Best 8th Grade Homeschool Reading Curricula

To Kill a Mockingbird or To Start a Fire? Pride and Prejudice or Crime and Punishment? The Giver or The Outsiders? A Tale of Two Cities or A Raisin in the Sun? When it comes to 8th-grade reading, there’s no shortage of incredible fiction, non-fiction, and poetry to expose our kids to, and not just for cultural relevance. One great thing about moving from elementary school reading to 8th-grade literature is the opportunity to develop analytical thinking skills.

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Below, we cover the difference between teaching 8th-grade reading in school and at home, the topics typically covered, the different types of curricula available, and how to implement your own 8th-grade reading program at home.

Overview: Reading Curricula for Homeschooled 8th-Grade Learners

8th-grade reading is an important bridge between the work to build reading fluency in middle school and the literary analysis required in high school (National Council of Teachers of English).

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The homeschool environment allows parents to create customized reading lists that match their child’s interests or align with the historical period they are studying. The ability to adjust the pacing of instruction is also a major benefit. If a child struggles with a difficult new concept, like figurative language or dramatic irony, then parents can spend the time needed for mastery before moving on (Bloom 47-63). Another key factor is the opportunity for rich discussions of the issues involved. At this stage of development, literature starts to explore challenging themes such as war, justice, and moral decision-making, so homeschooling allows parents to guide conversations that support their values.

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Of course, 8th-grade reading instruction has challenges, too. Kids often struggle to move from the “what” to the “why” of their reading. Getting them to move from merely understanding the plot of a story to understanding why the author made specific choices can be a challenge. Also, Socratic discussion involving multiple students allows kids to apply critical thinking skills, but that environment is hard to replicate at home without a class full of kids.

Teaching reading at home versus in a school setting

Reading instruction in a classroom with 25 kids looks a lot different from homeschool reading with just one or two kids. Schools focus on standardization and rely on peer interaction, whereas a homeschool environment excels at customization and a shared family context for discussion.

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Let’s take a closer look:

Context: In school, reading is one of many subjects that happen at a specific time. At home, reading can be easily woven into other content areas, like science and history, or even travel and other family experiences (Thomas 235).
Pacing: Schools are constrained by the academic calendar, but at home, parents can choose to spend a month on one novel or hit on several in just a week (241).
Content: School must meet state requirements, so anthologies and excerpts are often used to provide the maximum breadth of coverage. At home, though, parents can choose full-length books that align with their family’s priorities or their child’s interests.
Discussion: Socratic dialogue can be easily facilitated in schools, which provides for multiple viewpoints, but that benefit can be negated by groupthink. At home, in-depth, one-on-one discussions can help support a child in exploring their own genuine opinions (Israel 89).
Assessment: In school, the focus is more on providing “correct” answers, but at home, the child’s connection to the reading material is more of a priority (Johnson and Weaver 99).

Topics Covered in 8th-Grade Homeschool Reading Curricula

8th-grade reading provides amazing opportunities for your child to develop analytical thinking skills. And it can be a lot of fun too! Who wouldn’t love debating whether Jay Gatsby was truly great or simply a dreamer lost in the past? Or if Victor Frankenstein was the true monster of the story after all? There are several typical components to the eighth-grade reading curriculum.

Literary analysis

A question like, “What happened in chapter 11?” won’t cut it anymore. Instead, kids need to be asked to probe deeply into how the literature works. Kids need to identify universal themes and how they evolve over the course of a novel. They need to make judgments about how the characters change over time in response to the conflicts they face. Point of view and elements of plot structure, like flashbacks and foreshadowing, are other key elements to examine.

Literacy devices

If literary analysis is the “why” of critical reading, then literary devices are the “how.” Kids need to identify figurative language, like similes and metaphors, and be able to explain how they affect the reader’s experience.

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When reading poetry, they should also recognize the use of sound devices, like alliteration or consonance. When reading fiction, they need to distinguish between verbal, situational, and dramatic irony. Going even deeper, recognizing symbolism and allegory is needed to understand some writers’ major themes (National Governors Association 36).

Genre studies

A high-quality reading curriculum will expose kids to a wide range of literature, including classic and contemporary fiction, science fiction, poetry, and drama, such as Greek tragedies and Shakespeare’s plays. Also, reading narrative non-fiction, like biographies and memoirs, helps kids understand real-life events through the author’s perspective (38).

Worldview and impact

Probing a novel’s themes can lead to rich discussions about the author’s worldview, values, and priorities. Likewise, kids can draw insightful conclusions by analyzing how the time period of a book affects its message and why the author chose a particular tone. Also, comparing a book to its movie adaptation or contrasting two books on the same topic helps kids develop strong critical thinking skills (35).

Main Types of 8th Grade Homeschool Reading Curricula

The different types of homeschool reading curricula available for the 8th grade reflect diverse teaching philosophies. You’ll want to choose one that aligns with your view of the purpose of literature instruction, your preference for depth or breadth, and your child’s interests and needs. Many families choose one of these four approaches.

Textbook or anthology style

This approach is closest to the traditional school experience. It features a large, highly structured anthology that includes poems, short stories, and articles, emphasizing breadth. It also includes quizzes, vocabulary lists, and discussion questions (National Governors Association 35).

“Living Books”

Instead of reading textbooks with short excerpts of longer works, kids read complete novels and biographies. This approach focuses on depth over breadth and takes a deep dive into the different topics we identified above with each work. Parents and kids engage in frequent, in-depth discussions (Mason 222).

Classical

Parents who want to ensure their kids are exposed to the “Great Books,” which is a term for the recognized literary canon of works that have stood the test of time, will often select a classical approach.

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In a Classical curriculum, the specific works read are as important as the skills they teach. It includes a strong emphasis on Greek and Latin roots to build advanced vocabulary, and kids are encouraged to explore the historical context, moral dilemmas, and themes reflected in their reading (Bauer and Wise 347).

Integrated

This approach weaves the different language arts together rather than treating reading as a standalone subject. For instance, a child might be asked to read Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” Speech, study its grammar and use of parallel structure, and then write and deliver their own persuasive speech (Pappas 12).

Self-paced video

Reading instruction can be very time-intensive for the parent because of all the reading involved. For parents who don’t have that kind of time, self-paced video programs can be a lifesaver. They allow your child to work at their own pace by watching video lessons and using accompanying workbooks. Many online programs provide immediate graded feedback (Wade 63).

What to Consider Before Choosing an 8th-Grade Homeschool Reading Curriculum

We’ve covered the literary analysis skills that a high-quality 8th-grade reading curriculum will cover, as well as the different approaches available today. Certainly, these are two major considerations, but there are other key factors that should be part of the equation when you are choosing the best option for your child.

Preparation

How much time you have to prepare lessons and discussion guides, and even to read the assigned works yourself, is a make-or-break factor. Traditional textbooks are more of an “open and go” option since they include lists of terms, discussion questions, and quizzes. However, a “Living Books” approach requires that the parent read the text ahead of time and prepare their own discussions.

Total cost

All-in-one curricula that include all the required literature and other learning materials can come with a hefty price tag. Naturally, borrowing books from the public library is a lot more cost-effective than purchasing them, but library visits take time out of the instructional day. Also, if you have more than one child, look into whether consumable workbooks can be reused. If you go with a digital program that uses PDFs as ancillary materials, consider the cost of ink and paper for printing unless you access those materials exclusively online (6).

Your child’s learning style

If your child’s learning style is verbal, then you’re in business! The volume of reading and related writing won’t be too big a hurdle as long as the books to read are chosen at the appropriate reading level.

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But for students who aren’t as verbally skilled, you’ll want to look for other features. Visual learners benefit from a curriculum that includes graphic organizers or uses film adaptations. Auditory learners benefit from access to audiobooks and do best if the instruction is primarily discussion-based, and kinesthetic learners like hands-on projects (Tomlinson 19).

Placement flexibility

Look for programs that allow you to administer placement tests so that you can adjust the materials to your child’s strengths and growth areas. For instance, your 8th grader might be at a 10th-grade level when it comes to reading comprehension but just a 6th-grade level in formal literary analysis. Be careful about choosing an “8th-grade box set” that doesn’t allow for differentiation. Modular programs allow you to swap out one portion without having to get an entire year’s worth of new curriculum (21).

Medium

Consider whether your child does best with physical books or if they prefer an online platform. If your child travels with you frequently, a large textbook will be harder to lug around than paperback novels or a tablet-based program (Barbour 9).

How to Plan an 8th-Grade Homeschool Reading Curriculum

Does the thought of implementing a high-quality reading curriculum have The Sound and Fury reverberating in your head? Afraid that any missteps will bring “The Fall of the House of Usher” to life in your own home? No need to worry. By following these steps, your Great Expectations won’t just be met, they’ll be exceeded!

Choose your learning targets

Don’t start by picking book titles. Instead, identify the skills you want your child to master. Use the “topics covered” section of this article as a helpful guide. Review each curriculum you consider, ensuring each of those topics is included (National Governors Association 35).

Identify your philosophical approach and practical limits

Look back at the “main types” section of this article to help you decide what will work best for you. If you prefer breadth over depth, then an anthology might be your best bet.

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If you want to focus more on character development and in-depth discussion, then “Living Books” might be the way to go. But don’t stop there. Also, look back at the “what to consider” part of this article for some practical considerations that need to be taken into account as well (Mason 222-225).

Select your “spine” and book list

Once you’ve landed on an approach that will work for you and your child, it’s time to pick the books.

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The “spine” is the resource that holds the whole year’s curriculum together. This could be a textbook or anthology, or even Wise and Bauer’s The Well-Trained Mind if you prefer a classical approach. Aim for 6-8 books to dive into deeply, one every 4-6 weeks, and be sure to mix genres so that your child reads more than fiction. Also, allow your child to pick 2-3 books on their own, which tends to increase interest (Wise and Bauer 347-350).

Establish a weekly rhythm

Following a predictable instructional cycle will help your child know what to expect. Begin by introducing what they will be reading by giving historical context or biographical information about the author.

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Then, assign a portion of a book to read along with purpose-setting questions to prime their brains for what to look for as they read. Next, discuss what they read with them, always encouraging your child to go deeper than mere plot details with “why do you think…” questions. After ample discussion has helped your child process what they’ve read, you can assign some type of output, like an essay, graphic organizer, or creative project (Tomlinson 18-20).

What a Daily Reading Routine Can Look Like for 8th Grade Learners

Eighth graders should devote 60-90 minutes each day to language arts work. Around 30-45 minutes can be deep reading, then followed by 15 minutes of discussion. Another 20 minutes can be devoted to a related writing assignment or analysis project, along with 10 minutes for vocabulary. Be sure to provide time for independent reading when your child has selected the title.

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Outside of language arts time, look for opportunities to ask your child to connect the book they’re reading to other concepts in math, science, history, and fine arts (Tomlinson 18-20).

Frequently Asked Questions: 8th Grade Homeschool Reading Curricula

Don’t worry if you still have questions. That’s normal! Rest assured that even if Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is one of them, “Will my child be ready for high school?” won’t be.

How do I know if my child’s reading level is on track?

Kids’ reading levels can vary widely, so it’s wise to check your child’s reading level before making final decisions about what curriculum to choose. There are three common methods, ranging from empirical to anecdotal.

Formal assessment: A common standardized test is the Iowa Complete or Classic Learning Test 8 (CLT). They focus on the “Great Books” type of reading and provide detailed information on your child’s verbal reasoning skills. The price is around $40, but it’s possible to get the rate cut roughly in half if you’re part of a homeschool group or co-op with 15 or more students. Another option is the ROAR from Stanford University, which is free and takes just 15 minutes. ReadTheory, also free, is a digital platform that provides a score, known as a “Lexile,” which identifies reading level. A Lexile appropriate for 8th-grade reading is usually 1010–1185.
Five-finger test: Although less formal, this assessment can be very effective. Have your child pick one full page (about 200-300 words) from a standard 8th-grade novel and read it aloud. Every time they encounter a word they don’t know, have them put up a finger. When they finish reading, see how many fingers they have up. If they have 0-1, the book might be fine for fun reading, but it’s too easy to promote much growth. If they have 2-3, the book is probably just the right amount of challenge. But if they have 4-5, the book is probably too frustrating to read alone.
Anecdotal assessment: You can come up with your own determination of whether your child is at an 8th-grade reading level by checking out their proficiency on a few specific skills. If your child can determine the tone and theme of a work, compare and contrast how two characters react to the same event, use evidence from the book to back up a claim they make about it, and figure out new “big words” by using context clues, then they are likely ready for success in 8th-grade reading.

What if my 8th grader is an advanced reader?

To keep an advanced reader appropriately challenged, think less about reading level and more about intellectual rigor. You want to take a deep dive into critical analysis rather than just asking for plot summaries.

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Have your child examine ideas through different lenses. For instance, ask them how the setting of The Great Gatsby reflects the economic anxiety of the 1920s and support their contention with evidence from the book. Or, ask them to read one novel set during the Civil War and another during World War II and ask them to make judgments about the characters’ different values, cultural influences, and motivations.

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A great way to ensure rigor is to have your child read the classics. Although scholars may disagree on every work that makes up the canon of Western literature, the heavy hitters like Dickens, Austen, Shakespeare, Tolstoy, and Steinbeck definitely will be on it. But don’t create a classics-only environment. Kids also need to choose books based on their own interests to maintain engagement.

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Another good rule of thumb for rigor is to go deep rather than wide. For instance, have your child read several of Shakespeare’s plays or do a month-long unit where they read several examples of dystopian literature. Then ask your child to compare, contrast, and support their claims with evidence from the different works.

How do assessments work for homeschool reading in 8th grade?

This usually falls into two categories: what is legally required and what demonstrates progress. Standardized tests address the former. Tests like the Iowa Complete, the Stanford 10, or the CLT8 are all “normed” assessments, which means that your child’s score communicates how well your child did compared to other 8th graders across the country who took the same test in reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar.

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But those scores don’t tell you much about your child’s growth. To do that, try having your child keep a portfolio of work that includes reading logs and writing assignments based on the reading.

War and Piece of Cake

Getting your 8^th grader prepared for high school reading doesn’t need to be a battle. By applying the Sense and Sensibility we’ve provided here, your child will encounter great literature, expand their vocabulary, and develop key analytical thinking skills. After 8th-grade reading, your child will be more than prepared for the Brave New World of high school.

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