Did you ever watch The Wonder Years, the classic coming-of-age TV show that aired on ABC from 1988 to 1993? Through the eyes of the main character, Kevin Arnold, played by Fred Savage, viewers got a front-row seat to the challenges of early adolescence. Culturally, the show helped people understand that kids in grades 6-8 are older children but aren’t quite young adults yet. Middle schoolers have unique gifts and needs during this time of transition. A homeschool setting can help preserve some of the wonder that middle school kids experience at this age (Juvonen et al. 1-5).
If you’re looking to build a homeschool history curriculum for your middle-schooler, this is a great place to start. Below, you’ll get explanations on subjects, tips for choosing a curriculum, curriculum ideas, and answers to other frequently asked questions.
Overview of Homeschool Curricula for Middle Schoolers
Middle school marks an important transition from learning foundational skills to preparing for the more independent and specialized learning of high school.
A high-quality middle-school curriculum is one that develops critical thinking skills, encourages personal responsibility, and promotes social development. Homeschooling at this age allows parents to customize instruction to their child’s unique interests and learning preferences (Bishop and Harrison 4-8).
How homeschooling changes from elementary to middle school
During the elementary school years, the homeschool parent provided more direct instruction, but now the parent’s role is more of a mentor or facilitator as the child learns more independently.
Broad topics like science and math are now broken down into more specialized areas, like biology and pre-algebra. And instead of learning in short lessons with lots of movement to meet the needs of attention spans, kids now focus longer when reading, writing, and completing projects.
In addition to this academic growth, middle school students also need to learn other essential skills:
- Executive function: This is the set of skills that allows us to complete multi-step processes, see things from different perspectives, and prioritize tasks. At this age, kids start using a physical or digital planner to keep track of due dates and responsibilities.
- Complex literacy: Middle school kids move from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.” Instead of phonics and vocabulary, they now use their reading skills to learn more in-depth material that connects all of their core subjects.
- Social and emotional management: At this age, kids can articulate their individual interests and passions and learn to prioritize peer relationships (11-24).
Subjects Typically Covered in Middle School Homeschool Curricula
The homeschool curriculum for middle school involves deeper dives into subject areas and more complex assignments.
In 6th-grade
This year marks a move from a general overview of a broad academic area to a more subject-specific approach.
Homeschool families usually focus on four core academic pillars:
- English language arts (ELA): Students begin learning skills for analyzing literature, conducting research, and writing and speaking persuasively.
- Math: Pre-algebra is now the focus, covering ratios, percentages, and negative numbers.
- Science: Specific branches of science take on greater importance. Sixth-grade students usually concentrate on earth and life science.
- Social studies: Students usually study ancient civilizations at this age.
In addition to these foundational courses, 6th graders can also explore “elective” areas based on their interests, like a world language, music or art, technology, or physical education (Hirsch 12-45).
In 7th-grade
Kids at this age move from an introduction to the core disciplines in 6th grade to more in-depth analysis and logical reasoning.
- ELA: Students analyze how an author develops a point of view, compare and contrast different works, write persuasive essays, and cite research in formal papers.
- Math: Students usually learn fractions, decimals, and basic geometry.
- Science: In life science, students study cells, genetics, and ecosystems. In physical science, they learn about energy, matter, and chemical reactions.
- Social Studies: The focus is usually geography and world history, especially the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
Students usually move forward in studying a world language, working with technology, and engaging in the fine arts.
In 8th-grade
Since this is the last year before high school, the focus is on preparing students for more highly specialized study of subjects and the expectation for more advanced work.
- ELA: Students typically write research papers that cite sources appropriately, analyze complex themes in literature, and learn high-level vocabulary.
- Math: Students either continue with pre-algebra or go into Algebra I by learning about linear equations, functions, and irrational numbers.
- Science: The focus is on physical science and earth science, including the Periodic Table, Newton’s laws of motion, and astronomy. Lab experiments become more involved.
- Social Studies: Students usually study U.S. History or Civics, focusing on the “why” behind historical events.
Outside of these core courses, students usually continue with world language, fine arts, and technology. They might also explore philosophy or personal finance.
Types of Homeschool Curricula for Middle Schoolers
There are four primary types of homeschool curricula used for middle school students. What’s best for your child will depend on their specific needs and your preferences regarding preparation.
- All-in-one curriculum: This kind of “boxed” curriculum provides materials for all four core subject areas. The goal is to ensure students have no gaps in learning before high school. Parents who want consistency from one subject to the next and need a clear road map for the instruction often choose this option. However, like most all-in-one products, they can be expensive.
- Online and video-based programs: These materials involve pre-recorded lectures on digital platforms. Parents of kids who are audio/visual learners and those who want more of a move away from the parent as primary instructor find these resources useful.
- Subject-specific: This a la carte option allows parents to mix and match the curriculum they use, which can be helpful for students who are strong in one area but need more work in another. For instance, a parent might choose a complete, rigorous math program but rely on a hands-on science kit that they supplement themselves.
- Project-based and unit studies: In this approach, students take deep dives into individual topics that integrate multiple disciplines. For instance, a unit on the Renaissance might include the history of the time, the art of the great painters and sculptors, and science through the study of da Vinci’s inventions. These can be very engaging for students, but do involve a lot of preparation for parents.
Special Considerations When Choosing a Middle School Homeschool Curriculum
Not every curriculum will meet the needs of every student. Keep these factors in mind when making decisions about the materials to use.
- Academic rigor and age-appropriateness: A good middle school curriculum calls on students to engage in higher-order thinking, not just simple recall tasks. The reading material should challenge your child without being so difficult that it will frustrate them.
- Preparation time: Project-based learning and unit studies require a lot of preparation time for parents. Student-led options like online programs or all-in-one materials require far less prep but offer fewer opportunities for family interaction and passion projects. Think about what subjects you enjoy teaching and consider “outsourcing” the others.
- Expense: A “boxed” curriculum may include everything you need, but it comes at a cost. Parents should be aware that the cost of the curriculum is not the only price you pay. If an inexpensive science curriculum requires hundreds of dollars to purchase a microscope and chemicals, then it’s not so inexpensive after all, once all fees are considered. Also, if you have more than one child, investigate whether materials can be reused.
- Customization: Middle school kids develop at very different rates. One child might excel at math but struggle with writing. Look into whether curriculum options allow you to purchase subjects individually or require you to buy everything for that grade level, similar to the all-in-one mindset in traditional schooling. You might not need all of it. Also, determine if the learning plan can be put on hold for a couple of weeks if your child uncovers a new interest and could benefit from a deep dive into that topic.
- High school credits: If your child might attend a traditional high school, you may need a curriculum that is accredited or makes it easy to transfer credits. Make sure the anticipated high school recognizes the curriculum you use. Also, some students can earn high school credit for Algebra I or Spanish I while in eighth grade, so ask about these options.
How to Build the Best Homeschool Curriculum for Your Middle School Learner
Developing a high-quality homeschool curriculum for your middle school child will balance their need for more independence and ability to think more abstractly, with your support, which will help them be successful. Follow these steps to create wonderful years of learning.
Step 1: Choose your “anchor” subjects
Use the four core subject areas we’ve covered here as your foundation. In language arts, focus on literary analysis and analytical writing. In math, move from arithmetic to pre-algebra or Algebra I.
Step 2: Add to your anchor subjects by following your child’s interests
At this age, kids develop their individual passions. Use them to plan your units of study. For instance, if your child is fascinated by robots, then reference robotics when teaching concepts in physics, the history of the Industrial Revolution, and technical writing.
Step 3: Supplement with hands-on activities
Even though students at this age can concentrate longer than they could in elementary school, they still need to be actively involved in their learning.
Do frequent lab experiments for science, and use historical novels, podcasts, and educational videos for history. Field trips are another great way to keep kids engaged.
Step: 4: Integrate executive function skills
In addition to learning core content, middle school kids need to develop skills for managing their own learning and responsibilities.
Having them use a physical or digital planner for their assignments helps them learn time management, and teaching them various note-taking strategies gives them tools they will use throughout their educational careers.
Step 5: Consider social needs
Peer relationships become very important for middle school kids. Seek out online clubs or in-person opportunities like sports for your child to interact with other students who share similar interests.
How Using a Middle School Homeschool Curriculum Works
Parents move from being the primary instructor, like they were in elementary school, to being more of a coach or facilitator in middle school.
Use these tips for making the day-to-day experience both engaging for your child and manageable for you.
- Preparation: Teaching during these years is more about providing resources than scripting lessons. It’s helpful to share a weekly checklist with the student on Sunday evenings so the child is aware of the whole week’s expectations. Then gather any books, supplies for labs, tickets for museums, etc.
- Morning segment: Plan for 30-60 minutes of family time in the morning, where everyone reads aloud or discusses current events. Then tackle the heavy subjects like ELA and math when students are fresh. Consider teaching a 15-minute mini-lesson on a specific skill or concept, and then have your child apply it by working independently.
- Mid-day segment: After the heavy work is completed, allow your child to work on passion projects. They may research key events in space exploration or write a short story. During this time, think of yourself as holding office hours, where your child can consult you if they run into difficulties.
- Afternoon segment: Focus the end of the day on accountability and social needs. Check in with your child to see how they are doing on the weekly checklist, and talk with them about what they found easy and what was more challenging. Then, provide time for them to engage in online clubs or sports (Bauer and Wise 345-360).
Popular Homeschool Curricula for Middle Schoolers
There are numerous options for homeschool parents seeking to meet the unique needs and interests of their middle school child.
Outschool’s online curricula and classes
Check out the wide variety of online homeschool courses available for middle school kids with Outschool. Outschool offers everything from whole-year courses that meet twice per week, like Beginner French, to one-on-one tutoring sessions.
They also offer classes on specific skills, such as grammar or web development, as well as unit study courses. Parents appreciate the ability to mix and match different kinds and lengths of courses, and to blend heavy academic offerings with lighter options that meet developmental needs.
Traditional all-in-one packages
These comprehensive boxed sets include textbooks, workbooks, teacher guides, and daily schedules. They are useful for parents who like to have everything laid out for them, but like any do-it-all product, they can be quite expensive. Also, middle school students like to follow their interests, and when everything is planned out, there’s little room for customization.
Logic-based, also called the classical curriculum
These materials focus on formal logic, analytical writing, debate, and Latin. The “anchor” of this curriculum is a cycle of four historical periods: Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance to Early Modern, and Late Modern. Then, related materials from other subject areas, such as literature, science, math, and fine arts, are covered alongside the history.
Literature-based, also called the living books curriculum
Instead of relying on textbooks, this approach uses high-quality, narrative-style books written by experts. Historical novels and biographies are a central focus, and instead of traditional tests, students demonstrate their understanding of what they’ve read by “narrating,” or retelling what they learned in their own words.
Theme-based, also called a unit-based curriculum
This approach takes a deep dive into a topic the student is interested in and weaves in every subject around it. For instance, a child might study the history of flight by covering related math, science, and language arts content.
Self-paced digital
Web-based platforms using video lectures, digital quizzes, and online grading are arranged so that students move through the material at their own pace. Parents serve as facilitators who are available to help when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions: Middle School Homeschool Curricula
Most parents wonder about many things when it comes to homeschooling during their child’s wonder years. Fortunately, we have answers that will help.
What’s the best way to track your homeschooled middle schooler’s progress?
Record-keeping is more important now than it was during the elementary school years. Since the next step is high school, you’ll want documentation of your child’s learning.
Consider a dual-record system that includes quantitative data, like a log of the time spent on each subject area, and qualitative proof of growth through the use of a portfolio containing the child’s best work. Use rubrics to evaluate your child’s level of mastery on projects, labs, and writing assignments.
What’s the best way to implement hands-on learning in a middle school homeschool curriculum?
A homeschool environment is ideal for bringing academic material to life through hands-on activities.
Consider these methods of engagement:
- Science: Instead of having your child simply read about a concept, give them a problem that they need to solve. For instance, when studying laws of motion in physics, have them drop an egg from a second-floor window or use different levels of force to push and observe matchbox cars roll across the floor.
- History: Create activities that appeal to different senses. For instance, when studying the American Revolution, have your child make their own ink from berries and use it to write their own “family bill of rights.” Also, playing music or cooking a dish typical of a historical period is a fun way for kids to learn and immerse themselves in their lessons.
- Math: Use carpentry or home repair projects around the house to teach geometry. Consider having your child run a lemonade stand or sell homemade crafts at an entrepreneurial festival or craft fair. They can keep track of their revenue and expenses and invest the profits.
Making the Wonder Years Wonder-Full
Early adolescence is a time of dramatic growth and change. Kids at this age are finding their way, identifying passions, and becoming more independent. A homeschool environment is fertile ground for helping them both master academic content and develop executive function and social skills. The high-quality curriculum materials available today can make the learning experience truly wonderful and personalized to meet each child where they are at.
Sources
Association for Experiential Education. “The Principles of Experiential Education Practice.” AEE, 2024, aee.org/what-is-ee.
Bauer, Susan Wise, and Jessie Wise. The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home. 4th ed., W. W. Norton & Company, 2016.
Bishop, Penny A., and Lisa M. Harrison. The Successful Middle School: This We Believe. 5th ed., Association for Middle Level Education, 2020.
Coalition for Responsible Home Education. “Creating a Homeschool Portfolio." CRHE, https://crhe.org/guides/resources-for-homeschool-parents/assessments-record-keeping/creating-a-homeschool-portfolio/.
“Curriculum & Learning Standards.” Coalition for Responsible Home Education, 2024, crhe.org/guides/resources-for-homeschool-parents/homeschool-curriculum-learning-standards/.
Developing Self-Directed Learners by Design. ASCD, 2022, www.ascd.org/el/articles/developing-self-directed-learners-by-design.
Hirsch, E. D., editor. What Your Sixth Grader Needs to Know: Fundamentals of a Good Sixth-Grade Education. Revised edition, Delta, 2006.
Juvonen, Jaana, et al. Focus on the Wonder Years: Challenges Facing the American Middle School. RAND Corporation, 2004.
Ray, Brian D. “Homeschooling: The Research.” National Home Education Research Institute, 12 June 2024, nheri.org/research-facts-on-homeschooling.
Seventh Grade Parents’ Guide to Student Success. National PTA, 2011, www.pta.org/home/family-resources/Parents-Guides-to-Student-Success.
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