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
WritingStrandsOption IntermediateA 1(integrated byliterature Masterfocus Bookswith ORcomposition): Lightning Literature Gr 7 Student Workbook, Student Guide and Teacher's Guide with novels and poetry reader (The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, All Creatures Great and Small, The Story of My Life (Helen Keller), and Stories and Poems for Extremely Intelligent Children).
Option B: Essentials in Writing 77;
Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare with Progeny Press Study GuideGuide; (or alternate)
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.
Option C (lighter option): Writing Strands by Master Books Intermediate 1 (or level as per placement test results); Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare; The Golden Goblet by Eloise Jarvis McGraw; Mara, Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Jarvis McGraw; and/or other novels/stories as assigned by parent/teacher.
Mathematics
Dynamic Classroom BC Grade 7
Singapore Dimensions Math 6A and 6B Textbooks and Teacher's Guides
Science
Life Science:
Building Blocks in Life Science by Gary Parker (Master Books)
Chemistry
Apologia Exploring Creation with Physical Science (Modules 1-2)
Physics
What is Electromagnetism? By Lionel Sander
Renewable Energy (Build It Yourself): Discover the Fuel of the Future
Earth Science
Apologia Exploring Creation with General Science (Module 6)
Climate Change by Shelley Tanaka
Social Studies
Ancient Civilizations and the Bible Essentials Pack by Diana Waring
Bible/Christian Studies
Who Is My Neighbour? Textbook by David Webb, John Hay (Apologia)
Optional Resources
(not detailed below)
The Bottom Line: Money Basics by Diane Dakers (Math/Financial Literacy)
Paper Circuits STEM Starters by Teacher Created Resources (ADST)
Above and Beyond with Creativity and Innovation by Robin Johnson (Career)
ACSI's Total Health: Talking About Life's Changes - Student Textbook and Workbook (PE/Health)
The Archaeology Book by David Down (to address Socials content area, "Geographic conditions shaped the emergence of civilizations".)
Detailed Information for Grade 7 Curriculum Picks
Note from Curriculum Consultant: In the middle school years (grades 7 - 9), academic standards begin to increase in preparation for high school. Teachers/parents/students may also notice that the resources begin to shift towards more independent student work and that the role of the parent may begin to shift to more of a coach/facilitator. This is a healthy and necessary shift that is not without its challenges. One way I have tried to mitigate the challenges is to recommend resources in the same series for these grades so that students can gain a level of confidence with them over time. It is reasonable to expect that grade seven could be a bit of a learning curve for families as they navigate increasing expectations.
English Language Arts
Select one of the following writing programs (A or B), in addition to two novel studies listed below these options.
Option A: WritingLightning StrandsLiterature IntermediateGr 17 -Student MasterWorkbook, BookStudent Guide and Teacher's Guide with poetry book and readers
Type of Resource:Workbook
Home
Education Curriculum Description: WritingLightning 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.
ThisLiterature is a hybridlanguage coursearts thatcurriculum combinesdesigned readingto instill a love of literature in students, expand their ability to read intelligently and deeply, and prepare them for more advanced language arts concepts. The key components of this series are literature, grammar and mechanics, and composition. Novels: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, All Creatures Great and Small, The Story of My Life (Helen Keller). Poetry Reader: Stories and Poems for Extremely Intelligent Children). The Workbook gives students a chance to practice the skills and concepts learned in the lessons, along with composition skills (writing from note cards, rewriting in your own words, etc.), thinking skills (e.g., differentiating fact from opinion, identifying bias), and grammar review (e.g., capitalization, pronouns and antecedents). There are also optional puzzles and extra “Challenge” workbook pages. The Student Guide consists of lessons on the plot line, increasing your creativity, autobiography, the character sketch, dialogue, basic terms and rhyme in poetry, sound in poetry, nonce words, brainstorming, outlining, choosing a topic, writing a good opening, and instruction on four poetic forms (limerick, haiku, cinquain, and list poem). Each lesson contains a brief biographical introduction, vocabulary, comprehension questions, the literary lesson and mini-lesson, and writing intoexercises. oneThe course.workpages Worksheetsallow add structurestudents to reading assignments chosen bypractice the teacher/parent. Students will rotate writingskills and readingconcepts assignmentslearned eachin week—thusthe alsolessons. learningBook-length works are sold separately and in a pack with the guides and workbook. The Teacher’s Guide (see Related items below) includes the answers to writecomprehension through literature because good readers make good writers! Additionally, the Bible is used as the literature base for teaching how narrative voice can be used to form captivating pieces of literature.
Note from Curriculum Consultant: This resource refers to a different book/novel assigned by the teacher/parent each week over 18 lessons and provides a page with six steps for discussion regarding this book in each lesson. This may be a bit much for many students, so this page could be skipped when desired,questions and the novelworkbook studypages, suggesteda belowteaching canschedule, beextra completedteaching ashelp for the lessons, help choosing appropriate writing exercises, and discussion questions. The Teacher’s Guide includes an alternative to this page manyexplanation of the weeks.
course’s
philosophy,
a weekly lesson planner, answers to the comprehension questions and the workbook pages, additional teaching suggestions for the lessons, and additional information on the writing exercises.
Option B: Essentials in Writing 77; StudentBronze BookBow 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 Videonovel Component (Choose Stream Onlinestudy or DVD)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.
NovelsOption 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.
Note from Curriculum Consultant: AlternateThis novelsresource canalternates beweekly chosen.between writing assignments and reading assignments. The onesteacher/parent belowis are cross-curricular historical fiction selections set in ancient history, the era of study in Socials Studies grade 7. Some students may wishasked to completeassign 3a ordifferent morebook novels/novelfor studies.every Goodother optionsweek's canreading belesson. foundWriting atStrands Overview Video & ProgenyTeaching PressCompanion or Classroom Complete Press.
Novels
Novel #1: Bronze Bow with Progeny Press Study Guide
Type of Resource: Novel and workbook
Description: Angry and vengeful at the death of his parents, Daniel bar Jamin joins an outlaw Zealot band pledging to all he can to rid the land of the hated Romans. Daniel meets Joel and Malthace, two young people with a similar desire to see their land free of the Romans. The three of them make a pact to fight together for God's victory.
Then Daniel learns his grandmother has died and finds he must leave the mountain to care for his sister, Leah. He is torn between the responsibility he feels toward his sister and his hatred against the Romans. To support himself and his sister, Daniel takes over a blacksmith shop belonging to his friend, Simon, who has left town to follow a travelling teacher named Jesus.
Daniel begins to wonder if Jesus is the leader they have all been hoping for, the one who will lead them against the Romans. But Jesus is teaching a very different message from the one Daniel wants to hear.
Novel #2: The Golden Goblet with Progeny Press Study Guide
Type of Resource: Novel and workbook
Description: Ranofer dreams of following in his father's footsteps as a goldsmith, but when he is suddenly orphaned, he struggles under the abusive control of a half-brother. When he stumbles across tomb robbers, Ranofer is swept into danger, mystery, and intrigue, but he never loses sight of his dream. This exciting coming-of-age mystery brings Ancient Egypt to life.
Novel #3: Mara, Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Jarvis McGraw
This compelling story of adventure, romance, and intrigue, set in ancient Egypt, was written by the three-time Newbery Honor and Edgar Award winning author Eloise Jarvis McGraw.
Mara is a proud and beautiful slave girl who yearns for freedom in ancient Egypt under the rule of Queen Hatshepsut. Mara is not like other slaves; she can read and write, as well as speak the language of Babylonian. So, to barter for her freedom, she finds herself playing the dangerous role of double spy for two arch enemies—each of whom supports a contender for the throne of Egypt.
Against her will, Mara finds herself falling in love with one of her masters, the noble Sheftu, and she starts to believe in his plans of restoring Thutmose III to the throne. But just when Mara is ready to offer Sheftu her help and her heart, her duplicity is discovered, and a battle ensues in which both Mara’s life and the fate of Egypt are at stake.
Math
Select one of the following math programs (A or B) below
Jump Math has not been included as a "Pick" in the middle school grades because the workbooks themselves often do not provide sufficient instruction for most students to adequately learn new and increasingly more difficult concepts. Families who have had good success with this program may wish to continue, however.
Option A: Dynamic Classroom BC Grade 7
Type of Resource: Workbook
Description: aligned to BC's curriculum
Detailed explanations of every topic with step-by-step guided examples with solutions.
A series of problems for the student to practice the concept they just learned. Questions start out easy and gradually increase in difficulty. Challenging questions are provided for those students that really want to push themselves.
Practice tests for each chapter/unit in the book.
An answer key for all questions in the book.
Students can get extra support through the website that provides additional worksheets and a limited selection of video lessons when you create an online account.
A complete set of video lessons (a paid service) where you can watch a math teacher while they explain a concept and then walk you through some examples.
Option B: Singapore Dimensions Math 6A and 6B Textbooks and Teacher's Guides
Type of Resource: Home education/classroom curriculum
Description: The program emphasizes problem-solving and empowers students to think mathematically, both inside and outside the classroom. Pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, data analysis, probability, and some advanced math topics are included in this rigorous series. The series follows the principles outlined in the Singapore mathematics framework, including the Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract (CPA) Approach, bar modelling, and more. In the Dimensions Math program, concepts are introduced and explained in a new format with vibrant imagery, all with the progression and scope that has defined Singapore math.
Components
Textbooks build on prior knowledge and develop familiar concepts in an accessible way.
Workbooks offer independent practice while maintaining the careful progression of exercise variation.
Teacher’s Guides provide teaching suggestions and important information for educators to help students achieve math mastery.
Workbook Solutions contain fully worked solutions for problems in workbooks.
Notes from Curriculum Consultant: This US-based resource is advanced for BC standards, and books 6 - 8A align reasonably well (although not entirely) with BC's curriculum for grades 7 - 9. There are sufficient exercises in the textbook for many students, and so the workbook may not be necessary (and may even be frustrating) for students who learn quickly. For students who require repetition and extra practice, the workbook (and workbook solutions) are recommended. Even though this resource does not completely align with BC's curriculum, it was chosen for its proven approach which has been a favourite with home educators for years. It is a rigorous program that generally works best for students who have developed an aptitude for math. Those looking towards using this program to prepare for the BC grad course, Foundations and Math and Pre-Calculus 10 should be aware that levels 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B and 8A should be sufficient preparation. That is 5 books over 3 years, and so in terms of pacing, one would be looking at completing approximately 1 and 2/3 books per year, allowing for a slightly less rigorous pace than 2 books per year.
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. Seethis 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ancient Civilizations and the Bible Essentials Pack
Type of Resource: Home education curriculum
Key Features:
Presents many opportunities for students of all learning styles to thrive
Develops critical thinking skills in a Charlotte Mason style Unit Study approach
Different levels of projects and books allow multiple ages to learn together … Grades 5-12 with main curriculum and kindergarten to grade 4 with the Elementary Activity Book
Learn history from a Bible-centered approach
History Revealed integrates events and people of the Bible with the study of ancient civilizations from Creation to Jesus
Give high school credit for history plus possible credit for geography, creative writing, research writing, music appreciation, art appreciation, world literature, and more! (Possible credit based on hours spent and work completed in the subject area.)
The Essentials Pack includes: Teacher Guide, Student Manual, What in the World Volume 1 CD Set, Test Kit, Rubric Set, Quick-Start Guide and Basic Lesson Plan
Note from Curriculum Consultant: Assignments could possibly be applied for credit in English Language Arts, and Arts Education as well, depending on which activities students choose. This resource may seem daunting at first, but many of the assignments are pick and choose, and students can select activities that are appealing to them. I recommend listening to a sample of the audio lessons online here, as this makes up a large portion of the teaching.
Description: Who Is My Neighbor? And Why Does He Need Me? helps students understand what it means to be salt and light to the world (Matthew 5:13-14). This study will encourage students to develop a Christlike servant attitude based on biblical truths taught in this third book in the What We Believe series. This book covers the following concepts,
God created me to be a blessing to the world
God chooses to work through me
I can make a difference at home, in my community, and at church
The church is God’s family
The church is one body with many gifts and I am an important member of Jesus’ body.
Note From Curriculum Consultant: This resource works really well as a family devotional where discussion and open conversation are encouraged and fostered. The content is suitable for elementary grades through middle school, however, most Grade 7 students could work through this resource independently.
