Best English Home school course for an 8th grader?

Question

I am going to start homeschooling my 3 daughters for the 1st time and I am looking for curriculum for English/Grammer for my 8th grader. I am considering McDougal Littell English for Grade 8 or Houghton Mifflin English Level 8. We don't really want a Christian based program. Has anyone had any luck with either of these or do you have any other suggestions?

For my other two I think I am going to do Saxon Phonics, they are both going into 2nd grade but one is developmentally delayed, has anyone had good success with the Saxon Phonics.

Answer 1

I am going to use easy grammar this yr by Wanda Phillips I have read and heard good reviews about it. It also comes with a writing  course.  I use alpha phonics  for phonics and it is very thorough.

Answer 2

We tried Saxon phonics, but it was too slow and had too much repetition for us.  We prefer A Beka, but it is Christian based.  You could try Explode the Code.  It is strictly phonics though, no lanuage arts work.

http://www.epsbooks.com

I would suggest going to homeschool reviews to read reviews of different programs.

http://www.homeschoolreviews.com

Good luck!

Answer 3

We also use Rod and Staff, but as the other person said, it is VERY Christian based.  Mennonite to be exact.  The explanations, however, are very good.  I absolutely LOVE this program, and although I am not Mennonite, I haven't had issues, but if I wasn't Christian, I think I would have a LOT of issues with it...  I do know it is used by some secular homeschoolers, but seriously look at it prior to buying it as it is very Christian in content.

Calvert is not Christian based.  It is secular, but most of their program has to be purchased together.  You can't buy it for only one subject.

We use Brain Pop, but I think it is more of an interesting supplement, then a full English curriculum.  I couldn't suggest it as an actual full English program.  Based on the kinds of books you listed, you want more of a traditional approach to English, so if that is true, I don't think Brain Pop would work for you.  

I would use Voyages in English.  The OLDER versions are Catholic, so be sure to get newer versions which are secular.  

Another curriculum that I highly recommend is Classical Writing.  It is farm more than writing.  It is based on classical education, however, be forewarned that it isn't as easy to use for a new homeschooling parent as Rod and Staff or Voyages in English, etc., would be.  

Another possibility is to look at Prentice Hall.  I have found them to be one of the best sources for secular material.  I have their Literature program for 7th grade students, and I think it is very well done.  

As for Phonics, I haven't used Saxon Phonics.  What I used for my child who had developmental issues, and I was told might never learn to read was Play and Talk.  He is now at the 99th percentile in reading at 6th grade.  For my other boys, I started them with Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons, and then used Hooked on Phonics.  Many libraries will carry both of those.

Answer 4

Look at Michael Clay Thompson's books - they are AWESOME (and secular)!

http://www.rfwp.com/mct.php

I LOVED K12's PhonicsWorks program - it's incredible!!!  It used to be sold as a stand-alone, but now it's only available with the other strands of Language Arts.

http://www.k12.com

Answer 5

Rod and Staff is an excellent English program. I know it is Christian based but it is excellent.

Answer 6

Brain pop offers all courses and I find it to be a good way to learn. k12 curriculum is fantastic. Calvert is christian based and pretty good too.