✨ Weekly Structure (Flexible)
- Daily: Math, Language Arts
- 3x Weekly: Science
- 2–3x Weekly: History / Geography, Coding
- Weekly: English, Art/Music, Physical Education
Language Arts
Theme for the year: Perseverance, moral choices, and personal responsibility through literature.
Core Books & Assignments:
- The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
- Themes: Friendship, growing up, honesty, adventure
- Assignments:
- Write a character sketch of Tom, Huck, and Becky.
- Journal entry from the perspective of one character after a major event.
- Final project: Compare Tom Sawyer’s childhood to your own.
- The Diary of Anne Frank (free online PDF available)
- Themes: Hope, resilience, history, perspective
- Assignments:
- Write chapter summaries.
- Reflective essay: “What can we learn from Anne’s courage?”
- Create a timeline of Anne’s life alongside major WWII events.
- Biblical Narratives (selected readings)
- Themes: Courage, faith, justice, wisdom, moral choices
- Suggested passages:
- Joseph’s Story (Genesis 37–50) — themes: perseverance, forgiveness
- David & Goliath (1 Samuel 17) — themes: courage, faith under pressure
- Ruth (Book of Ruth) — themes: loyalty, redemption, kindness
- Esther (Book of Esther) — themes: bravery, providence
- Parables of Jesus (Luke 10:25–37; Matthew 13; Luke 15) — themes: compassion, justice, kingdom of God
- Romans (Book of Romans) — themes: grace, faith, salvation, unity in Christ
- Assignments:
- Character sketches: Joseph, Ruth, Esther (or others chosen)
- Compare a Biblical hero’s challenges with a modern challenge you’ve faced (short essay).
- Analyze a parable: identify the conflict, resolution, and moral message.
- Creative writing: Rewrite one parable or story in a modern-day setting.
English
- Grammar practice via Khan Academy Grammar.
Math
- Finish Teaching Textbooks Math 7.
- Complete Khan Academy Pre-Algebra.
Core Skills Covered:
- Expressions & equations
- Ratios & proportional reasoning (review & extend)
- Exponents & radicals
- Linear equations & graphing
- Intro to functions
Science
Khan Academy Middle School Biology (1st Semester)/ Chemistry (2nd Semester)
- Focus: Life science foundations leading toward high school biology.
Units:
- Cells & Cell Division
- Genetics & Heredity
- Ecosystems & Interdependence
- Human Body Systems
- Intro to Chemistry: Atoms, Elements, Reactions
Hands-on:
- Choose 5 experiments from CK-12 Flexbooks: Chemistry Intermediate.
- Example: Grow plants under different light conditions to study photosynthesis.
Social Studies / History
Khan Academy U.S. History: From Colonization to Reconstruction
- Assignments:
- Create a timeline of major U.S. events.
- Write a speech as if you were a historical figure.
- Map work: Label places of interest on a map in the Washington, DC/Maryland/Virginia are that we may want to visit on our trip.
Art/Music
- Art/Music Appreciation:
- Field trip to art museum or play/musical.
- Practice ukulele weekly.
STEM
- Code.org
- Coding with Poetry (4 lessons)
Physical Education
- Regular exercise routine: volleyball, trampoline, hiking, biking, or online workout challenges.