The Christopherus Curriculum: A Guide to the Seventh Grade
In many ways 7th grade can be characterized as the year of looking ahead. Finally able to call themselves teens, thirteen-year old-children (who rarely accept being called such) are chomping at the bit, ready to join the world. Their horizons are expanding and every day can be full of wonders.
Yet this sense of wonder must not be only the naïve and open-eyed sense of wonder that is so important for younger children. Such moments should exist for 7th graders, but, in general, wonder needs to be experienced as a growing sense for the richness, complexity and unending beauty of our world, including the works of man.
This is the year when we travel to Africa, Asia and South and Central America in geography. Following on from main lessons devoted to exploring the land and cultures of such vastly differing parts of the world, we turn to a study of the Renaissance and into the Enlightenment. New frontiers in science, religion, art, exploration and human relationships emerged as human evolution turned the corner toward modern consciousness.
In science the children focus on chemistry, astronomy and human physiology. In English, the first lessons in bringing consciousness to writing as writing occur. This is an exciting year in mathematics as well, when algebra and geometric proofs are explored. Interesting math topics such as the Fibonacci series are studied.
Rough Guide to Seventh Grade: Click to download the guide.
Our Waldorf Curriculum Overview and our science book, From Nature Stories to Natural Science are both essential guides to help you create your child’s seventh grade Waldorf-inspired homeschool experience. Our Seventh & Eighth Grade at home audio download is also crucial.
Although the Curriculum Overview spans 1st through 8th grade, leaving parents wondering if it is worth purchasing it for 7th and 8th grades, it will help put what you are doing into a larger context. This is especially important if you are new to homeschooling or Waldorf education. The book is out-of-date in terms of its references to our own publications (since writing it we have created a full grade 1-5 curriculum) but in terms of the nitty-gritty “how do I do this” and critically, “why do I do this” questions, it is the only resource of its kind available.
Our Medieval History book is where many of you will start with history unless you tackled it in 6th grade.
Please read about our Christopherus Science Curriculum here. As of January 2018 Physics and Earth Science are available. As each component of our Science Curriculum builds upon earlier work, it is necessary to complete these volumes before moving on to A Year of Astronomy and Chemistry I, which should be available by summer 2018.
Please note that our science books are written for students from grades 6 – 9, with special sections for older students.
Click on the image or title to view detailed information about each publication and to purchase.