Grade Eight Curriculum Picks

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

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

Type of Resource: novel and workbook

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

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

Website 

Video Overview

Reviews (scroll down on left side)

Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

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

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

Type of Resource: novel with optional Total Language Plus Study Guide
About the Novel: Joseph and his family gave their word to protect the Great Tarnov Crystal, but can they survive the violent, superstitious inhabitants of the city of Krakow?
WebsiteVideo Overview
Teacher's Manual
How Novel Studies Work

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

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

Website
Instructional Video for Focus Guides

Novel #4 Anna of Byzantium Novel (or alternate)

Type of Resource: Novel

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

Note from Curriculum Consultant: This novel (or a novel of your choice) can be used in conjunction with the reading assignments in Writing Strands Intermediate 2.

Type of Resource: Workbook

Description: aligned to BC's curriculum

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

Website

Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

• Extra Worksheets and Resources
• Math Videos (monthly paid subscription, about $11/month)

Table of Contents and PDF Sample Pages

Description: aligned to BC's curriculum

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

Website

Table of Contents

PDF Sample Pages

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

Type of Resource: Home education/classroom curriculum

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

Components

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

Components Samples

• 7A Textbook
• 7A Workbook
• 7A Teaching Notes and Solutions
• 7B Textbook
• 7B Workbook

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

Website

Review 

Scope and Sequence

Brochure

Type of Resource: Homeschool Curriculum

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

Website

Sample and Table of Contents

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

Type of Resource: Home education curriculum

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

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

Website

Review

Other Optional or Supplementary Resource: 

MP3 Audio CD

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

See the descriptions above. Both of these resources cover the same content about Earth’s crust. 

Type of Resource: Nonfiction book

Available in the Learning Commons

• Physical Book
• eBook

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

Website and Excerpt

Type of Resource: Home education curriculum 

Key Features:

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

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

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

Website

Review

Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

• Quick Start Guide
• 3-Day and 5-Day Lesson Plan
• Lesson Planner
• Elementary Activity Book
• True Tales Vol 2 Audio Set
• Digging Deeper Vol 2 Audio Set 

PDF Samples

• Student Manual (Grades 5-12) Sample

• Teacher Guide Sample

• Lesson Planner Sample (including Introduction)

Additional Support: Video Introduction (highly recommended)

Type of Resource: Home education curriculum 

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

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

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

Website

Review

Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

• Regular Notebooking Journal
• MP3 Audio CD
• MP3 Download/Audiobook
• Audiobook on Audible
• Audiobook on iTunes
• eBook

Table of Contents and PDF Samples

Additional Support