Kit by Classroom Complete Press, In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson by Bette Bao Lord novel with Progeny Press Study Guide
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.
Other Optional or Supplementary Resources Table of Contents (under "Scope & Sequence")
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 PressType 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: 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 PressType 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. Aligned to your State Standards and written to Bloom's Taxonomy, our worksheets incorporate a variety of scaffolding strategies along with additional crossword, word search, comprehension quiz and answer key. 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)
In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson by Bette Bao Lord novel with Progeny Press Study GuideType of Resource: novel with workbook
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Math
Singapore Primary Mathematics 2022 Edition is not mentioned here because as the grades progress, it is more difficult to jump into this learning method. It is still a strong option and can be considered for students looking for an academically rigorous curriculum. A placement test is strongly recommended before selecting a level.
Math Lessons for a Living Education 6 Student Workbook & Teacher Guide Set
Description: This engaging, story-based approach puts math into context for your student as they build connections between mathematical concepts and their own lives—learning both how to do the math and how to apply it to life outside the textbook. A blend of stories, copy work, oral narration, and hands-on experience brings the concepts to life, invites the students to explore the world around them, and gives this course a Charlotte Mason flavour. In Math Lessons for a Living Education Level 6, your student will learn:
Table of Contents (under "Scope & Sequence") |
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:
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. 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)
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Science
Biology
Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology Textbook and Student Notebooking Journal Lessons 9 - 14
Note from Curriculum Consultant: 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.
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.
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Earth/Space
Exploring Creation with Astronomy 2nd edition by Jeannie Fullbright (with recommended but optional Notebooking Journal)
Type of Resource: home education curriculum
Description: presents a scientifically sound and God-honoring study of astronomy for grades K-6. Content covered includes a tour of the solar system while learning about stars, the Sun, the planets, the moon, meteors, asteroids, galaxies, and astronauts. With many hands-on activities to help young scientists retain what they learn, our science curriculum uses the Charlotte Mason methodology to introduce elementary-level students to the wonders of our solar system, the stars, and beyond. A detailed daily lesson plan is included in the Notebooking Journal.
Table of Contents and Sample Pages
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The options in this section can be utilized where Science or Social Studies resources do not provide a way to interact with the material presented. Teachers and students can pick and choose organizers that appeal to them and are readily adaptable to the material they are learning.
The Elementary Teacher's Big Book of Graphic Organizers, Gr 5-12
Type of Resource: workbook
Description: veteran educator and NCTE trainer Katherine McKnight shows how students can use graphic organizers as an important tool to organize new information. Providing a visual representation that uses symbols to express ideas, concepts, and convey meaning, graphic organizers help to depict relationships between facts, terms, and ideas. The author demonstrates how graphic organizers have proven to be a powerful teaching and learning strategy.
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3-D Graphic Organizers: 20 Easy-to-Make Learning Tools That Reinforce Key Concepts (Grades 3 - 6)
Type of Resource: workbook Description: bring a new dimension to graphic organizers and increase students' ability to learn and remember important content-area information with these 20 engaging learning tools. Each organizer comes with a ready-to-go template, easy step-by-step directions, and ideas for using it across the curriculum. The finished three-dimensional products serve as powerful reference tools and make a great classroom display to show off what students have learned. Great for individual, small-group, and whole-class learning! |
Social Studies
Economy and Globalization by Classroom Complete Press
Type of Resource: workbook
Description: debates the pros and cons of nationalization and privatization as it relates to the global economy. Review the early history of currency, from the barter system to metal money, and finally, what we use today. Go back to the Great Depression and act out a scene to showcase the economic hardships faced by people living during this era. Hold a panel discussion on international immigration policy. Design your own multinational company and write a business plan. Write a case study about a particular example of outsourcing. Conduct a class debate about whether or not trends toward economic globalization have been good for people around the world. Practice exchanging world currencies using up-to-date currency exchange rates in an international airport. Aligned to your State Standards and written to Bloom's Taxonomy, additional hands-on activities, crossword, word search, comprehension quiz and answer key are also included. Highlights:
Free Supplementary Resources:
PDF Samples (look for images on the left-hand side). |
Shannen and the Dream for a School by Janet Wilson
Use this book with one of the "Graphic Organizers" resources mentioned on this page to assist with learning and reinforcing key concepts. Type of Resource: Biography/Memoir Description: the true story of Shannen Koostachin and the people of Attawapiskat, a Cree community in Northern Ontario, who have been fighting for a new school since the late 1970s when a fuel leak contaminated their original school building. It is 2008, and thirteen-year-old Shannen and the other students at J.R. Nakogee Elementary are tired of attending class in portables that smell and don’t keep out the freezing cold winter air. They make a YouTube video describing the poor conditions, and their plea for a decent school gains the attention and support of community leaders and children across the country. Inspired, the students decide to turn their grade-eight class trip into a visit to Ottawa to speak to the Canadian government. Once there, Shannen speaks passionately to the politicians about the need to give Native children the opportunity to succeed. The following summer, Shannen is nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize. Her passion and that of the other students make politicians stand up and take notice and become a rallying point for the community and for the country. Shannen will never see her dream fulfilled. Tragically, she was killed in a car crash in 2010. Her family, friends, and supporters are continuing to fight and honour her memory as they work for equality for children in communities everywhere.
Supplementary Resources: |
World Electoral Processes by Classroom Complete Press
Type of Resource: workbook
Description: breaks down the differences between a presidential, parliamentary and dictatorship government. Travel back to ancient times to experience the first voting system. Explore the concept of a democratic government and whether it truly represents the people. Discover how the president has to share powers with the legislature in a presidential system. Explain why it is easier to pass laws in the parliamentary system than in the presidential system. Roleplay as a member of Parliament and deliver a 90-second statement about an important issue. Find out why most dictators were military leaders and how the role of a dictator has changed over time. Learn about suffrage and what the requirements are for a citizen to be allowed to vote. Hold your own election to decide on a policy for running your classroom. Written to Bloom's Taxonomy and includes additional writing tasks, crossword, word search, comprehension quiz and answer key. Highlights:
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Understanding Propaganda by John Joseph Micklos
Use this book with one of the "Graphic Organizers" resources mentioned on this page to assist with learning and reinforcing key concepts. Description: everybody believes they're immune to propaganda, but everyone is wrong about that. Propaganda assaults us daily, on TV, on the internet, on the streets of our cities, everywhere we look, and even when we don't think we're looking. Easy-to-understand text, simple infographics, and lots of examples help kids learn how to crack the code of propaganda and learn how to use their brains to decide when they are being manipulated into believing lies presented as the truth.
Table of Contents and Sample Pages (Google Preview) |
Understanding Social Media by Pamela Jain Dell
Use this book with one of the "Graphic Organizers" resources mentioned on this page to assist with learning and reinforcing key concepts. Type of Resource: nonfiction book
Description: everybody thinks they can handle social media. They're only on with their friends. Everything on social media is real. Except that it isn't. Easy-to-understand language, simple infographics, and evocative photos show kids what's real and what's fake on the various social media platforms and how to tell the difference.
Table of Contents and PDF Samples(Google Preview) |
Bible/Christian Studies
Who Am I? And What Am I Doing Here? by David Webb and John Hay (Apologia)
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:
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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 select your items with care.
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 |
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Mathematics |
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Science |
Life Science:
Chemistry
Physics
Earth Science
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Social Studies |
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Bible/Christian Studies |
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Optional Resources (not detailed below)
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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 Lightning Literature Grade 7 Scope and Sequence |
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. Other Optional or Supplementary Resources |
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.
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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 Press, Total Language Plus, or Classroom Complete Press.
Novel #1: Bronze Bow and Progeny Press Study GuideType 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. Table of Contents and PDF Sample Pages
Novel #2: The Golden Goblet with Progeny Press Study GuideType 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. Table of Contents and PDF Sample Pages
Novel #3: Mara, Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Jarvis McGrawType 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.
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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
Other Optional or Supplementary Resources |
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
Components Samples
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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.
Life Science
Building Blocks in Life Science by Gary Parker (Master Books)
Note from Curriculum Consultant: This resource is aimed at a high school audience. Students may need support working through the content.
Type of Resource: Home Education Curriculum Available in the Learning Commons Description: Teachers and students will find clear biological answers proving science and Scripture fit together to honour the Creator. This dynamic educational resource helps young people not only learn science from a biblical perspective but also helps them know how to defend their faith in the process. Covers in-depth topics such as genes and Genesis, the role of natural selection, embryonic development, DNA, and the magnificent origins of life. Powerfully refutes the evolutionary worldview that life simply evolved by chance over millions of years--Provides exceptional insights and clarity to patterns of order in living things, including the promise of healing and new birth in Christ. Offers a fill-in-the-blank or short answer study page at the end of each chapter so students may test their comprehension. Helps students know how to defend their faith scientifically.
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Chemistry
Exploring Creation with Physical Science - Apologia (Modules 1-2)
Type of Resource: Home education curriculum Available in the Learning Commons 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.
Table of Contents and PDF Sample Pages
Other Optional or Supplementary Resources: |
Thames & Kosmos Crystal Growing Activity Kit
Type of Resource: Science Experiment Kit Description: Experiment with four chemically different crystals with different properties, including potassium alum crystals that form regular octahedrons, rapidly growing sodium sulphate crystals, long needle-shaped sodium acetate crystals, and plaster. Measure how the crystallization of solids out of a solution and the dissolution of crystals back into the solution affect the temperature of the solution. Learn about the energy of crystallization. Investigate solutions, crystallization, and the chemistry of crystal growing. A full-colour, 32-page experiment manual guides your experiments in crystal chemistry.
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Physics
Note from Curriculum Consultant: the resources recommended in this Physics section are lower-level. Please consider using alternate resources outlined in our Middle School Science Correlations to fully address standards and/or consult with your support teacher.
What Is Electromagnetism? by Lionel Sandner
Type of Resource: Nonfiction book Available in the Learning Commons Description: This engaging title explains that electromagnetism is the combined power of electricity and magnetism. Detailed images, clearly written text, and opportunities for hands-on learning combine to teach readers the core concepts of electromagnetism and their many applications in everyday life - from watching television to using a computer. Readers will learn how to build an electromagnet and perform tests to understand how to increase its strength.
Website (includes excerpt) |
Renewable Energy (Build It Yourself): Discover the Fuel of the Future by Joshua Sneideman
Type of Resource: Nonfiction book Available in the Learning Commons Description: Readers learn how we will power our world tomorrow, in 20 years, and even in 50 years, with various renewable energy sources, including solar, biofuel, geothermal, and fluid energy. Includes hands-on activities, encouraging students to explore, experiment, and engage with the content.
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Earth Science
Apologia Exploring Creation with General Science (Module 6)
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.
Other Optional or Supplementary Resources |
Climate Change by Shelley Tanaka, Revised Edition
Type of Resource: Nonfiction book Available in the Learning Commons Description: This revised and updated edition includes the most recent scientific findings while addressing the main issues. What is happening, and how did we get here? What is the basic science behind climate change? What is going to happen in the future? And most importantly, why is it so hard to accept what is happening, and what can we do about it? Charts, maps, a glossary, an index and suggestions for further reading accompany the text.
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Social Studies
Ancient Civilizations and the Bible Essentials Pack
Type of Resource: Home education curriculum Key Features:
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
Other Optional or Supplementary Resources
PDF Samples
Additional Support: Video Introduction (highly recommended) |
Bible/Christian Studies
Who Is My Neighbor?
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,
Other Optional or Supplementary Resources
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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 |
OR
OR
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Mathematics
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Science |
Life Science
Chemistry
Physics
Earth Science
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Social Studies |
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Bible/Christian Studies |
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Optional Resources (not detailed below)
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Detailed Information for Grade 8 Curriculum Picks
English Language Arts
Option A: Lightning Literature Gr 8 Student Workbook, Student Guide, and Teacher's Guide with poetry book and readers
Type of Resource: Home Education Curriculum Description: Mini-lessons include taking notes, free verse and ballads, rewriting, narration, fun poems, fiction, sonnets, sentence structure, meter, conclusions, bibliography, and citing sources. The eighth-grade program builds on the seventh-grade program, but you do not need to have completed the seventh-grade program to use this level.
Samples: Teacher' Guide, Student Workbook Sample, Student's Guide Sample
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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 intrest/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. Other Optional or Supplementary Resources |
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.
Writing Strands Overview Video Other Optional or Supplementary Resources |
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
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. 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 GuideType of Resource: novel with optional Total Language Plus Study Guide Video Overview
Novel #3 The Door in the Wall by Marguerite de Angeli and Total Language Plus Focus GuideAbout 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”? 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
Other Optional or Supplementary Resources |
Option B: Crescent Beach Publishing Theory and Problems for Mathematics 8 - Third Edition
Description: aligned to BC's curriculum
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
Components Samples
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Science
Some science standards for Grade 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.
Life Science
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.
Other Optional or Supplementary Resources |
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.
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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:
Other Optional or Supplementary Resource:
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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 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.
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Social Studies
Romans, Reformers, Revolutionaries Essentials Pack
Type of Resource: Home education curriculum Key Features:
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
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:
Other Optional or Supplementary Resources
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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 |
OR
OR
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Mathematics |
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Science |
|
Social Studies |
|
Bible/Christian Studies |
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Optional Resources (not detailed below)
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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 American Lit: Mid-Late 19th Century Student Guide and Teacher's Guide with readers
Type of Resource: Home Education Curriculum Description: Lessons cover theme, humor, description, point of view, figurative language, register, and sound in poetry. The Student’s Guide includes information about the authors, comprehension questions, writing exercises, discussion questions and project suggestions, reading lists appropriate to the period or subject, semester and full-year schedules, and a bibliography. The answers to comprehension questions are in the Teacher’s Guide. Book-length works are sold separately and in a pack with the guides. Samples: Teacher' Guide, Student's Guide
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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. Other Optional or Supplementary Resources: |
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 CraneType of Resource: novel with optional study guide by Progeny Press
Novel #2: The Call of the Wild by Jack LondonType of Resource: novel with optional Progeny Press Study Guide Novel #3: Treasure Island by Robert Louis StevensonType of Resource: novel with optional Progeny Press Study Guide Novel #4: The Scarlet Pimpernel by with Optional Study Guide by Progeny PressType of Resource: novel with optional novel study |
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
Other Optional or Supplementary Resources |
Option B: Crescent Beach Publishing Theory and Problems for Mathematics 9 - Third Edition
Description: Aligned to BC's curriculum
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
Components Samples
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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:
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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. |
Option B: World Empires, World Missions, World Wars Essentials Pack
It is recommended that students complete an inquiry/research project that addresses an area of Canadian content within the curriculum in addition to the resource below. Sample topics include the impact of treaties on First Peoples; the role imperialism and colonialism have on events in present-day Canada; and the influences of immigration on Canada’s identity. The Canadian Heritage Collection books available to borrow through our Learning Commons are excellent resources for these topics. There are many other topics as well; please consult with your support teacher. Type of Resource: Home education curriculum Description:
Key Features:
The Essentials Pack includes: Teacher Guide, Student Manual, What in the World Volume 3 CD Set, Test Kit, Rubric Set, Quick-Start Guide and Basic Lesson Plan
Other Optional or Supplementary Resources
PDF Samples
Additional Support: Video Introduction (highly recommended) |
Bible/Christian Studies
Explorer’s Bible Study: The Gospel of John
Type of Resource: 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. 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 an 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. Other Optional or Supplementary Resources: |