Introduction to the Eighth Grade Year

This introductory book gives the teacher an overview of the main lesson subjects that will be taught in the 8th grade and also describes in detail the flow of activities in a typical day. Included are many suggestions for the Opening Activities—the short learning 5 to 10-minute activities that precede the main lesson, but have a powerful cumulative effect as the year proceeds. Reading lists and teaching materials are described as well as valuable insights into the eighth-grade youth and the entry into the new sense of sexuality.

Sample Lesson

The Block Calendar Rotation

Here is one possibility for teaching the 8th grade in a block rotation style.

Sample 8th Grade Block Rotation

  • Weather: Climate, Physics & History (3-4 weeks)
  • Revolutionaries and Romantics (3 weeks)
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology (3-4 weeks)

Thanksgiving

  • Early American History
    (and perhaps 1 week of 19th century American History) (3-4 weeks)

Christmas

  • 19th Century American History (3 weeks)
  • The Art of the Short Story (3-4 weeks)
  • Chemistry (3-4 weeks)

Spring Break

  • World History (3-4 weeks)
  • China, Ancient and Modern (4 weeks)

Table of Contents

  • The Books of the 8th Grade Curriculum
  • Materials Needed
  • Watercolor Supplies
  • Main Lessons and Block Rotation
  • Possible Block Rotation for 8th Grade
  • After Main Lesson Practice Periods
  • The Structure of the Daily Main Lesson
  • Opening Activities
  • Review
  • Lesson Presentation/ Lesson Activity
  • Opening Verse and Closing Verse
  • Understanding the 8th Grade Youth
  • The Unfolding of Sexuality
  • Suggestions for Individual Reading