Middle ED Curriculum & Resources I LOVE

My kids are dyslexic, and as such the curriculum I have chosen meets that need. However, I believe that the curriculums are solid options for any child. If you have any questions about dyslexia I have a few posts about that subject:

When an Otherwise Bright Child Struggles to Learn

My Recommendations for Parents Homeshooling their Dyslexic Child

It's important when choosing curriculum that you know your child's learning styles. Dyslexic kids usually do best with multi-sensory methods, which means activating learning using as many senses s possible. Since reading and writing are a real challenge, they will retain more if the content is presented visually, dynamic discussion (auditory), and hands-on projects. To balance the struggle to master basic reading, writing, and arithmetic skill, I have to organize our school around their interests and help them to excel in their areas of strength. 

Here are a list of some of the types of learning styles that will drive your curriculum search:

• Visual Learning
• Auditory Learning
• Reading & Writing
• Kinesthetic (hands-on)
• Verbal Learning
• Social and Interpersonal Learning
• Solitary and Intrapersonal Learning
• Self-Led Learning
• Interest Driven Learning

Here's what has worked for us:

Math: Teaching Textbooks (great self-guided, easy to help your kids when needed) — some of my friends use CTC math and love it too. Kahn Academy is another option that my friends have loved. All are online with video tutorials and guided progression.

Writing: Writing Skills by Diana Handbury King (I’d also recommend IEW Writing) — build skills with a solid writing skills program but be sure you incorporate relevant writing assignments in other subjects you are studying.

English: The Good and the Beautiful (easy curriculum to use and follow)

Science: Dr. Jay Wile science books, you can find his curriculums at Berean Builders (Easy curriculum to implement and follow)

(If your student still needs spelling development I prefer “All About Spelling” — They have a placement test. If your student needs keyboarding there are several good online typing programs. If your child still needs to improve penmanship or you want them to learn and use cursive, the Good and the Beautiful has nice spiral bound penmanship books.)

History: I did high school level American History in 7th and 8th for high school credit (the public schools usually do this split in 8th and 9th, for high-school credit), splitting the curriculum into two parts. Colonial to Civil War in the 1st year, and I added a thorough Constitution study at that point in the study. 2nd year we studied post civil war to the present with an added study in free market economics. I used “The Patriot’s History of the United States” as our primary text, but also used “The Patriot’s History Reader” for source document assignments. I had my student study source documents, discuss, and then research and write short essays for assignments. I used Hillsdale Collage for the added units in the constitution and free market economics, they’ve created a middle school curriculum.