Our Eclectic 9th Grade Homeschool Curriculum Plans

August 13, 2015

 

“Buddy” is starting his Freshman year this week. I cannot believe how quickly time has flown by.

We are excited and a little anxious as we embark on this new adventure. We have been a bit more “relaxed” in the past then we will be during our high school years.

In the past, we always studied the usual subjects, but also did quite a bit of student-inspired learning. We didn’t do student-led or unschooling, but definitely with a little nod in that direction. If Buddy was interested in something in particular, we would often change things up to include his special interest as much as possible. We will probably do that just a little even in high school, but try to fit it into what we are “supposed” to be studying. I don’t want to squash his love for learning.

I plan to use the “sticky note strategy” or something really similar (explained here) when something we are studying doesn’t fit into whatever we are currently doing.

I still remember talking to a homeschool friend several years ago and telling her that I wasn’t sure what to call our style of homeschooling. She said that we were, “Christian, eclectic, child-inspired, relaxed, homeschoolers with a focus on living books.” Yes! That describes us.

The only thing that has changed over the years is that we really got into documentaries and video lessons this last year. Buddy absolutely loves Crash Course, Hip Hughes History  (some of his have a bad word, so might want to pre-screen), Mister Canton, and anything by Brian Unger.

So, here is what we are planning for Buddy’s 9th grade year:

World History

  • Exploring World History by Notgrass
  • History of the World Mega Conference DVD set
  • Crash Course World History Videos: here and here
  • Drive Thru History: Ancient History DVD Series
  • Other documentaries or videos
 
World Geography
 
Math/Pre-Algebra
 
English
 

Survey of Sciences ~ From the Wonders of Creation Series

We only needed to choose 4 specific sciences from this series to create a year of science, but Buddy really wants to study all 5 of these…. so here we go! (There are a few others to choose from, too.)

Latin

JavaScript Programming

Foods/Cooking

Bible

  • This is also included in our Notgrass World History. The passages to read and questions are included in the Student Review Book and the Bible Commentary for the passages can be found here.
 
We also are loving Traveling Through History With Doctor Who – Six Week Course (we have already started). We did the semester one course (which is longer) last year. We thoroughly enjoyed it and learned a lot. 
 
Buddy is taking the following classes at our local homeschool co-op this first semester:
  • Speech and Debate (as well as joining the team)
  • Cardio Kickboxing
  • Success for Teens
He is also continuing on the Special Athletes All-Star Cheer Team that he joined last year. They just added a weekly tumbling class that he is taking, too.
 
Buddy is also a part of our church’s youth group and the local Navigators’ Chapter.
 
If you would like some more ideas for homeschooling your high school student, you can check out my 9th Grade Homeschool Board and my Homeschool High School Board on Pinterest.
 
What curriculum do you use for your homeschooled high schooler? Please, leave a comment with your recommendations below.
 
*  This was originally posted on my previous blog in August 2015.

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