While all the middle grades help to prepare kids for the challenges that await them in high school, the 8th grade is where the rubber meets the road. It’s known as the launchpad year because it’s the last stop on your child’s journey to secondary education. As a parent, you want to make sure they are prepared for the academic rigor ahead of them, but you also want your child to be engaged in their learning.
But there’s no need to worry. With the guidance provided here, you’ll be able to choose an 8th grade homeschool social studies curriculum that checks all the boxes. Below, we’ll cover the differences between learning social studies in school and at home, the topics typically covered, and the types of curricula available. We’ll also provide a step-by-step guide to implementing this curriculum in your home and outline common approaches parents use. You’ll have everything you’ll need to prepare for a successful launch to high school.
Overview: 8th Grade Social Studies Curricula for Homeschool Learners
By the time kids are 13 or 14, their brains have developed to the point that they can think beyond the immediate and concrete (Piaget 161). Therefore, the best 8th grade homeschool social studies curriculum will be one with a strong focus on building your child’s abstract thinking muscles. Kids need to analyze primary sources, recognize bias, and go beyond knowing facts about government to understanding how to engage productively in civic life.
Learning history or social studies at home versus in a school setting
Social studies looks a lot different at home than it does in a traditional classroom. There are four major differences.
- Pacing: The curriculum in school is governed by the state-mandated scope and sequence, so it may allot only one week to cover the Industrial Revolution. But when learning at home, if your child is fascinated by the steam engine, then you can provide a deep dive into the economic, social, and ethical ramifications of it and other inventions. And if they struggle with a concept, like defending a position with evidence from primary sources, a mastery learning approach at home makes it possible for them to keep working on it until they get it (Medlin 527).
- Sources: Textbooks are “secondary sources” often used in traditional classrooms. While teachers supplement with original documents at school, time constraints make this difficult. But at home, a child has the time to read and analyze the actual Declaration of Independence rather than reading a summary of its main points (Wineburg 63).
- Socialization: In school, kids socialize “horizontally,” meaning with their peers. It’s great for developing an understanding of group dynamics, but it can lead to “groupthink” when discussing historical events or social issues. At home, the socialization is more “vertical” since kids discuss topics with their parents and view museum exhibits with siblings of different ages. The adult interaction can prepare kids to defend their ideas with a diverse audience (Medlin 289).
- Use of time: A typical social studies class in school lasts 45-60 minutes five days a week or 75-90 minutes every other day, but instructional time often includes administrative tasks, like taking attendance and distributing materials. At home, where such administrative tasks aren’t necessary, a strong social studies lesson might take only 30-45 minutes of focused work. This increased efficiency allows more time for field trips (Ray, “A Review” 142).
Topics Covered in 8th Grade Social Studies Curricula for Homeschool Learners
Although the homeschool environment provides a great deal of flexibility, you’ll find that most high-quality 8th grade social studies curricula include these topics.
U.S. History (Colonial Times to Reconstruction)
This unit typically covers the Revolutionary Era with a deep dive into the U.S. Constitution and the structure of government. Westward expansion, including the Louisiana Purchase and the Trail of Tears, is covered along with the concept of Manifest Destiny. The unit usually culminates in analyzing the root causes of the Civil War and the complexity of Reconstruction.
Government and Civics
This unit covers the judicial system, especially how the Supreme Court works and some of its landmark cases. It covers the spectrum of political ideologies and the two-party system in the U.S. Skills in media literacy, like identifying bias, and basic economic knowledge are woven in.
World History (1850-Present)
This unit covers the modern era and includes the Industrial Revolution, the two world wars, the Cold War, and modern global issues, like human rights and the impact of digital technologies.
Human Geography
Moving beyond the maps of physical geography, this unit focuses on society and culture. It covers the reasons people migrate, the management and distribution of natural resources, and how trade and technology spread culture across borders (NCSS).
Types of 8th Grade Homeschool Social Studies Curricula
Let’s say you find a curriculum that covers all of these topics. Is your search over? Of course not. These topics are the “what” of social studies, but you also need to think about the “how.” Consider these different philosophical approaches.
Essentialist
The philosophy behind this type of traditional curriculum is the belief that there is a specific set of facts that every 8th grader needs to master in order to be a culturally literate, informed member of society. This approach is highly structured, and the content is covered chronologically. It prioritizes significant dates, key figures in history, civics, and geography (Hirsch 21-25).
Classical
This approach views learning in three stages, called the Trivium. History is taught through a chronological cycle covering four time periods: Ancient, Medieval/Renaissance, Late Renaissance/Early Modern, and Modern. The focus of this curriculum is on analyzing primary sources, critical thinking, and exposure to the figures and events of classical history. It makes frequent use of Socratic discussion to develop analytical skills (Bauer and Wise 283-287).
Literature-based
Known as the “Living Books” approach, this curriculum replaces textbooks with narrative stories that read like novels. You can also supplement these books with historical fiction, biographies, and primary sources. A common assignment using this curriculum is to have kids “narrate” orally and in writing to demonstrate mastery of the content (MacAuley 118-125).
Inquiry-based
This approach is rooted in the “C3 Framework” (College, Career, and Civic Life). Instead of treating social studies as preparation to become a historian, this curriculum encourages kids to investigate rather than just memorize. The learning centers around a compelling question, like “Was westward expansion an opportunity or a conquest?” Then the child analyzes the results of their research to arrive at an answer. The goal is to develop deep critical-thinking skills (NCSS).
Social justice
This type of curriculum views history through the lens of power, equity, and social change. The goal is for kids to understand how historical events shape current social realities and encourage them to become engaged in positive change. This approach often highlights the “untold stories” of marginalized groups (Westheimer and Kahne 242).
Global citizenship
This approach moves away from a focus on one’s own nation to look at history through global interconnections. For instance, instead of studying just the American Revolution, a unit of study on “global revolutions” would include American history but also those in France and Haiti. The goal is to foster a sense of belonging to a broad human community and understand how global systems, like migration and economics, work across borders (UNESCO 14).
Online or digital curricula
This approach delivers social studies instruction through web-based platforms that combine readings, videos, interactive activities, and assessments. Lessons are typically pre-sequenced and self-paced, which can appeal to families looking for structure with less hands-on planning. Many programs also integrate primary sources and multimedia tools to support analysis and engagement in a digital format.
What to Consider Before Choosing an 8th Grade Homeschool Social Studies Curriculum
Regardless of the educational philosophy you prefer, you’ll want a curriculum that ensures a smooth “launch to high school while also meeting the needs of both you and your child. Consider these factors when deciding on the way to go.
State requirements
You’ll want to make sure that any 8th grade curriculum meets the legal requirements for advancing on to high school, especially if your child plans to transition into a traditional school setting. Some states specifically require that their state’s history and a stand-alone civics course be covered. Check out Outschool’s information on homeschool laws in each state to make sure you don’t have any surprises when it comes time to enroll in high school.
Worldview
Some parents homeschool to provide their child with greater flexibility, while others find it necessary in order to support a religious, social, or political perspective. There are both religious and secular curriculum options for 8th grade social studies, and those secular options span a wide range of interpretations. You’ll want a curriculum that aligns with your family’s values and expectations (Ray, “Research Facts”).
Format
Give some thought to how you’d like a curriculum to be organized. For instance, if your child does well learning independently and you prefer minimal preparation time, then a comprehensive textbook program or video platform may be the way to go. But if your child needs opportunities for deep dives into areas of interest and you have the time for the preparation needed, then unit studies or a literature-based approach may work best (Bauer and Wise 298-301).
Rigor
Just because a curriculum covers all the necessary topics doesn’t mean that it’s appropriately rigorous. For the “launch” to high school, this curriculum needs to include primary source analysis, present multiple perspectives on a single event, and promote research outside of the provided text (NCSS).
Cost
Naturally, the price tag is a huge factor. Literature-based programs could cost a few hundred dollars, with textbook bundles coming in a little under that level. Online platforms may have monthly subscription fees, and unit studies can cost anywhere from $25-$75 per workbook. There are free resources available, but augmenting them with other materials can take a great deal of time.
How to Plan an 8th Grade Homeschool Social Studies Curriculum
It’s not hard to make 8th grade social studies come alive in your home. It’s just a matter of recognizing that you can’t do everything, so what you choose to do should help your child be prepared for the analysis and argument that high school will require.
Define your major outcomes
While it’s important to learn about the three branches of government and 20th-century history, the most important things your child needs to learn in preparation for high school are skills involved in research, debate, and citizenship. But you can’t focus on all three areas at the same time. Choose one skill area as your priority (Wiggins and McTighe 13-33).
Choose your delivery method
As we saw above, there are several types of social studies curricula available. Use the guidance provided in the “what to consider” section here to determine which approach best meets your key criteria (Tomlinson 18).
Outline your scope and sequence
To make it manageable, consider planning what to cover by month while keeping your major outcomes in mind. Spend less time on those topics that don’t directly support it and more time on those that do. Here’s what this could look like:
- September: The Constitution
- October: Westward Expansion
- November/December: The Causes of the Civil War
- January: The Industrial Revolution
- February/March: World War I and II
- April/May: Contemporary American History
But don’t just identify your units by pages in a text. Instead, create a question for each unit that will prompt analytical inquiry. For instance, when covering the Constitution, try using a question like, “Was this document a model of unity or compromise?” This helps set your child up for success in being able to make an argument and support it with evidence.
Integrate writing
Within each unit, assign a piece of writing that not only calls on your child to think critically but also meets the needs of 8th grade writing instruction. At this stage, writing summaries is no longer adequate. They need to write in ways that promote critical thinking. For instance, when studying the American Revolution, have your child write an expository essay that compares and contrasts the British and American perspectives of the Battle of Saratoga.
What Teaching 8th Grade History or Social Studies Can Look Like at Home
Teaching social studies at home provides opportunities that can’t be replicated in a traditional school setting. At home, the kitchen table can become a center for interesting debates, and family outings to different parts of your city can become great ways to reinforce history content. Here are other features of 8th grade social studies at home.
- Weekly rhythm: Consider introducing a topic on Monday by watching a documentary or reading a couple of chapters in a book together. On Tuesday, take a deeper dive into the topic by having your child analyze a map or a primary source from the time period. On Wednesday, ask your child to engage with the content creatively. For instance, they might write a news report from the perspective of someone living at that time (Endacott and Pelekanos 3). Then on Thursday, have a Socratic discussion in which you ask questions that lead your child to compare and contrast, identify causes and effects, and make judgments about related social and ethical issues (Kay and Young 159). Friday could be a great day for a field trip to a local museum.
- Preparation time: How much time you need to put in to prepare high-quality lessons depends on the type of curriculum you choose. If you go for the all-in-one textbook set, you probably only need 15-30 minutes of prep time each week because everything is laid out for you. However, if you go with a literature-based or unit study approach, you’ll probably need 1-2 hours each week to find YouTube videos, access primary sources, and read the historical novels you assign. Lots of veteran homeschoolers invest significant time during the summer to map out plans for the whole year, which reduces prep time week to week.
- Active learning: Naturally, you want your child to be an active participant in their learning, not a passive receiver of information. So, make assignments that feel less like traditional school and more like detective work! For instance, use a long roll of paper or a digital program to create an interactive timeline that your child adds dates, events, quotes, photos, and drawings to throughout the year. Also, consider using games like iCivics (National Middle School Association 26).
Popular Homeschool Social Studies Curricula for 8th Graders
Of course, there’s no one best curriculum for all kids, but there is one for yours. It all depends on your educational philosophy, available prep time, and your child’s needs and interests. Look into these common choices to see which seems to be the best fit for you.
Outschool’s online curricula and classes
Outschool offers a vast array of 8th grade social studies classes for homeschool. You can find whole-year classes that cover everything and culminate in a grade, short-term classes on specific skills or topics, and even one-on-one tutoring sessions. This includes live online classes as well as self-paced, on-demand sessions.
Some align with specific textbooks, too. The world of 8th grade social studies comes alive for kids with offerings like Voices of Conflict and Change, Black History from a Decolonized Perspective, True and Terrible Dark History, and the Current Events Discussion Club.
Textbook-based
This “all-in-one” boxed curriculum aims to reproduce the traditional school experience at home. It’s highly structured, which ensures that every state standard is covered. As a teacher, your job is to assign pages in the textbook to read and activities in the workbook to complete. You can supplement with other materials, but the textbook contains everything needed (Ray, “A Review” 141). This approach requires the least amount of preparation for the parent, but like all complete packages, it usually has a high price tag.
Unit studies
This type of curriculum provides an in-depth study of a single topic and integrates multiple subjects around one theme. For instance, if your child is interested in the concept of “revolution,” you might spend over a month comparing and contrasting the American Revolution with the Industrial Revolution. While studying the history involved, you can have your child read Johnny Tremain about the Boston Tea Party and the Battle of Lexington, and a biography of Thomas Edison. This format aligns well with an inquiry-based approach.
Project-based learning
Here, the projects are the curriculum. Project-based learning can start with a compelling question, like “To what extent was the Civil Rights Movement a ‘Southern’ issue versus a national struggle?” Then your child spends multiple weeks doing research to come up with an answer they can support. They demonstrate their learning and that answer through some final product, like their own documentary, a simulated museum exhibit, or a research paper. This type of curriculum also aligns well with the inquiry-based approach we mentioned above.
Frequently Asked Questions: 8th Grade Homeschool Social Studies Curricula
Parents often wonder how to ensure that their 8th grader meets at least the minimum requirements and whether additional credit can be earned. The answers to these common questions will ensure you’re on the right track.
How many hours a week should an 8th grader spend on social studies?
A standard 8th grade social studies credit usually requires 120-150 hours per year, which means 45-60 minutes of work four or five days per week (Schoolio). Of course, remember that the one-on-one efficiency of homeschooling means that kids generally need less time at home to hit their learning targets than they would in school because of the time needed for administrative tasks and classroom management.
Within the weekly structure outlined above, you can plan individual lessons by having your child spend 20 minutes reading either the textbook, historical novel, or primary source. Then, the next 20 minutes can focus on an activity where your child uses what they learned from the reading. Work that involves mapping, answering analysis questions, and engaging in discussions helps them develop important skills. Then allot about 15 minutes for independent research related to an ongoing project.
Can an 8th grader earn high school credit for social studies at home?
While this is more common in math with Algebra I and science with Biology, it is possible for your child to earn high school credit for 8th grade social studies if certain criteria are met. Most states use the Carnegie Unit for high school credits, so one history credit is equivalent to about 120-180 hours in a year. You would also need to use a text or online program that is explicitly labeled as a resource for high school. Additionally, your child would need to do enough essay writing, formal research, and complex analysis. Check out your state’s regulations regarding high school credit to make sure your child’s program passes muster.
Ready to Launch
8th grade social studies prepares your child for both the academic demands of high school and active engagement as informed citizens well beyond. And homeschooling provides numerous opportunities to develop critical thinking skills while making history come alive in ways that aren’t possible in a traditional classroom setting. By using the guidance provided here about the different educational philosophies and delivery methods available, you’ll be able to choose the best curriculum that will launch your child into future success.
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