Grade Seven Curriculum Picks
Note: These Grade Seven Picks can be purchased from Homeschool Canada (order using the HCOS Curriculum Order Form). Some options may also be available to borrow from the Learning Commons Search Portal and/or via the OverDrive virtual eBook library.
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
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Writing Strands Intermediate 1 OR Essentials in Writing 7
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Bronze Bow with Progeny Press Study Guide
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The Golden Goblet with Progeny Press Study Guide
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Dynamic Classroom BC Grade 7 OR Singapore Dimensions Math 6A and 6B Textbooks and Teacher's Guides
Science
- Exploring Creation with General Science Textbook, Solutions and Test Manual, and Student Notebook
- Ancient Civilizations and the Bible Essentials Pack
- Who Is My Neighbour? Textbook
Optional/Additional 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 - Grade 7 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: Writing Strands Intermediate 1
Type of Resource: Workbook
Description: Writing Strands Intermediate 1 will help your junior high/high school student learn about effective paragraphs, descriptive writing, narrative voice, and tense usage, as well as how to analyze plots in literature. It explores the art of writing effectively—and creatively! In this comprehensive course, students will discover how to structure a story, utilize topic sentences, organize information, craft written descriptions, explore voice and character position, and more.
This is a hybrid course that combines reading and writing into one course. Worksheets add structure to reading assignments chosen by the teacher/parent. Students will rotate writing and reading assignments each week—thus also learning to write through literature because good readers make good writers! Additionally, the Bible is used as the literature base for teaching how narrative voice can be used to form captivating pieces of literature.
Note from Curriculum Consultant: This resource 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, and the novel study suggested below can be completed as an alternative to this page many of the weeks.
Website: https://www.masterbooks.com/writing-strands-intermediate-1
Placement Tests: https://www.masterbooks.com/mwdownloads/download/link/id/910/
Other Optional or Supplementary Resources: Writing Strands: Teaching Companion
Scope and Sequence: https://www.masterbooks.com/mwdownloads/download/link/id/924/
Table of Contents: and PDF Samples: https://www.masterbooks.com/mwdownloads/download/link/id/869/
Option B: Essentials in Writing 7 Student Book and Video Component (Choose Stream Online or DVD)
Type of Resource: Homes education curriculum
Description: a homeschool writing curriculum that teaches middle school students proper grammar, how to properly write meaningful sentences, and implement mechanics. Students learn to use the writing process for narrative/descriptive/expository/ persuasive writing, how to use effective writing techniques, and much more. The step-by-step approach allows students to focus on small, daily assignments, so they don’t feel overwhelmed. Level 7 includes a textbook/workbook and contains a video component.
Lesson-by-lesson video instruction is provided via streaming or DVD. These lessons are essential to the program and must be used in conjunction with the textbook/workbook combo book. Note that additional workbooks may be purchased if there are additional students in the family taking the course.
Website: https://essentialsinwriting.com/level-7/
Placement Test (Level Wizard): http://essentialsinwriting.com/level-wizard/
Other Optional or Supplementary Resources: 34-Week Plan
Sample Video Lesson: https://youtu.be/N_CK73DXTa8
Table of Contents and PDF Sample: Level 7 Textbook Sample
Free Trial: https://essentialsinwriting.com/trybeforeyoubuy/
Novels
Note from Curriculum Consultant: Alternate novels can be chosen. The ones below are cross-curricular historical fiction selections set in ancient history, the era of study in Socials Studies grade 7. Some students may wish to complete 3 or more novels/novel studies. Good options can be found at Progeny Press or Classroom Complete Press.
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.
Website: https://stores.progenypress.com/bronze-bow-the-study-guide/
Table of Contents and PDF Sample Pages: https://stores.progenypress.com/content/BronzeBow_smpl.pdf
Novel #2: The Golden Goblet with Progeny Press Study Guide
Type of Resource: Novel and workbook
Description: Ranofer dreams of following in his father's footsteps as a goldsmith, but when he is suddenly orphaned, he struggles under the abusive control of a half-brother. When he stumbles across tomb robbers, Ranofer is swept into danger, mystery, and intrigue, but he never loses sight of his dream. This exciting coming-of-age mystery brings Ancient Egypt to life.
Website: https://stores.progenypress.com/golden-goblet-the-study-guide/
Table of Contents and PDF Sample Pages: https://stores.progenypress.com/content/GoldenGoblet_smpl.pdf
Math
Select one of the following math programs (A or B) below
Jump Math has not been included as a "Pick" in the middle school grades because the workbooks themselves often do not provide sufficient instruction for most students to adequately learn new and increasingly more difficult concepts. Families who have had good success with this program may wish to continue, however.
Option A: Dynamic Classroom BC Grade 7
Type of Resource: Workbook
Description: aligned to BC's curriculum
- Detailed explanations of every topic with step-by-step guided examples with solutions.
- A series of problems for the student to practice the concept they just learned. Questions start out easy and gradually increase in difficulty. Challenging questions are provided for those students that really want to push themselves.
- Practice tests for each chapter/unit in the book.
- An answer key for all questions in the book.
- Students can get extra support through the website that provides additional worksheets and a limited selection of video lessons when you create an online account.
- A complete set of video lessons (a paid service) where you can watch a math teacher while they explain a concept and then walk you through some examples.
Website: https://www.math-help.ca/
Other Optional or Supplementary Resources
Table of Contents and PDF Sample Pages: http://resources.dynamic-classroom.ca/bookcase/qhyyw
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 practise while maintaining the careful progression of exercise variation.
- Teacher’s Guides provide teaching suggestions and important information for educators to help students achieve math mastery.
- Workbook Solutions contain fully worked solutions for problems in workbooks.
Components Samples
- 6A Textbook (required)
- 6A Teacher's Guide (required)
- 6B Textbook (required)
- 6B Teacher's Guide (required)
- 6A Workbook, 6B Workbook, 6A and 6B Workbook Solutions
Notes from Curriculum Consultant: This US-based resource is advanced for BC standards, and books 6 - 8A align reasonably well (although not entirely) with BC's curriculum for grades 7 - 9. There are sufficient exercises in the textbook for many students, and so the workbook may not be necessary (and may even be frustrating) for students who learn quickly. For students who require repetition and extra practice, the workbook (and workbook solutions) are recommended. Even though this resource does not completely align with BC's curriculum, it was chosen for its proven approach which has been a favourite with home educators for years. It is a rigorous program that generally works best for students who have developed an aptitude for math. Those looking towards using this program to prepare for the BC grad course, Foundations and Math and Pre-Calculus 10 should be aware that levels 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B and 8A should be sufficient preparation. That is 5 books over 3 years, and so in terms of pacing, one would be looking at completing approximately 1 and 2/3 books per year, allowing for a slightly less rigorous pace than 2 books per year.
Website: https://www.singaporemath.com/programs/dimensions-6-8/
Scope and Sequence: https://www.singaporemath.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/SS_DM6-8.pdf
Brochure: https://www.singaporemath.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/DM_6-8_BROCHURE.pdf
Science
Exploring Creation with General Science Textbook, Solutions and Test Manual, and Student Notebook
Type of Resource: Home education curriculum
Description: Specifically designed to be the first course taken during junior high, it was created to give middle school students an understanding of the basic world that surrounds them each day of their lives 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. There is a large component of Earth Science (modules include astronomy, meteorology, oceanography, earth study, geology, paleontology, and environmental science) to give students a great foundation of 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.
Note from Curriculum Consultant: This is one of my favourite resources, and although lengthy, it is very conversational in its approach and makes science concepts interesting and accessible for students. It has been recommended in favour of piecing together multiple resources from various publishers for the sake of addressing all the content areas (which really isn't necessary anyway). For students that may be put off by such a "thick" textbook, a secondary option would be to use all or some of the following: It Couldn’t Just Happen by Lawrence O. Richards; God’s Design for Chemistry & Ecology: Properties of Atoms and Molecules 4th Edition Student Book and Teacher Supplement; Inventions ScienceWiz Kit; and The Fossil Book by Dr. Gary Parker.
Website: https://www.apologia.com/homeschool-general-science/
Other Optional or Supplementary Resources
Table of Contents and PDF Sample Pages: https://view.publitas.com/apologia/general-science-sample-grade-7/
Additional Support
Social Studies
Ancient Civilizations and the Bible Essentials Pack
Type of Resource: Home education curriculum
Key Features:
- Presents many opportunities for students of all learning styles to thrive
- Develops critical thinking skills in a Charlotte Mason style Unit Study approach
- Different levels of projects and books allow multiple ages to learn together … Grades 5-12 with main curriculum and kindergarten to grade 4 with the Elementary Activity Book
- Learn history from a Bible-centered approach
- History Revealed integrates events and people of the Bible with the study of ancient civilizations from Creation to Jesus
- Give high school credit for history plus possible credit for geography, creative writing, research writing, music appreciation, art appreciation, world literature, and more! (Possible credit based on hours spent and work completed in the subject area.)
The Essentials Pack includes: Teacher Guide, Student Manual, What in the World Volume 1 CD Set, Test Kit, Rubric Set, Quick-Start Guide and Basic Lesson Plan
Note from Curriculum Consultant: Assignments could possibly be applied for credit in English Language Arts, and Arts Education as well, depending on which activities students choose. This resource may seem daunting at first, but many of the assignments are pick and choose, and students can select activities that are appealing to them. I recommend listening to a sample of the audio lessons online here, as this makes up a large portion of the teaching.
Website: https://www.dianawaring.com/product/ancient-civilizations-the-bible-essentials-pack/
Other Optional or Supplementary Resources
- Ancient Civilizations & the Bible Elementary Activity Book
- True Tales Vol 1 Audio Set: Ancient Civilizations & The Bible
- Digging Deeper Vol 1 Audio Set: Ancient Civilizations & The Bible
PDF Samples
- Student Manual (Grades 5-12) Sample
- Teacher Guide Sample
- Teacher Guide Introduction
- Elementary Activity Book (Grades K-4) Sample
- Lesson Planner Sample
- Lesson Planner Introduction
Additional Support: Video Introduction (highly recommended): https://youtu.be/4fGpzXMiK7A
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,
- God created me to be a blessing to the world
- God chooses to work through me
- I can make a difference at home, in my community, and at church
- The church is God’s family
- The church is one body with many gifts and I am an important member of Jesus’ body.
Note From Curriculum Consultant: This resource works really well as a family devotional where discussion and open conversation are encouraged and fostered. The content is suitable for elementary grades through middle school, however, most Grade 7 students could work through this resource independently.
Website: https://www.apologia.com/product/who-is-my-neighbor-textbook/
Review: https://cathyduffyreviews.com/homeschool-extras/worldview-curriculum/what-we-believe-series
Other Optional or Supplementary Resources
- Regular Notebooking Journal
- MP3 Audio CD
- MP3 Download/Audiobook
- Audiobook on Audible
- Audiobook on iTunes
- eBook version of the textbook
Table of Contents and PDF Samples: https://view.publitas.com/apologia/apologia-who-is-my-neighbor-sample/
Additional Support: https://www.apologia.com/faqs/