Episode 210
Welcome to the final episode in the Ages & Stages series all about homeschooling eighth grade!
In this episode, Jean shares how the Waldorf-inspired approach supports the development of the eighth grader with subjects such as modern, history, physics, chemistry, human physiology, algebra, and geometry.
If this sounds intimidating or your memories of these topics from your own educational journey are foggy, don’t worry. No one covers it all!
Your goal as a home educator during the eighth grade year is to bring the promise and potential of the world to the heart of your child. Your own curiosity and willingness will carry you through.
In the show notes below, you’ll find an outline of the episode, highlights from the eighth grade year, and an extensive list of suggested resources.
Ready for an adventure? You’ve got this!
“It is the task of the [eighth grade curriculum] to place the child absolutely in the present world.” (p. 24)
~Carolyn von heidebrand, The Curriculum of the First Waldorf School (p. 24)
Homeschooling Eighth Grade
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- What does a Waldorf-inspired homeschooling year look like with an eighth grader? [0:40]
- Highlights from the Eighth Grade Waldorf-inspired Curriculum [2:14]
- Preparing for what comes next [6:35]
- Beware of the “It’s time to get serious” Trap [10:00]
- Resources for your eighth grade basket [10:59]
Themes of Study for Homeschooling Eighth Grade
Themes of study this year can include:
- Modern world history (roughly 1700 to the present)
- Physics & chemistry
- Human physiology
- Short stories, poetry, & prose
- World geography: cultural or economic
- Algebra, ratio & proportions, the square root algorithm
- Area, volume, & exploration of geometric solids (Platonic solids)
The Eighth Grade Basket
Some of the links below are my referral links which simply means that I may earn a commission from products you purchase via my links at no additional cost to you. You can read my full disclosure policy here.
- Something Out of Nothing: Marie Curie and Radium by Carla McClafferty
- The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Rivalry, Adventure, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements (Young Readers Edition) by Sam Kean
- The Elements ~ Ingredients of the Universe by Ellen J. McHenry. Be sure to explore her website for other educational materials at www.ellenjmchenry.com
- An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States for Young People (ReVisioning History for Young People) by Roxanne Dunbar-Oritz
- A Little History of the World by E.H. Gombrich ~ a beautifully written book spanning pre-history to the 20th century in an easy-to-read narrative.
- Writing for 100 Days by Gabriel Arquilevich ~ for writing activities and skills lessons in context, a refreshing alternative to a language arts textbook.
And here are some materials specifically for the parent:
- The Tasks and Content of the Steiner-Waldorf Curriculum by Avison, Rawson, and Richter
- The Curriculum of the First Waldorf School by Caroline von Hyedebrand
- Between Form & Freedom: Raising a Teenager by Betty Staley
Navigating through the Ages and Stages of Waldorf-inspired Homeschooling
Find a ✨FREE✨ printable guide to the ages and stages of Waldorf-inspired homeschooling HERE!
The Ages & Stages Guide: Waldorf-Inspired Grades at a Glance is an invaluable resource for your homeschooling reference library! It offers highlights and main lesson topics from each grade, kindergarten through grade eight.
And don’t miss the previous episodes in this Ages & Stages series:
- Kindergarten ~ Episode 182: The Kindergarten Basket
- First Grade ~ Episode 185: The First Grade Basket
- Second Grade ~ Episode 187: The Second Grade Basket
- Third Grade ~ Episode 192: The Third Grade Basket
- Fourth Grade ~ Episode 197: The Fourth Grade Basket
- Fifth Grade ~ Episode 201: The Fifth Grade Basket
- Sixth Grade ~ Episode 204: The Sixth Grade Basket
- Seventh Grade ~ Episode 207: The Seventh Grade Basket
Rate & Review the Podcast
If the Art of Homeschooling Podcast has inspired you, I’d LOVE it if you could rate and review the podcast on your favorite podcast player! Reviews can be left on Apple Podcasts (iTunes), Podcast Addict, or Stitcher.
Or simply pop on over to lovethepodcast.com/artofhomeschooling and choose where you want to leave your review.
And if you want to show your appreciation for the Art of Homeschooling Podcast, you can buy me a cup of tea!
Never Miss an Episode!
Check Out All the Episodes
