8th Grade Full Year Full Curriculum-All Subjects-Accredited-Homeschoolers
What's included
152 live meetings
608 in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. 3-6 per weekAssignments
3-6 per weekProjects
1-2 throughout the classAssessment
3-6 throughout the classLetter Grade
3-6 throughout the classProgress Report
1-2 throughout the classCertificate of Completion
1 after class completionClass Experience
US Grade 8
Welcome to our eighth-grade course, designed to blend core academic subjects with engaging technology skills. Aligned with standards and learning objectives, that not only meet CCSS, as well as U.S. National requirements per the Department of Education, but it was created to exceed all of those. This incredible program provides 15 weekly hours of live, online instruction covering a full time curriculum including Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies, along with an incredible and extensive elective variety and selection. Classes run Monday through Friday with built-in homeroom sessions, regular breaks, and an interactive approach that combines group projects, real-world applications, and personalized support for every learner regardless of their learning needs or level. With over two decades of teaching experience, education isn't just a job for me—it's my calling, my joy, and my passion. I've spent my career dedicated to nurturing young minds and instilling a lifelong love for learning in each and every student who enters both my classroom, and my heart. Our curriculum is more than just lessons and textbooks—it's a carefully crafted journey designed to ignite curiosity, spark creativity, and foster personal growth. From the excitement of mathematics to the wonder of science, every subject is an opportunity for exploration and discovery tailored to the unique needs of each learner. Throughout the year, we'll embark on an exhilarating adventure of interactive lessons, collaborative projects, and hands-on activities. But more than that, we'll create a warm, inclusive environment where every student feels valued, supported, and encouraged to shine. As an educator, my philosophy is simple: I lead by example. I believe in the "I do, you do, we do" approach, where we learn and grow together as a team. My goal is not just to teach, but to inspire, to uplift, and to empower each student to reach their full potential. But let's not forget the most important part—fun! Learning should be an adventure, a journey filled with laughter, excitement, and joy. That's why I'm committed to making every class an engaging, enjoyable experience for all. Throughout the course, students will not only learn from me but also from each other, through lively discussions, group projects, and collaborative activities. Together, we'll build a community of learners where everyone feels heard, valued, and supported. All learners must follow the Outschool learner verification safety process. To be let into the room, your learner must have the name on their zoom account match the name on the student roster verbatim. The student must also make sure to have their camera on before entering the classroom. If their camera is not on upon being let into the classroom, they will be removed immediately, but they will be let back in once their cameras are on and their names match. The child must also have enough light on to be identified by the teacher. After they have been identified, they MUST keep their cameras on for the entirety of the classroom time. The Curriculum~ English Language Arts:(ELA) Aligned with common core state standards as a foundation, then layer in personalized and unique lesson plans made specifically to pique and meet our present students' interests, aptitudes, and learning needs, both individually and as a group. • (Psychological Thriller Literature, Essays, and Game-Based Grammar): In Language Arts, we’ll delve into psychological thriller novels, ideal for analyzing literary elements like character motivation, plot structure, and themes. Through team projects, students will dissect these components and present their findings interactively, fostering collaboration and critical thinking. Students will have options for a major writing project, some of the examples they could possibly be choosing between: • Informative Essays: Research and presentation on a relevant, chosen topic. • Argumentative Essays: Developing and defending a perspective on a theme from our novel. • Narrative Essays: Crafting an original thriller-inspired short story. • Modernize the literary classics from a century ago, to match the vibe and style of our present and modern day. • And they all lived happily ever …wait…what did you say? So, this final cryptic option will include completely rewriting only certain parts of the story. Grammar, mechanics, vocabulary, and sentence structure will be explored through weekly, game-show-style sessions and hands-on editing exercises. Interactive games will help reinforce concepts while keeping students actively engaged in their learning. Mathematics (Common Core Aligned Eighth-Grade Curriculum): Our math program covers all major eighth-grade concepts, including algebra, geometry, and data analysis, all aligned with Common Core standards. Concepts are taught through a blend of introducing new concepts and solving practice problems in a group setting while ensuring that every student be a part of the interactive problem-solving process, peer collaboration in breakout rooms, students become the teacher and help their peers understand newly learned concepts. Students will develop both procedural fluency and problem-solving skills through hands-on projects and team exercises, ensuring they can apply math in real-world contexts. . Following 8th-grade Common Core standards, we will explore: • Algebra: Linear equations, graphing, systems of equations, and inequalities. • Functions: Understanding and applying functional relationships. • Geometry: Congruence, similarity, and the Pythagorean Theorem. • Real-Life Applications: Practical scenarios, word problems, and critical thinking. Science with STEM Projects: Our science course combines 8th-grade physical sciences with STEM applications and projects. • Key Concepts: Force, motion, energy, and engineering principles. • Labs & Projects: Interactive online labs, design challenges, and collaborative projects. • Skills Development: Observation, hypothesis testing, data analysis, and presentation. This science curriculum integrates interactive STEM components and project-based learning to explore key scientific topics like physical and life sciences, Earth systems, and basic physics concepts. Labs and hands-on projects make learning tangible, while engineering challenges encourage students to design solutions to real-world problems. Breakout rooms and group projects will help foster teamwork and allow students to explore scientific ideas collaboratively. Social Studies: This course covers U.S. history, civics, and government, all aligned with Common Core standards. • U.S. History: From the Industrial Revolution through modern times. • Government: Exploration of civics concepts using iCivics. • Mock Trials: Students will role-play in a structured mock trial, learning public speaking, argumentation, and critical thinking. Our social studies curriculum aligns with eighth-grade standards, exploring American history, civics, government, and geography. We’ll use mock trials, debates, and team projects to develop students’ understanding of historical events, civic responsibilities, and global awareness. Activities like group research projects and peer discussions encourage critical thinking and allow for diverse viewpoints. One/Combination/All of the following electives Computer Literacy/Typing, Career Exploration, Conflict Resolution, Leadership Development, and/or High School Success PSAT/SAT • Computer Literacy: Students start by building core skills in PC navigation, software troubleshooting, typing and understanding system settings. • Career Exploration & Readiness – Introduce students to different career paths by having guest speakers from various professions, virtual career fairs, or creating a portfolio of their strengths and interests. They can learn to write resumes, explore job shadowing, or simulate job interviews. • High School Success Skills – Offer a course focused on study techniques, time management, organization, and goal setting. Use interactive tools like digital planners or Trello to help students develop these habits. Include sessions on reducing stress and balancing school life with personal interests. • Leadership & Teamwork Skills – Focus on building leadership skills through group projects, role-playing, and leadership challenges. Give them real-life scenarios that they may face in high school (group work, student council, sports teams), and guide them through how to navigate those dynamics. • Coding for Problem Solving/Ethical Hacking – Take coding a step further by challenging students to solve community or world problems using programming. Whether it’s designing apps, websites, or creating automations, coding can become a tool for addressing real-life issues and/or introducing them to network security and preparing them for the ethical hacking pathway in high school. • Design Thinking & Innovation – Use design thinking principles to help students brainstorm, prototype, and refine creative solutions to everyday challenges. They can design products, services, or community projects. This course encourages critical thinking and prepares them for project-based learning in high school. • Conflict Resolution & Peer Mediation – Equip students with skills in resolving conflicts peacefully and mediating issues among peers. Through role-play scenarios and group discussions, they can practice how to navigate social dynamics, making them more confident in handling high school challenges. The Class Structure/Schedule~ Each week will consist of Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with Monday and Wednesday's school day lasting 4.5 hours. Then Tuesday and Thursday's school day lasting 3 hours. In total, making a 15-hour school week. This structure allows us to cover all subjects in depth, with a balanced focus on each core area and elective. It also forces us to take a brain break and allows us to focus on the subject at hand without any unwanted distractions. It puts the entire class in the best mindset for starting up a new class and forcing a new link to be generated, while still having the guarantee of a 10-minute break in between subjects. We will also have the elective twice a week after our core subjects enabling us to focus separately on the electives curricula as its own entity. Weekly Schedule ELA (Monday and Wednesday, 1:00 PM - 2:20 PM) Math (Monday and Wednesday 2:30 PM - 3:50 PM) Elective (Monday and Wednesday 4:00 PM - 5:20 PM) 1 hour 20 mins for ELA, math, and elective classes each, with a ten minute break after each class. Subject and class end/Break (2:20 PM - 2:30 PM; 3:50 PM - 4:00PM): A consistent 10-minute energizing break to help students reset before their next class beginning, where they will need to click on the next class link in Outschool to get them inside of the correct room, where their next subject will be taught. Science with STEM (Tuesday and Thursday, 1:00 PM - 2:20 PM) Social Studies (Tuesday and Thursday 2:30 PM - 3:50 PM) 1 hour 20 mins each for both science and social studies with a ten minute break in between classes. Subject and class end/Break (2:20 PM - 2:30 PM): A consistent 10 minute energizing break to help students reset before their next class beginning, where they will need to click on the next class link in Outschool to get them inside of the correct room to begin their final class of the day which will be Social Studies. Teaching Style: My teaching style combines the creation of personalized, structured lessons with interactive activities that I create custom for the students in class, utilizing games, peer tutoring, student teaching, group projects, and discussions to reinforce concepts. I aim to create an inclusive and supportive environment where each learner can excel, feel valued, and build on their unique strengths. Interaction with Learners: This course is highly interactive, encouraging participation, questions, and group collaboration. Learners will: • Attend fun, engaging classes, participate in respectful class discussions, complete guided activities, and participate in unique and meaningful role-play or scenarios that allow the learner to apply learning strategies to real life situations. • Work in breakout rooms for small group projects, or pairs. • Lead and participate in peer tutoring sessions, fostering leadership and teamwork skills. Mathematics: • Linear equations and inequalities • Systems of equations • Functions and their representations • Geometric transformations and the Pythagorean Theorem • Data analysis, probability, and statistics English Language Arts (ELA): • Literary analysis of novels, short stories, poetry, and drama • Expository, narrative, persuasive, and research writing • Advanced grammar and mechanics • Vocabulary building and usage • Reading comprehension strategies Science: • Earth’s structure, weather, and climate • Basic biological concepts, cellular biology, and genetics • Introduction to chemical reactions and the periodic table • Fundamental principles of physics including forces, motion, and energy Social Studies: • Key events and figures in American history from all major wars in our American historical culture to modern times • Geographic literacy and map skills • Understanding of civic duties, government structures, and the Constitution (Yes, we will be having a mock trial) • Basic economic principles and personal finance Electives will be based on students' choice but also on teachers' ability. Miss China Weeks 1-4: Computer Literacy & Typing These weeks focus on hands-on digital literacy while simulating real-life tasks. • Week 1: PC Adventure Challenge • Activity: Create a virtual scavenger hunt where students navigate their computers to find certain files, settings, or system functions. The faster they complete it, the more points they earn. Tie this into troubleshooting common computer problems. • Real-Life Connection: Mimics the problem-solving skills needed when managing files or troubleshooting tech in daily life. • Week 2: Document & Spreadsheet Escape Room • Activity: Students solve puzzles by using Google Docs or Spreadsheets to uncover clues, collaborating in teams to complete the digital escape room. • Real-Life Connection: Prepares them for collaborative document editing and solving real-world problems using spreadsheets. • Week 3: Typing Speed Tournament • Activity: Organize a fun, bracket-style tournament where students compete in typing speed challenges. Incorporate fun incentives like “fastest fingers” or mini typing games during breaks. • Real-Life Connection: Fast typing is essential for school reports, future job tasks, and digital communication. • Week 4: Internet Detective • Activity: Students become “Internet Detectives” tasked with solving a cyber-mystery, focusing on online safety, identifying scams, and preventing data breaches in a gamified environment. • Real-Life Connection: Develops critical awareness of online privacy and internet safety. Weeks 5-8: Career Exploration & Readiness These weeks focus on discovering personal strengths and career paths through interactive and immersive experiences. • Week 5: Career Talent Show • Activity: Students research their strengths and talents, then present them in a fun, creative format (skits, drawings, mini performances) to demonstrate how their interests translate into potential careers. • Real-Life Connection: Encourages students to connect personal strengths to future careers, building self-awareness. • Week 6: Virtual Career Fair & Networking Game • Activity: Invite guest speakers from different professions (tech, medicine, arts) to share their experiences. Students can ask questions and “network” with these professionals, taking notes to solve a career puzzle game afterward. • Real-Life Connection: Gives students insight into various career paths and teaches networking skills. • Week 7: Resume & Business Card Hackathon • Activity: Students design their own creative resumes and business cards. Hold a friendly competition to see who can create the most professional, eye-catching design. • Real-Life Connection: Builds foundational skills for creating personal branding tools for future job searches. • Week 8: Virtual Job Interview Simulation • Activity: Students enter a virtual “job interview” scenario where they role-play being both the interviewer and interviewee. Use a game format where they score points for strong answers and creativity. • Real-Life Connection: Simulates the job interview experience, building confidence in professional interactions. Weeks 9-12: High School Success Skills These weeks are geared toward helping students master the skills necessary to thrive in high school through engaging and creative activities. • Week 9: Time-Management Challenge • Activity: Students receive a fictional, fast-paced “high school schedule” where they must balance homework, extracurriculars, and personal life using a digital planner or Trello. They track their time management and earn points based on how well they allocate their time. • Real-Life Connection: Prepares them for managing a busy high school schedule effectively. • Week 10: PSAT/SAT Escape the Test Room • Activity: Instead of traditional test prep, students solve a series of SAT/PSAT-related puzzles to “escape” from a digital test prep room. • Real-Life Connection: Makes test prep interactive and fun while teaching them real test-taking strategies. • Week 11: Stress-Buster Tournament • Activity: Teach stress-management techniques through interactive games like mindfulness bingo or a “calm-down competition” where students try different relaxation strategies. • Real-Life Connection: Helps students recognize stress triggers and find healthy outlets for dealing with school stress. • Week 12: Vision Board for Goal setting • Activity: Students create their own virtual or physical vision boards of their academic and personal goals. Use tools like Canva to make them visually appealing and exciting to share. • Real-Life Connection: Encourages long-term goal setting and the development of a positive mindset for high school. Weeks 13-16: Leadership & Teamwork Skills During these weeks, students will engage in leadership-building activities based on real-world high school scenarios. • Week 13: Leadership Role-Play • Activity: Students are assigned real-life school scenarios (organizing a club event, leading a team project) and must role-play as the group leader, making decisions and solving challenges. • Real-Life Connection: Prepares them for leadership positions like student council, club presidents, or team captains. • Week 14: Digital Debate Competition • Activity: Host a debate on a fun topic (e.g., “Best Movie of All Time”) where students must work in teams to research, develop arguments, and present their case using effective communication and teamwork. • Real-Life Connection: Builds critical thinking, collaboration, and persuasive communication skills for real-life group projects. • Week 15: Leadership Escape Room • Activity: Teams are given a complex task or project (e.g., planning a virtual school event), and they must “escape” by solving problems, delegating tasks, and overcoming challenges as leaders. • Real-Life Connection: Encourages problem-solving and leadership in group settings, skills essential for high school teams and clubs. • Week 16: Leadership Reflection Challenge • Activity: After completing their leadership activities, students will reflect and share their experiences through a multimedia project (videos, presentations, or journals) discussing what leadership lessons they learned. • Real-Life Connection: Provides insight into their personal leadership style and how to improve in high school settings. Weeks 17-20: Coding for Problem Solving / Ethical Hacking These weeks dive into hands-on coding and cybersecurity challenges that mirror real-world scenarios. • Week 17: Coding for a Cause • Activity: Students use Scratch or Python to design a simple app or game aimed at solving a community problem (e.g., reducing plastic waste or promoting recycling). • Real-Life Connection: Shows students how coding can be used to address real-world problems and make a positive impact. • Week 18: App Showcase • Activity: Host a virtual app or game showcase where students present their projects to the class, receiving feedback from “investors” (classmates). • Real-Life Connection: Mimics real-life presentations in professional settings like tech companies or start-up pitches. • Week 19: Ethical Hacking Scavenger Hunt • Activity: Students are given a controlled “cybersecurity breach” scenario and must use ethical hacking techniques to track down clues, locate vulnerabilities, and secure the system. • Real-Life Connection: Teaches them how cybersecurity and ethical hacking can protect systems, businesses, and personal data. • Week 20: Cybersecurity Tournament • Activity: Organize a competition where students solve coding and cybersecurity challenges. Teams earn points based on their success in ethical hacking and defending systems. • Real-Life Connection: Prepares them for high school coding clubs, ethical hacking competitions, and future careers in cybersecurity. Weeks 21-24: Conflict Resolution & Peer Mediation These weeks focus on resolving conflicts using role-playing and real-life mediation experiences. • Week 21: Conflict Resolution Role-Play • Activity: Students role-play common school conflicts (friendship arguments, group project issues) and practice using peaceful, non-confrontational methods to resolve them. • Real-Life Connection: Equips them with the emotional intelligence to handle conflicts in high school effectively. • Week 22: Peer Mediation Game • Activity: Create a peer mediation simulation where students take turns being the mediator, helping two “conflicting” classmates come to an agreement through peaceful resolution strategies. • Real-Life Connection: Builds practical conflict mediation skills to use in high school clubs, teams, and social situations. • Week 23: Conflict Resolution Case Studies • Activity: Analyze real-world case studies where conflicts were peacefully resolved in high-pressure situations (e.g., sports teams, business meetings). Students discuss what worked and how they can apply these lessons to their own lives. • Real-Life Connection: Prepares students to deal with high school conflicts by learning from real-world scenarios. • Week 24: Peer Mediation Competition • Activity: Teams compete in a peer mediation competition where they must successfully mediate fictional conflicts • Real-Life Connection: Teaches students to stay calm and resolve conflicts, key skills for leadership positions in high school. Weeks 25-28: Design Thinking & Innovation These weeks encourage students to think creatively and solve real-world problems using design thinking. • Week 25: Design a Product Hackathon • Activity: In small teams, students brainstorm a new product that solves a current global issue (e.g., climate change, health) using design thinking principles. They present prototypes. • Real-Life Connection: Encourages innovation and problem-solving, preparing them for project Weeks 25-28: Design Thinking & Innovation (Continued) • Week 26: Community Innovation Workshop • Activity: Students identify a local or global issue (like environmental sustainability, mental health, or education) and work in teams to develop innovative solutions. They use design thinking to brainstorm, prototype, and present their ideas through virtual presentations. • Real-Life Connection: Encourages students to take ownership of community issues, preparing them for real-world activism and project-based learning. • Week 27: Prototype Creation & Feedback Loop • Activity: Students create prototypes of their products or solutions (digital or physical) using tools like Canva, Tinker CAD, or other 3D design platforms. They share their prototypes with classmates and receive feedback for improvement. • Real-Life Connection: Mimics the process of product development and user feedback in real-world engineering, technology, or design careers. • Week 28: Pitching to Investors • Activity: Students prepare and deliver pitches for their solutions or products to a panel of “investors” (teachers, classmates, or guest judges). The focus is on persuasive communication, market research, and presenting a business case. • Real-Life Connection: Develops entrepreneurial skills and mimics real-world business pitch competitions like Shark Tank. Weeks 29-32: Ethical Hacking & Problem-Solving (Deep Dive) • Week 29: “Capture the Flag” Hacking Game • Activity: Students participate in a “Capture the Flag” game where they solve a series of cybersecurity puzzles or hacking challenges (in a safe, controlled environment). These challenges teach them about vulnerabilities in systems and how to secure them. • Real-Life Connection: Provides real-world exposure to ethical hacking competitions and careers in cybersecurity. • Week 30: Social Engineering Simulation • Activity: Students are given role-playing scenarios where they simulate ethical hacking strategies, such as social engineering (tricking people into giving up information). They learn how to spot scams and protect personal information. • Real-Life Connection: Helps students understand real-world hacking techniques and prepares them to protect themselves and others online. • Week 31: Network Security & Cyber Defense Lab • Activity: Using a virtual environment, students build and secure their own network, learning how to create firewalls, protect data, and prevent unauthorized access. • Real-Life Connection: Prepares students for careers in IT, cybersecurity, or any field that requires securing networks and managing sensitive information. • Week 32: Ethical Hacking Portfolio • Activity: Students compile all their ethical hacking projects, including solved hacking puzzles, secured networks, and social engineering scenarios, into a digital portfolio. This showcases their growth in cybersecurity. • Real-Life Connection: Helps students build a portfolio that can be useful in applying for high school coding clubs or even future tech internships. Weeks 33-36: Conflict Resolution & Leadership Development • Week 33: Student Council Role-Play • Activity: Students role-play as members of a high school student council or leadership team. They are given scenarios where they must make decisions about school events, budgeting, or social issues. Each student takes turns leading discussions and debates. • Real-Life Connection: Prepares students for roles in student government, leadership positions, or even high school club management. • Week 34: Peer Leadership Simulation • Activity: Students work in groups to navigate common peer leadership challenges in high school (e.g., managing group projects, balancing leadership responsibilities with academics). They take on leadership roles and provide feedback to one another on decision-making. • Real-Life Connection: Simulates real-life leadership situations students may face in high school, building confidence in team management. • Week 35: Conflict Resolution in the Real World • Activity: Students analyze real-world conflicts (both historical and current), and they must propose peaceful solutions using the skills they’ve learned. This could be through debates, group work, or multimedia projects. • Real-Life Connection: Reinforces problem-solving and negotiation skills, which will be invaluable in both high school and future careers. • Week 36: Conflict Mediation Showdown • Activity: Students face off in a fun conflict mediation competition where teams mediate various high school scenarios (friendship disputes, group project conflicts, etc.). The goal is to resolve the conflict peacefully and win points for creativity and effectiveness. • Real-Life Connection: Sharpens mediation skills, preparing students to act as mediators in peer conflicts during high school. Weeks 37-38: Career Exploration & Final Reflection • Week 37: High School Career Path Exploration • Activity: Students research potential high school programs (such as dual enrollment, honors programs, or career technical education pathways) and reflect on which paths align with their interests. They present a “future high school and career map” outlining their plan for the next four years. • Real-Life Connection: Provides students with clarity on their goals for high school and beyond, helping them make informed decisions about electives, clubs, and academics. Weeks 39-40 Final Exams/Benchmarks/Testing including PSAT for any interested learners What resources will be used to teach from? Language Arts (Literary Analysis, Grammar, Writing, and Vocabulary) 1. **Common Lit** - Provides free, standards-aligned literature and non-fiction texts, with a focus on literary analysis and comprehension questions. 2. **NoRedInk** - Offers interactive grammar, writing, and vocabulary exercises that adapt to each student’s level. 3. **Project Gutenberg** - Access to some psychological thrillers, for analyzing various literary components. 4. **Grammarly for Education** - Aids in editing and grammar instruction, with real-time feedback on punctuation and sentence structure. 5. **Vocabulary.com** - Builds vocabulary skills through quizzes and context-based exercises. Math (Common Core-Aligned) 1. **Khan Academy** - Comprehensive and Common Core-aligned, with practice exercises and instructional videos. 2. **Desmos** - Offers a graphing calculator and interactive math activities. 3. **IXL Math** - Provides skill-building exercises aligned with Common Core standards across a wide range of math topics. 4. **Prodigy** - A math-based role-playing game that adapts to each student’s skill level while engaging them in Common Core math content. Science with STEM and Hands-On Projects 1. **Legends of Learning** - Offers interactive science games and simulations based on NGSS and STEM concepts. 2. **Phet Interactive Simulations** - Developed by the University of Colorado, these simulations cover a variety of STEM topics and allow students to explore concepts hands-on. 3. **Mystery Science** - Provides NGSS-aligned science lessons with videos, interactive activities, and hands-on project ideas. 4. **NASA for Educators** - Resources on space and earth scieniices,u iuncluding lesson plans and interactive tools. 5. **CK-12 Foundation** - Offers free online STEM courses with interactive simulations and hands-on project ideas. Iii Social Studies (Civics and U.S. History) 1. **iCivics** - Provides engaging civics lessons, interactive simulations, and games to support learning about government and history. 2. **The National Archives Education** - Offers primary source documents and educational materials for historical analysis. 3. **PBS Learning Media** - Provides U.S. history and social studies resources, including videos and interactive content. 4. **Library of Congress for Teachers** - Provides access to historical documents, lesson plans, and resources on American history. 5. **Newsela Social Studies** - Features leveled texts on current and historical events to support critical thinking and comprehension. Computer Literacy and Technology 1. **Tech Boomers** - Offers tutorials on internet safety, operating systems, and computer basics. 2. **GCF Global** - Covers fundamentals of computer literacy, troubleshooting, and essential software skills. 3. **Code.org** - Introduces basic coding concepts with visual programming for beginners. General Educational Tools 1. **Nearpod** - An interactive tool for presentations, quizzes, and discussions that can support any subject area. 2. **Quizizz, Kahoot, and Gimkit** - Gamified quizzes and review tools to reinforce knowledge across all subjects. 3. **Flip (formerly Flipgrid) ** - Allows students to create video responses for reflection, collaborative learning, and presentations. What’s your teaching style? Our teaching style is inclusive, adaptive, and supportive: • Interactive: Students are encouraged to participate actively in discussions and activities. • Adaptive: Lessons are tailored to meet the needs of all learners, including those with unique learning styles. • Supportive: Continuous feedback and personalized support ensure each student’s success. Join us for a year of discovery, creativity, and academic growth! Enroll today to secure your spot in this enriching educational journey.
Learning Goals
Writing: Develop clear and coherent writing for various purposes and audiences, including argumentative, narrative, and informative/explanatory texts.
Grammar and Usage: Apply knowledge of language conventions, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling, in writing and speaking.
Other Details
Learning Needs
This class is intentionally designed to support diverse learning needs, including ADD/ADHD, Dyslexia, and ASD. We use multisensory teaching methods, breaking lessons into manageable chunks to maintain focus and engagement.
Parental Guidance
For this class, some novels and projects may include psychological thrillers as part of the language arts curriculum, intended to develop skills in literary analysis. While content is selected carefully to be age-appropriate, some themes may involve suspense or complex emotions that could be intense for certain students.
In social studies, our mock trial activity may explore themes of justice, wrongful conviction, and legal processes, which could also be emotionally challenging for some learners. The mock trial will be conducted in a controlled environment, with emphasis on educational value and critical thinking skills.
**Parental Guidance and Third-Party Tools:**
1. **Novels (Psychological Thriller)** - All novels selected for analysis will align with middle school-appropriate content. Parents will receive information on each book's theme and age rating before reading assignments.
2. **Mock Trial Activity** - Social studies content involving mock trials is presented from an educational perspective. Students will engage in courtroom roles and responsibilities within a fictional case study.
3. **Third-Party Tools** -
- **Nearpod, Kahoot, Quizizz, Gimkit** - Used for interactive lessons, quizzes, and review games; no account required for student participation.
- **iCivics** - For civics simulations and activities; no account required for access.
- **Roblox Education** - Used for Lua coding projects and game design. A Roblox account is required, and students will work within a safe, educational context on platform features.
- **BandLab (Music Elective)** - Used for music creation projects; requires a BandLab account if students want to save and access their work independently.
All content and activities are designed to be safe, age-appropriate, and in line with educational best practices.
Pre-Requisites
In order for a learner to be eligible for this class, they must have successfully completed, passed, and graduated an accredited 7th-grade program, either before or by the starting day of their enrollment for this program.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
Here are some engaging psychological thrillers that are for eighth grade, combining suspense with thought-provoking themes. The students may choose which one they prefer, and if they have another selection, I just ask that they run it by me first to ensure the appropriateness for the entire class and to make sure it is in alignment with our theme.:
1. **"The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die" by April Henry** - A gripping thriller where a teenager wakes up with no memory of her identity or why she’s being hunted, challenging her to solve her own mystery.
2. **"One of Us Is Lying" by Karen M. McManus** - A suspenseful, modern mystery involving a group of students who become suspects in a classmate's murder, revealing secrets and exploring complex relationships.
3. **"I Am the Cheese" by Robert Cormier** - This classic novel explores themes of identity and reality as a young boy uncovers secrets about his past, gradually discovering a dark truth.
4. **"Dead Girls Don't Lie" by Jennifer Shaw Wolf** - A suspenseful story following a teen's quest to uncover the truth about her best friend’s murder, with elements of self-discovery and mystery.
5. **"We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart** - Though more of a suspenseful family drama, this story includes elements of psychological thriller and keeps readers guessing with its twists and turns.
6. **"The Maze Runner" by James Dashner** - This action-packed novel includes psychological thriller elements, as a group of teens struggle to escape a maze filled with unknown dangers, uncovering unsettling truths about their situation.
7. **"The Collector" by K.R. Alexander** - A chilling but age-appropriate thriller involving eerie supernatural elements, as a young girl uncovers dark secrets about her new town and mysterious dolls.
8. **"Girl, Stolen" by April Henry** - This suspenseful story follows a blind girl kidnapped by accident, navigating a complex and dangerous situation with resilience and resourcefulness.
These novels combine suspense, mystery, and complex narratives that allow eighth graders to explore psychological elements while engaging in literary analysis, with content suitable for their age level.
Teacher expertise and credentials
1 teacher has a teaching certificate
Ohio Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
1 teacher has a Graduate degree
Master's Degree in Education from Liberty University
2 teachers have a Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Management from University of Phoenix
Bachelor's Degree in English from SUNY at Buffalo
1 teacher has an Associate's degree
Associate's Degree in Education from Sandhills Community College
Hip~Hop & Teach Academy is a nationally and internationally accredited school, and working towards our regional accreditation through Cognia presently! All of the teachers teaching any curriculum at HHTA, have an advanced, graduate, or postgraduate degree from an accredited university. Our teachers also all have a teaching licensure, or are currently in pursuit of it, in whatever courses they are teaching. All of our teachers have had several years teaching experience, and share a deep passion and love for teaching. Our educators come with extensive experience teaching language arts, social studies, and other interdisciplinary subjects to diverse learners, including students with unique learning needs. My team and I have spent countless hours developing powerful curricula with purposeful intention, engaging students in deep literary analysis and critical thinking. I have specialized training in implementing literature as an engaging medium to teach complex literary concepts. With a 20-year background in education, I am bringing all of my expertise, knowledge, and passion here, to benefit the students of Outschool. I am proud to incorporate my two decades of experience while simultaneously creating interactive, project-based learning solutions. I focus on fostering students' analytical skills through discussions, creativity, unique projects, and collaborative activities that reinforce their understanding of literary works, mathematics, science, social studies, writing, and vocabulary. Our mission is in guiding middle and high school aged students through learning age-appropriate, meaningful, and safe content that has always fostered a deep and authentic love for lifelong learning.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$125
weekly4x per week, 38 weeks
240 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-15
3-18 learners per class