Migi’s Curriculum, 8th grade, 2011-2012

Just finished designing Migi’s curriculum for the year. I usually start this in May before the previous schoolyear ends but this year we’re ending late and so we’re also starting later than usual. We school year-round because we travel a bit (with hubby, for work) so this kind of flexible scheduling works for us. Thought I’d share my ideas with you, and I’ll expand on them if anyone has any questions. Note that this is *my* ambitious plan with about 50% input from the child, and we dial down or up through the year as we see fit.

Religion:

• My Catholic Faith Delivered 8th Grade – this is Faith and Life, but online http://www.mycatholicfaithdelivered.com
• Daily Bible Readings/Lectio Divina, Daily Mass whenever possible, Liturgy of the Hours if not http://www.divineoffice.org
• Confirmation Prep – portfolio similar to what 2 older children did — will put this into a different note as the portfolio itself has a booklist + pages and activities to complete, etc.
• Catechism and Apologetics Discussion with Mom at least once a week (materials: CCC, Beginning Apologetics series)
• Eucharistic Adoration on Thursdays with family
• Saint of the Month / Mama Mary Feastdays – book to read + fun activity like food and/or art/craft, Advent and Lenten seasons more relaxed than rest of the year
  Character Education (tied in with confirmation prep, habit formation, monthly evaluations on how he’s doing with his spiritual life, personal relationships, etc.)
• Volunteer work (tied in with Scouting activities)
• Pro-life activity once a month (most likely praying the Rosary in front of an abortion clinic and/or helping out at local pregnancy center)

English/Language Arts:

• Break Into Print – BraveWriter class online August through October http://www.bravewriter.com
• October through end of year – Classical Writing Homer http://www.classicalwriting.com
  Literature:
  • The Tale of Troy
  • St. Benedict: The Story of the Father of the Western Monks
  • Blessed Miguel Pro: 20th Century Mexican Martyr
  • St. Edmund Campion: Hero of God’s Underground
  • St. Ignatius and the Company of Jesus
  • Outlaws of Ravenhurst
  • Mantlemass Chronicles: The Miller’s Boy
  • St. Pius X: The Farm Boy Who Became Pope
  • Francis and Clare: Saints of Assisi
  • To Fight in Silence
• Poetry selections for memorization and copywork from The Harp and Laurel Wreath

Math:

• Finishing up Saxon 87 and moving on to Saxon Algebra 1 http://www.saxonmath.com

Science:

• Experiments from Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia and daily narration in notebook
• Streaming Science videos from Netflix http://www.netflix.com
• Other science activities via scouting and determined by interest throughout the year
• Nature journaling at least once a month

Foreign Language:

• Continued work in First Form Latin http://www.memoriapress.com
• Rosetta Stone Spanish Level 1 http://www.rosettastone.com

History:

• Light To The Nations Volume 2 (Catholic Textbook Project), reading and daily narration either oral or written in notebook or blog, continued work on Book of Centuries http://www.catholictextbookproject.com

Music:

• Guitar, still considering a self-study book, + personal tutorials from big sis and uncles
• Daily music appreciation (Classical Music and Jazz)
• Symphony concerts

Art:

• Artistic Pursuits Junior High Level 1 http://www.artisticpursuits.com

Extra-curricular:

• Scouting with Dad