how to make homework fun for 7th graders

28 Ideas On How To Make Homework Fun For Students

Do your children seem to need continual nagging to complete their homework? If your answer is “yes,” then don’t worry; we’ve all been there. Parents naturally want their kids to advance and do well in class, but after a full day of paper, pens, and books, many students won’t feel like doing their assignments.

No matter what the ages or grades of the students are, academic burnout may happen to any student, which affects overall learning and development. To solve this issue, we have brought 28 ideas on how to make homework fun and interesting for students of any age. Not only for parents but also if you are a tutor, these tricks and tips will come to your use.

28 Ideas on How To Make Homework Fun for Students

Homework enables the students to revise and evaluate the classroom learning and develops a habit of self-study, which in turn helps the students to score better. But it can be energy-draining, challenging, monotonous, and difficult to focus upon for students of any age.

Getting students to enjoy their homework and assignments could be immensely difficult at times. Especially after a long break or vacation, they find it difficult to focus on homework. Simultaneously, the importance of home tasks cannot be ignored. Wondering what the solution is?

It’s easy – why not make the homework fun and engaging? Yes, this is the ALL-IN-ONE solution to create a spark of interest in homework. There is practically a plethora of ways to let students feel enthusiastic while doing homework. However, not every strategy suits every student.

For instance, some students love to go outdoors and complete their homework or study amidst nature. On the other hand, some students simply want to stay indoors and complete home tasks in their study area.

So, while implementing a strategy or adopting ways to make homework fun and interesting, you must make sure you are doing the right thing for the right individual so that the student receives maximum benefits.

Here are 28 brilliant ideas that will guide you on how to make homework fun for elementary, middle, and high schoolers. Take a look:

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1. rewards are magical motivators.

It’s nothing new to provide children with little rewards in the classroom. But when it comes to the concept of homework for students, these approaches are rarely used. Instructors aren’t always aware of what’s offered or if it’s useful, and some parents may create their rewards. A great idea is to offer rewards inside the classroom.

Giving out vouchers, stickers, snacks, toys, or meal coupons that let youngsters earn money by doing their homework is something we advocate. The advantages of these magical motivators include having a friend sitting next to you in class, access to the internet, and unscheduled time in the classroom. If they link accomplishing their tasks to positive classroom experiences, students will be more engaged and motivated both inside and outside of the classroom.

2. Get Some Favorite Snacks

How to make homework fun and captivating? Let’s face the truth: A hungry student will be disinterested, uninspired, and miserable. Give them something healthful and palpable to eat while they do their schoolwork because most young kids are ravenous when they get home from school. Some options are apple slices, popcorn, grapes, crackers, flapjacks, and cheese.

If you want to attempt something a little more systematic, make a list of nutritious after-school snack suggestions and recipes and try them out every day. A delicious, crunchy apple is one of the healthiest nutrients for youngsters’ brain development. Some other nutritious and palpable snacks for students are Pancakes, Butter Popcorn, Fruit-flavored Yogurt, nut mix, sliced pears with ricotta cheese, Banana Smoothies, etc.

3. Beat the Clock

This is perfect for young kids who are reluctant to complete their schoolwork. Try it out, and you’ll thank us later. Young children like competing in races. By creating timed tasks, you may make schoolwork feel more like a race. For instance, keep track of the number of words they can spell properly or the number of arithmetic problems they can do in five minutes. Challenge your child to beat their previous best the next day.

To make it more fun, a little competition with siblings or best friends will work great. Nevertheless, make sure that the competition is healthy and doesn’t turn into an aggressive one. Often, students’ psychology works differently, and they tend to be violent in these kinds of situations.

4. Get A Homework Buddy

Allow your child to have a buddy or two over to study if they struggle with a particular topic or have difficulties concentrating in a quiet, empty room. If a second child is too distracting, set an example by helping your youngster. You may pay bills, prepare supper, respond to emails, or even work on a crossword puzzle or other mental exercise while they are doing their schoolwork.

Working on homework teaches children that work is a part of life, not just school, and fosters friendship without being overpowering.

5. Design an Awesome Workspace

Improve the area where your kids complete their schoolwork to increase efficiency, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Have tools and materials available, such as cool notepads or notebooks, colored pens, highlighters, and sticky notes, to assist students in completing difficult projects.

Use calendars, whiteboards, chalkboards, corkboards, or even simply paper and tape to help them visualize and keep track of all they need to complete. You may also decorate it with art and other items that inspire you. For pupils older than 5 years old, you may also hang up some aesthetically pleasing motivating quotations and photos in their study space to help them stay focused and goal-oriented.

6. Make Them Feel Comfortable

The comfort level of the students is the first and foremost thing you have to take care of while making them complete their homework. Not every learner has the same comfort level in the same ways, and these levels tend to differ from one person to another. It’s the responsibility of a parent or a teacher to understand their comfort zone and then plan accordingly.

For instance, provide them with a variety of alternatives or let them design their strategy. You might also inquire as to what time they like to complete their assignment. You won’t need to repeatedly remind people of their duties if you reach an agreement.

7. Incorporate Intervals and Breaks

Some learners might be able to finish their entire load of homework in one sitting. If your class has any pupils that can’t sit still, think about introducing breaks into the assignment process. Weekly study regimens can accommodate breaks.

Give a food break, allow them to complete one level of a video game, or let them talk to a buddy during a quick break. To establish expectations for when and how homework breaks should be taken, teachers might talk about these concepts with parents and students.

This functions in two main ways. It first rewards pupils for finishing their schoolwork. In addition, it gives them a mental break so they can come back to their job reenergized and motivated.

8. Role Plays Work Wonders

Create your little school and let your youngster take the role of the instructor to make enjoyable learning-based games. Assume the position of the student, and have your youngster explain a concept to you in the teacher’s role. This game will help players better comprehend the topic and develop their logical and reasoning abilities. It works especially well with courses that call for theory, like science.

By letting your kid pick their favorite stuffed animals and playthings and placing them in their little classroom, you can make schoolwork enjoyable. Begin by registering, saying “mummy,” “gift,” “Mr. Teddy,” etc. Since kids love to pretend to be teachers, you’ll soon notice that your kid is becoming more self-assured.

9. Make Them Stay Positive and Focused

Ensure to keep the students’ attitudes toward school and the values of their schoolwork are always positive. To keep them inspired and on track, shower your youngster with compliments on how great they’re doing. If they are getting pissed off with the pressure of homework, make them understand its importance and how positively it can impact their learning.

Spend five minutes after each homework session going over your child’s accomplishments. Have a look at our selection of free-to-download home learning packs if you’re out of things to do. To keep them motivated, you can reward or recognize their achievements in front of their peers. This will not only boost their confidence but also will help them maintain a positive outlook toward homework and studies.

10. Take It Outside

Outdoor learning is one of the most feasible ways to do homework with fun in a natural environment. If the weather is good, create a cozy and safe study space outside and let the student finish all the homework outdoors.

Studies also demonstrate that being outside, nearer to nature enhances productivity. The fresh air can aid students’ attention if they have spent the entire day in a classroom. In between jobs, rewarding them with a brief game of football or Frisbee will keep them engaged. You can conduct some fun outdoor Math or English fun homework activities.

11. Altering the homework concept

Many kids feel burdened by their homework assignments. What if, though, you adopt a whole new approach to homework? It can be argued that schoolwork has a lot of unfavorable associations. These concepts usually start early in life and persist into college.

By referring to assignments in different ways, teachers can change these mental habits. Better ways to describe homework include home learning, brain workouts, and study time. You might try using these phrases in place of homework in the classroom.

12. Get Help If You Need

Homework can be frustrating if your child doesn’t understand the material or gets bored easily. Furthermore, excessive pressurizing or insisting on too much can mess up the student’s psychology. To be honest, in extreme cases, none of the methods will work. If your child or student is struggling beyond the normal limit, get them some expert help!

Education Advisors have plenty of advice for students who are not able to cope with homework. They also conduct counseling sessions from time to time in case it’s required.

13. Go for Audio-Visual Resources

Engaging additional senses in the at-home learning process is another technique to cheer up your boring assignments. Focus may be improved by using a child’s perception of touch, smell, or taste in a unique manner.

Sending kids home with instructions for making scented play dough, for instance, improve learning. The dough may be used in classes including math and spatial concepts. Plus, the aroma of scented/colored clays keeps kids focused while they work. Additionally, it enables children to link the smell to what they learned, improving memory and recall.

Another item that teachers might give their pupils as a take-home is a stress ball. Before, during, or after tasks, using a stress ball can encourage creative thinking and anxiety reduction positively.

14. Meditation Can Reduce Stress

Stress is not something that happens only to adults. With the increased competition in academics, young learners nowadays are suffering from severe stress, which ushers’ negative impacts on their mental health. Sometimes, both the little children and older students can’t express this stress and fail to explain how they are feeling.

Homework pressure often creates such challenging situations which disrupt the emotional equilibrium of youngsters. In situations like this, meditation can reduce stress and improve focus. Positive thinking, fear and the tension and anxiety that lead to depression may all be lessened by meditation. Being aware without judgment is one of the foundational elements of meditation, and this attitude of acceptance may ward against unpleasant thoughts.

15. Make It a Group Effort

Since time immemorial, team working is super effective for any activity. The same applies to homework as well. If students sit for the home task in a group, they will be able to wrap all the assignments up quickly.

Now the question is – how? Teamwork involves group discussions as well as brainstorming, which gives rise to new ideas. Students try to develop new ways to complete homework through mutual discussion.

16. Take Help from Learning Apps and Libraries

If your child struggles with their homework, it can be difficult for you as well. Games and visual examples in amusing math practice applications may be a terrific way to give your youngster practice with things he is having trouble with. Therefore, make schoolwork enjoyable for your youngster by downloading an app that simplifies the subject.

There are so many online applications and libraries that will help students enjoy fun and encouraging homework sessions. If the toddler or an older student specifically refers to a particular app or a website, talk to him/her about it properly. Then visit the online resource, and if you think it is a legit and helpful one, let your child or student use it during his/her homework time.

17. Tell Them Not to Take It Too Seriously

There are more important things in life than homework and grades. Too much focus on grades can affect your child’s love for learning. Think about what values you want to instill in your child and make sure the homework is not getting in the way.

If you believe your child’s teacher is giving out too much homework after you see your child demonstrate an understanding of the subject, don’t be afraid to voice your concern. Even if nothing changes, it will show your children that you care and empathize with them. That matters a lot!

18. Storytelling Can Be a Great Idea

Storytelling is a fantastic idea to make children complete their homework without facing any boredom. Especially for specific subjects like Math, History, and Literature, storytelling develops a context that allows the students to grasp things very easily.

If you find a student is finding it difficult to understand a concept and complete assignments on it, you can give a try to the storytelling method a since it works well. Storytelling has the power to captivate learners and keep them engaged irrespective of their age and grades.

19. Create A Homework Mood

Creating a mood for homework is a bit difficult for younger students but setting the right environment can help them complete the tasks as quickly as possible. However, it’s not an issue for the senior students but can be a bit overwhelming for the little kids.

You can select a comfortable location for them to study and use their favorite stickers, lights, etc., to decorate the space. Keeping in mind the results as well as their abilities to take the pressure, set goals and establish rewards. It’s vital to make them understand the goals and disclose a bit about the rewards but don’t let them know exactly what’s going to happen. This will create an enthusiasm to complete the homework in no time.

20. Turn on Some Music

The psychological effects of music are undeniable. Music brings concentration and helps to focus on a particular work pleasantly. Then why not use it for your children’s homework? Science dictates that music is the best aid for studying.

Play some soft music while the student is doing his/her homework and this will help to create an ambiance. You can also play cool, energetic, upbeat music since it radiates energetic vibes and the student will find immense energy as well as positivity to complete the tasks.

21. Ask Them to Do the Tough Tasks First

One more cool thing to try out is doing the tough tasks first. It’s a perfect strategy if the student has a list of various tasks of different levels of complexity. You will be able to realize how much time he/she needs to complete the tasks and edit afterward if needed.

Completing the more complex tasks at first enables a student to think and decide critically. The remaining time can be enjoyed with much lower stress while doing the easier assignments. If your child gets bored very quickly you can try this method out.

22. Get Creative

Wondering how to make homework fun creatively? Homework doesn’t sound exciting to students. To be more specific, solving sums after sums or writing science projects doesn’t sound fun alone. Rather, if you mingle these tasks with an artsy adventure, the same old boring homework sessions become interesting.

For instance, you can ask them to paint out the math problems, prepare a model for their science projects, or act a portion of the history or literature books. Some other effective ideas may include creating a range of paintings while explaining a paragraph to a child, making clay characters, and doing some moves with the music.

23. Doing Homework at School

Nowadays, as the syllabuses are changing, students have too much pressure from homework to deal with. After coming home from school, it’s quite natural for them to feel exhausted. At times it becomes impossible for a kid to keep their eyes open for homework.

The best remedy here is to complete the majority of their homework at school. Your child also doesn’t have to stay up all night looking for answers or trying to understand how to remember academic facts. They can use their free time at school to complete some of the homework to stay relaxed later. Also, completing homework with peers involves so much engagement and fun.

24. Ask Them to Work on Different Subjects in a Session

Are you trying to know how to make homework fun without putting in much effort? Plan a routine for your child so that they can work on different subjects in a single session. Try to mix and match the subjects to make them feel comfortable with the pace of the study.

Working on a maximum of 3 subjects a session will help a student to get rid of the homework quickly without considering it as a pressure. Ensure they are not in a rush to complete one subject after another. Make it as systematic and orderly as you can to avoid any unwanted confusion.

25. Get Academic Help

Getting a little homework help is a feasible way to make homework fun. Nevertheless, you must make sure that none of you, the teachers, or the program facilitators are not spoon-feeding them, or else it will affect the student’s development in terms of learning.

If there is a math problem that is too difficult to solve or a paragraph with heavy words, you or the tutor can give your helping hand to the student so that he/she can complete it on his/her own. For instance, you can give a clue to solve the sum or narrate the context of the paragraph.

26. Planning Is the Key

Planning is a powerful habit to make homework sessions fun and organized. Not only at school, but also this habit will help a student throughout his/her life. It’s required for a student to be extremely serious about homework in a studying period and systematic planning can help in completing all the assignments on time.

If your child is in high school or middle school, you can guide him/her to make homework routines. However, elementary school kids and preschool students need their parents’ or teachers’ assistance to make advanced homework plans.

27. Ask Them to Write on Their Favorite Topics

Working on something you love will make you feel more connected to the work. The same applies to both the kids’ homework and older students’ homework. If you are thinking about how to make doing homework fun, you can ask them to write a paragraph or a short essay on their favorite topics.

To implement this strategy, first, talk to the students on a one-on-one basis and try to know their individual preferences in terms of writing. Then assign them a task where they will write whatever they want on their favorite topics. This will act as a warm-up session before doing the homework.

28. Provide Choice

One of the key reasons why younger and older students become disengaged with their homework is they find it meaningless. This is where the mentors and the parents have to play the biggest role. They need to make the student understand why homework is important and how it can benefit them in the future.

This will make the kids’ homework sessions more engaging and they will be able to connect emotionally or personally. How to make homework fun in this way? It’s simple, provide the students with more choices while assigning the homework. For instance, if there is a tough project, they can choose to work alone on it or work with partners.

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Elementary school homework tips.

Homework gives elementary students a way to practice the concepts. But you have to be very careful while making them do the home tasks as at this age they don’t develop an understanding regarding the benefits of homework. To them, homework is just something that parents and teachers use to restrict them from doing what they want.

Below are some effective tips on how to make homework fun for kindergarten students.

• Make sure kids have a creative, engaging, and well-lit place to do the homework.
• Give the kids delicious snacks from time to time so that they don’t get distracted due to hunger.
• Encourage the children to complete their homework by giving them small rewards or recognizing their efforts to make the entire process more manageable.
• Instead of dictating to them what to do and threatening them, be a mentor, a leader, and a motivator.
• Create a homework routine for elementary students manually or use desktop app for planning your homework. Don’t forget to keep short breaks in between.
• Try to keep distractions to a minimum. This means no phone calls, loud music, and TV during homework time.

Set good examples for them but without comparing them with anybody. Have you ever seen your little one saving money? Point that quality out, praise him/her for it, and set it as an example.

Middle School Homework Tips

Middle school students develop a fair understanding of the importance of homework. So, you are not supposed to face much trouble to make them complete their tasks. Check out these middle school homework tips below. These tips will work wonders if you are looking for ways to make homework fun for 7th graders or 8th graders.

• Designate a specific amount of time for homework. This will help them to complete work on time.
• Help them prioritize which tasks to do on a priority basis. In this way, they will develop the ability to make decisions.
• Continuously encourage them to evaluate their work so that they can find the mistakes and correct them on their own.
• Put away the phone to prevent them from being distracted from time to time.
• When needed, help them to complete homework instead of spoon-feeding the whole thing. Give clues to solve a sum, point out some important areas, or explain them in a paragraph so that they can complete the next tasks by themselves.
• Don’t pressurize or force yourself to do homework. Parents need to know when to stop, especially when they are feeling exhausted, frustrated, and confused.

High School Homework Tips

When it comes to homework, high school students are better able to manage their time, stay focused and finish their tasks. This enables them to understand the value of homework. They don’t do any tantrums and get less distracted because they understand the consequences of not completing home tasks on time. But if you want to know how to make homework more enjoyable for high school students throughout the school year, here are some effective tips:

• Tell them to write down their homework every day in a notebook, or a planner to keep it more organized.
• Ask them to write their homework with a blue pen on a white sheet to remember their writing. Also, it’s the best combo to do homework faster.
• Help your teens to divide their homework schedule in a planned way and keep short breaks to freshen up their minds. For instance, if they work for 30 minutes, they can take a 5 minutes break.
• Doing homework with buddies is a proven method to complete homework on time and also in an accurate manner.
• If they get stuck while doing any specific homework, ask them to take help from online resources, libraries, video demonstrations, and journals.

Homework Dos and Don’ts

Let’s face it – nobody loves homework although it’s super important for your child’s learning and development. While high school students understand the importance and need of doing school assignments at home, elementary and preschool children can’t develop the understanding at their age.

Several things are to be kept in mind while expecting homework from students in proper time. To make the students complete their homework happily, we have brought some amazing dos and don’ts that parents or teachers need to follow:

Homework Do’s

1. monitor the answers.

After your child has completed his/her homework, check it once to find what went right and what went wrong. If you find any mistake in his/her work, try not to point that out directly. Instead, give your youngster clues so that he/she can find out the mistakes now.

2. Remove the Distractions

Thinking about how to make homework more fun for your child? Remove the distractions from the study room first including social media on the computer, mobile phones, unnecessary toys, etc. Remember, a decluttered environment is the reason behind a decluttered head. They will be able to focus more on the homework when there isn’t a pile of distractions around them.

3. Be A Cheerleader

Always be your child’s motivator when he/she is doing homework. Students may not be correct always but humiliating them may make them demotivated and frustrated at the same time. Celebrate small successes such as completion of the tasks within time, the maximum number of correct answers, the maximum time the child has devoted to homework, etc. Give treats like candies, stickers, pens/pencils, and colored boxes to celebrate their success.

4. Work in Collaboration

The parents and the children need to work together in terms of homework. There must be a proper channel of communication between both parties so that the child’s overall performance can be monitored.

Homework Don’ts

1. don’t force them to homework.

Forcing a student to do the homework can bring immensely negative results. Children won’t like homework – it’s quite normal but forcefully making them do it is tremendously fatal as it will develop a permanent fear or discomfort that will hamper their overall growth.

2. Don’t Show Them Your Frustration

Kids have a lot of tantrums. Especially, the tantrums increase while doing homework. Often teachers and parents get frustrated but showing them the frustration is not at all a good idea. Not only will the child become stubborn but also, they will develop a fear of doing assignments or getting help from you. If you want to make homework fun for 6th graders or students of any other grades, don’t show your frustration in front of them.

3. Don’t Compare with Their Peers

Comparison is something that demotivates a child to a great extent. It develops a deep resentment in their mind which doesn’t fade away even after growing older. Comparing their grades or skills with their peers is probably the worst idea to make students do homework.

4. Don’t Keep Electronic Devices in Front of Them

Yes, you can give the students electronic gadgets for a few minutes as small rewards but don’t keep the devices in front of them all the time when they are doing homework. This may loosen their concentration and will make them distracted from their respective tasks.

How A Homework Planning App Can Help a Student?

A homework app is the best time-management tool that enables students to organize everything they need to do throughout a week, month, academic year, or semester. It’s an easy way to keep your homework sessions organized. In case you are still thinking about how to make homework fun for your child, software with proper features of homework planning can help him/her out.

The academic pressure on school children sometimes becomes too difficult to handle, especially when there is so much to do. This is where student planners for their home assignments are found to be beneficial. Here is an explanation of how an efficient home assignment planning tool can help students finish their tasks on time:

1. Gives Students A Break

It might also be helpful to make sure that kids have some downtime to unwind and not become overburdened with assignments. If teachers are assigning homework through software, they will see how long a piece of homework will take to be completed, and they can allocate the tasks accordingly scheduling breaks in between.

2. Reduces Stress

Homework pressure may not sound like a big deal to you because you have already left those days behind but to your child, it’s a headache. The fear of being scolded by parents/teachers is one of their biggest concerns to them. Thanks to digital planners, these tools know exactly how to help each student in a customized way.

3. Increases Productivity

How to make homework interesting? Students who use a school planner are more productive and can manage their time more effectively. Students today struggle with procrastination because the internet age offers so many diversions. However, if they have noted down the tasks they must complete, they will be more motivated to complete them.

4. Easier for Parents and Teachers

A homework app with intuitive features of planning helps to complete an assignment within time in a systematic manner. Younger students who still rely on the help of their parents and teachers to do their schoolwork often fail to inform them about their homework status. Having homework software can easily sort this problem out and reduces mentors’ work and hassle.

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How to make homework fun with clarifi.

To assist students to achieve their highest potential, Clarifi is a homework software that acts as an ideal digital homework attention coach. We are dedicated to helping students achieve their academic goals. The pupils may complete their homework independently with the help of this digital planning app for homework.

It is a straightforward and uncomplicated desktop program that gives them more confidence to finish their assignment as quickly and effectively as possible. It is the only research-backed desktop application that enables children who are easily distracted to do their schoolwork without a parent watching over them. Monitoring student behavior is the only way to be sure they are doing their assignments.

However, keeping track of pupils’ activity is a time-consuming and important duty. However, Clarifi is available to make this procedure as easy as possible. With the aid of this program, students can effortlessly enter each homework assignment and keep track of the due dates for each one based on the class or the current day.

They receive prizes from the automated coach for maintaining concentration and doing their homework. When all pupils turn in their schoolwork on time, they will receive diamonds as a reward. This element motivates pupils to develop the positive habit of finishing their home assignments on time. Clarifi is an easy digital homework attention planner that provides kids with the ability to filter out distractions, improve their executive functioning, and keep all of their assignments organized in one location.

Clarifi guarantees to raise their capacity for concentration and focus as well as their academic performance. It incorporates functions that provide users the means to remain centered, motivated, and organized while finishing their schoolwork on their own. When kids use the app, it is specially designed with cutting-edge technology that blocks all other apps.

Generating an undistracted and focused environment for students with Clarifi is the answer to “how to make homework less boring.”

Students Can Now Complete Homework with Fun!

With these tricks and tips, students can now efficiently engage themselves in homework. Learners need to study and complete their homework/assignments with a positive mindset and not forcefully. As soon as a student starts doing his/her homework strenuously, the interest is eventually lost, leading to mistakes and burnout.

But with the tricks mentioned above, homework sessions can now be immensely fun and interesting. Whether you are a teacher, parent, or student, these are some tried and tested ways to complete home tasks engagingly. Stay tuned to Clarifi for similar informative blogs like this. If to need help with your children’s homework and know more about how to make homework fun get in touch with Clarifi today.

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11 Strategies to Make Homework Fun and Manageable

Posted by Erica Warren on May 11, 2021

Homework Don'ts:

• Never pair homework with a punishment. When this is done, students associate homework with unpleasantries, and it can have a negative impact on future assignments.
• Don't call home assignments, "homework." Who wants to take their work home? Besides, when it is called work, it becomes work. Personally, I like to call it, "home fun!"

Homework Dos:

• Create enticing names for home assignments. For example, I never teach script or cursive. I teach roller-coaster letters! 
• Generate excitement about upcoming assignments by sharing your own excitement and enthusiasm for the content. 
• Bring creative options such as drawing, sculpting, and music into assignments.
• Introduce the fun factor to your lessons. Many students enjoy making games as well as playing them, so try to weave these into the curriculum. Encouraging these entertaining options can make academics more memorable too. 
• Bring color into assignments. Instead of requiring your students to write in pencil or a black pen, encourage them to use an array of erasable colors, highlighters, and pens.  Personally, I love to use Frixion pens , highlighters , and markers .
• Offer a variety of assignment options. Students possess different strengths, and they also have their own preferred ways of learning . Providing options allows them to share their knowledge and choose an approach that appeals to them. 
• Limit the amount of homework. Students are often cognitively exhausted after a long day of schooling, and they need time to relax and also get involved in other afterschool activities.
• Offering students extra credit for completing home assignments can be very motivating.  One of my favorite assignments is offering students the opportunity to make test corrections. This way, students can learn from mishaps and any misconceptions can be corrected.
• Offer homework passes: We all need personal days.

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Review articles, unit 1: proportional relationships, unit 2: rates and percentages, unit 3: integers: addition and subtraction, unit 4: rational numbers: addition and subtraction, unit 5: negative numbers: multiplication and division, unit 6: expressions, equations, & inequalities, unit 7: statistics and probability, unit 8: scale copies, unit 9: geometry.

7th Grade Homeschool Lesson Plans

Good morning! Today I’m releasing my 7th Grade Daily Homeschool Lesson Plans !

While some times people prefer to be spontaneous, other times I think it’s better to have a plan to follow so things don’t get missed or left behind. Planning ahead is especially important if you’re a new homeschooling. Having a good plan will help make your days less chaotic and stressful, while giving you the comfort of knowing you’ve done everything you need to do on a daily basis. And having a good plan will also allow you to be more flexible when something fun arises!

It’s my opinion that if we can conquer each day, then we’ll conquer each week. If we conquer each week, then we can make it through the month without getting off track. And eventually, by making it through each day, week, and month, we can finish the year strong knowing we’ve completed everything we need to do to move our child on to the next grade level with confidence!

I’ve done all of the hard work of planning and organizing your day for you, all you need to do is print them out and follow along! I always get requests for our exact lesson plans for different grade levels, and so I’m so excited to be sharing my homeschool lesson plans with you all! And YES, I will be releasing lesson plans for more grades coming soon!

These plans use the exact curriculum that we’ve used for our children, and hopefully they’ll be able to help you too! Most importantly I’m hoping my pre-made homeschool lesson plans will help you save time and stress by having all of the planning done for you!

We’ve been homeschooling for over 11 years now, and as you can imagine we’ve tried just about everything. I’ve complied our favorite curriculum in these lesson plans to help make your life a little easier and enjoyable!

What is included?

My daily lesson plans include everything you need to do to complete an entire year of seventh grade homeschooling including daily assignments for 34 full weeks of homeschool. They include daily learning activities for Art, Bible, English, Math, Literature, Science, History, Typing and Writing .

I know my exact curriculum may not work for all of you, so I’m also releasing an editable version for those of you who would like to use my lesson plans as a backbone, but be able to edit them to fit your own specific needs as well.

**These plans include main subjects to complete seventh grade level work with your student. That said, you’ll want to check with your local state homeschooling requirements to make sure you are following their requirements as states can vary.

What curriculum is used?

These lesson plans utilize the resources listed below which must be purchased separately . For your convenience I have written them out in daily lesson plan format for ease of use. You can then print the assignment booklets for you and your students to use each day, and just follow along. It’s as easy as that!

Note: You will want to keep your curriculum’s teacher’s manuals handy as a more detailed guide if there are special projects or activities included.

• Optional Art: Atelier Art Level 7 (TIP: You’ll want to check to see what supplies you need before each week’s lesson.)
• Bible: Word of Life Challenger Quiet Time for Teens
• English/Grammar: IEW Fix It Grammar Chanticleer Book 5
• History: The Story of the World – The Modern Age Vol. 3
• Literature: COAH 7th Grade Literature List (NOTE: You should plan to get through 4-5 books during the course of the year. I have left the Literature assignment blank so you can pick books that best suit your student’s interests from the linked list above. I suggest reading one chapter per day or about 15-20 minutes per day. If that’s too much for them, you can do a chapter every other day, or even one chapter per week. Feel free to adjust this to best fit your student’s needs.)
• Math : Math U See Pre-Algebra
• Science/Health : Abeka 7th Grade
• Typing: Typing Web (If your student has completed this in previous years, you can skip typing and have them practice typing during their writing assignments.)
• Writing: Institute for Excellence in Writing Theme Based Writing Unit (We used Narnia Vol. 1 but you can choose any unit your student is interested in.) (NOTE: If you have NOT Completed the IEW Student Writing Intensive Group A (Grades 3-5) OR B (Grades 6-8) yet, I HIGHLY suggest doing that prior to a theme based writing unit as the SWI teach the IEW style. You can choose any unit your student is interested in, the lessons will still fit with this assignment plan. These units are meant to do one lesson per week. You can spread out the work load out evenly over the week to best fit your schedule.)

Tips for use:

I suggest printing the lesson plans, then having them spiral bound at an office supply store. Then students can highlight activities as they’re completed. You can also print a copy for yourself if you would like!

–>> Get my COMPLETE HOMESCHOOL DAILY LESSON PLANS for 7th Grade here !

**PLEASE NOTE: These plans include main subjects to complete 7th grade level work with your student. That said, you’ll want to check with your local state homeschooling requirements to make sure you are following their requirements as states can vary.

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11 Fun 7th Grade Reading Comprehension Activities (& Games)

Reading comprehension is a critical skill for all students to master. However, it isn’t always the most exciting subject to learn, especially for 7th-grade students who are often already struggling with the material.

For that purpose, here are 11 fun 7th-grade reading comprehension activities and games that you can use in your classroom to liven up your instruction and help your students master the material!

1. Socratic Soccer Ball

To prepare for this activity, simply write a series of questions related to the material you’re covering on the ball with a permanent marker.

This is a great way to review key concepts while getting your students up and moving!

2. Anchor Charts

For reading comprehension, consider creating anchor charts on story and literary elements, context clues, and characters.

Not only will your students benefit from having the information displayed in front of them, but they’ll also be able to refer back to the charts as needed.

3. Character Traits and Conflict

Character development is an important part of reading comprehension, and this activity will help your students understand and remember key traits and conflicts.

To do this, they can use index cards to write down each character trait as they notice it. Once they have a list of traits for each character, they can then group similar ones together and see how the character progresses throughout the story.

After doing this, they can then identify the different types of conflict that the characters experience.

Once they’ve completed both tasks, they can then compare and contrast the different character traits and conflicts to see how they impact the story as a whole.

4. Story Element Cards

They can include the exposition, rising action, conflict, climax, falling action, and resolution on their cards.

5. Prediction Passages

This can make it difficult for them to understand the material, which is why prediction passages can be so helpful.

This is a great way to help your students not only understand the material and boost their comprehension skills but also remember the new vocabulary words.

6. Brian’s Winter Chit-Chat Cards

7. summary sentences.

Reading skills are assessed in various ways, but one common assessment is the summary sentence.

They can do this for as many sections as they’d like, or you can assign a certain number of sections for them to cover.

8. Retell, Relate, Reflect, and Review

Retell, relate, reflect, and review is a strategy that can be used with any text. It’s a great way to check for understanding and solidify key concepts.

To use this activity, simply have your students retell the story in their own words, relate it to something else they know about, reflect on what they’ve read, and review what they’ve learned.

9. Sticky Notes to Teach Reading Strategies

To use this activity, simply choose a strategy you want to focus on (monitoring comprehension, activating prior knowledge, making connections, synthesizing, visualizing, or making inferences) and create a list of questions for your students to answer.

This is a great way to get your students thinking about the reading strategies and how they can be used. It’s also a great opportunity for them to ask questions and get clarification on anything they’re unsure about.

10. Body Biographies

A character poster is a great way to engage your students and get them thinking about the character in a deeper way. This activity can be used with any character from any book.

11. Reading Comprehension Worksheets

Last but not least, reading comprehension worksheets are a great way to check for understanding and reinforce key concepts. There are many worksheets available for a variety of levels.

To use this activity, simply choose the 7th-grade reading comprehension worksheets that best fit your needs and assign them to your students. There are reading comprehension worksheets about everything–from nonfiction passages to fiction stories.

Now’s the Time to Boost Your 7th Graders’ Reading Skills!

The results of incorporating just a few of these activities into your reading instruction will be amazing! Your students will become better readers, and they’ll be better prepared for the challenges of seventh grade.

Give them a try and see for yourself!

Last Updated on July 24, 2022 by Emily

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27 Fun Reading Activities To Try At Home or In The Classroom

Written by Ashley Crowe

Teachers and parents

Prodigy English is ready to explore! Get kids playing — and learning — today.

• Prodigy English

Fun reading activities for the classroom

Reading activities for parents & children, activities to try after reading, other educational activities to help kids learn.

Learning to read is a huge milestone in a child’s life. We all know how important a love of reading is for future learning. When children love to read, they can learn anything. 

Make sure your children keep the joy of reading alive by using fun reading activities along with traditional reading strategies .

These fun daily moments can improve reading skills and help reluctant readers find joy in the written word. We’ll be covering reading activities by grade level both for the classroom and at home, as well as some activities to improve reading comprehension after your students are reading independently. 

Though many children begin the basics of reading at home, most solidify their skills and become accomplished readers in the classroom. These activities keep early readers engaged and improving while helping reluctant readers master the basics. Here are our favorite ways to keep reading fun!

1. Find the secret word

Great for: Kindergarten to 2nd grade

Turn a reading lesson into a scavenger hunt! Give each student or pair of students a piece of text, then speak the first secret word. Once they find it, have them circle it in a specific color, or circle and number, then report back to you for word #2. 

Keep this word search up for as long as you like — we recommend choosing about 8 to 10 words for students to find. It’s one part competition, one part scavenger hunt! Choose a prize for each team to receive when they complete the activity. Or celebrate everyone reaching the end with a classroom dance party! It’s a great way to keep your kids moving and learning.

2. Read aloud as a class

Great for: All grades

Kids are never too old to hear a story read aloud. Reading aloud as a class is a great way to keep kids engrossed in a story. Since you are most familiar with the text, you can keep the flow going during the dramatic moments. Then hand it off to your students to take their turns.

Want to add a new element to your classroom read-aloud? Pass around a ball or stuffed animal to indicate the next reader. It’s a variation of popcorn reading to help minimize reading anxiety, and it gives kids the power to pass it on after spending a short time reading. 

3. Partner reading

Great for: 1st to 3rd grade

Sometimes trying to get the whole class to read together is just too much. To encourage more reading time, pair up your students for partner reading. 

During partner reading, each child will get more time to practice their skills. And being corrected privately by one friend may be better for a struggling reader’s confidence. Try to pair a confident but patient reader with those who need some extra help and watch them both learn to succeed.

4. Find the synonym

Great for: 2nd to 5th grade

Once your readers are feeling more confident, take our scavenger hunt game mentioned above and add a new twist. 

Instead of searching for the exact spoken words on your list, give students the challenge to find the word’s synonym in the text. It’s a great way to keep the game challenging for older students.

5. Word searches

For younger students, a word search is a challenging way to encourage early reading. You can do this much like our scavenger hunt-style games, but instead of saying the words aloud, provide a list. 

They can search for one word at a time, with you providing the next word to the team once the first is found. Or provide a full list from the beginning and let them work individually. Add in some color matching (marking the word in the same color as printed on the list) to keep this game fun and engaging.

6. Keyword bingo

Looking for a calmer alternative to the secret word game? Have each child work individually in a game of reading bingo. Choose a grade-level text and compile a list of words found in the passage. 

Read each word aloud, giving about 15 seconds before moving on to the next. It’s a race against your clock to find the words, or they can try to remember them while looking for the others. When they find the words, they can mark them out. Once the list is done, allow 20 more seconds to wrap up any remaining words, then pencils down and count. Whoever finds the most words, wins!

7. Decoding games

Decoding games focus on letter sounds and phonemic awareness. A favorite game for pre-readers is to say a letter and have students find an object that starts with that letter. As they bring the object back, reinforce the sound that letter makes.

Other decoding games can focus on the mechanics of reading — such as reading a word or sentence from left to right. This is a great time to utilize finger puppets, following along with a finger as you sound the words out together.

8. Thumbs up, thumbs down

Great for: Kindergarten to 5th grade

Thumbs up, thumbs down (or the higher energy variation — stand up, sit down) is a great game to keep your students engaged. 

Check reading comprehension when you ask students to give a thumbs up if a statement about a recently read story is true, or a thumbs down if it’s false. Help them grasp grammar concepts by having them stand up when you say an adjective word or sit down if you say a noun. 

It’s a fun way to keep their bodies and brains working. 

9. Discover the missing letter

When you’re teaching letter sounds, it’s fun to get creative. In this game, you’ll call your students to the front of the class by their names — minus the first letter. For example, Stacy becomes tacy and Roland becomes oland. Let the kids guess who you’re calling up, then have them decode the missing letter. 

You can do the same thing for objects, or drop middle letters for older children. Just be sure to prepare your words ahead of time to avoid any slip-ups!  

10. Guided reading ball game

Great for: 2nd to 7th grade

Grab a few beach balls from your local dollar store and get your classroom moving. Take a sharpie and write a discussion prompt on each colorful section of the ball. What is the setting? Who is the main character? What happened after…? 

Toss or roll the balls around. Students answer whichever question their thumb lands on when the ball heads their way. This is an exciting way to mix things up, practice reading comprehension and get kids thinking outside of their seats.

Not all reading happens in the classroom! Parents can play an active role in helping their children learn to read. Here are a few activities to try with your kids.

1. Reading together

Great for: All grades and ages

There’s something special about listening to a book being read out loud. It can capture your attention in a unique way. Whether your child is a baby or fully grown, it’s always a good time to read together.

Take turns reading chapters from a favorite story, or just read to your child. Enjoying good stories is a huge motivator in learning to read.  

2. Silly voices reading

Great for: Kindergarten to 4th grade

Kids love to laugh and joke, so play into this with a crazy story and silly voices. Get really high-pitched, speed it up like a chipmunk, and then pitch your voice low. 

Your kids will love seeing these stories come to life with your words, and you’ll all share a good laugh. To get them involved in the fun, ask them to do their own silly voice!

3. Dialogic reading

The word dialogic means to have a dialogue, and that’s exactly what this activity is designed to do. Instead of reading to your child while they passively listen, invite them into the story. Ask them what they think may happen next, or at the close of the book invite them to create a completely different ending. This is a great way to stretch your little storyteller’s imagination.

4. Reading outside

Kids thrive outdoors. They can run, climb, and dig in the dirt. Outside is also a great place to practice reading and letter writing. Invite your child to help you create words in a sandbox or take a stick and dig a letter into the dirt. 

Older kids can simply take their reading outside. It’s amazing how refreshing a change of setting can be. 

5. What word starts with…

Great for: Kindergarten to 1st grade

Letter sounds are an essential early reading tool. With this game, ask your child to think of words that start with “B” (or any other letter).

 Give an example, like b-b-butterfly, then think of more “B” words together. Choose your child’s favorite things to keep the game fun and exciting. Early readers especially love to talk about the letters in their names.

6. Try nonfiction

Great for: All ages

You never know what a child may love to read. Though many kids enjoy a good princess or dragon story, others will prefer non-fiction books. 

If your attempts at fiction are met with indifference, try a book about their favorite animal (sharks, dinosaurs, or lemurs are popular here), learn about space or strange weather events. Whatever your child is into, and whatever their reading level, there’s a book for them.

7. Create a “book nook”

A cozy spot dedicated to reading can add joy to the activity. Load up a corner or top bunk space with comfy pillows and blankets, make sure it has good lighting, and include some sticky notes and a dictionary. All your child needs to bring is their favorite book! Even better, snuggle in together and discover a new favorite with your child.

8. Who’s coming over?

This game can be played in a couple of different ways, and both are great for reading comprehension. First, try giving clues so your child can guess their favorite characters. These favorites can be from books or TV. You can mention physical characteristics, some of their best friends, or things that happen to them. Keep giving clues until they guess correctly.

The second way to play is to invite a favorite character over and then discuss what you’ll need for their visit. A special kind of bed, their favorite foods, or a place for their pet to stay are all things to consider. This is a fun way to create your own story around your child’s favorite characters.

9. Take turns reading

As your child begins to read you can invite them to read to you. Don’t push if they don’t want to, but as their confidence builds they’ll be excited to share their new skill with you. 

This may look like you both taking turns reading a new chapter book, or they may want to share all the creature descriptions from their favorite new computer game. No matter the topic, do your best to listen intently and congratulate them on their reading skills.  

10. What happens next?

Keep reading fun and active when you step outside the book and asking your child what happens next:

• What do they think will happen?
• What would you like to see happen? 
• What’s something funny that could happen?

Any question that gets them thinking through the story on their own is both fun and helpful for reading comprehension. 

11. Talk about the pictures

Pictures are a great way for kids to follow along with a story. When your child is beginning to read, have them look at the pictures and ask what they think is going on. As they unravel the story, point out the words they are discovering in the text. Or just let them enjoy creating their own unique version of the story based on the pictures. 

12. Try new reading apps and websites

There are some amazing reading apps for both reading instruction and digital reading libraries. If your child enjoys spending time on their tablet, give some of our favorite reading apps a try and watch them learn while they play.

After your child is reading on their own, there’s still plenty to learn. Reading isn’t effective if they’re struggling to understand the words on the page, or how they all fit together to create the story. Here are a few activities for children to practice reading comprehension.

1. Summarize the text

Once a child is done reading a text or section of a book, have them revisit the main ideas by highlighting or taking notes on the text’s biggest themes. Once students identify the main themes, ask them to break them down further and quickly summarize the story.

2. Book reports

Great for: 2nd to 12th grade

Book reports are a classic reading activity. Have the child analyze the book, highlighting the most important themes. Older children can present arguments pertaining to the story, and provide passages to support their theories. 

Keep book reports even more engaging when you invite kids to give a presentation, complete with dress-up and drama. 

3. Review the book

Ask children to rate their most recent reading. They can assign it a number of stars, but then they must also explain why. Was it too scary? Not funny? What were their favorite parts? What would they do differently?

Not only does this help students think critically about what they’ve just read, but it can also help parents and teacher identify what they might like reading next.

4. Extend the story

Great for: Kindergarten to 12th grade

“And they lived happily ever after…”

Maybe so, but what happened next? Ask your child to keep the story going. Where do they go next? Who do they meet? Favorite characters can continue adventuring when your child takes over the story. This is a great writing prompt , or just a fun dinner conversation!

5. How could it have been better?

Everyone has an opinion, so ask your child for theirs. How could this book or story have been better? Would a different ending be more fun? Or maybe they just think the main character should be named after them. 

No matter their critique, listen and discuss. Then encourage them to create their own tale.

How reading activities help kids embrace learning

Reading keeps kids learning for the rest of their lives. When a child can read, they can take more control over their education. And that’s a wonderful thing!

Fun activities are the best way to keep a child interested in the world of books. Learning to read can be a frustrating journey for some. Others may simply find it boring (especially if they’re being made to read about topics they care little about). These activities are designed to get kids moving and thinking beyond the page. Because when reading is fun, learning happens naturally.

When teaching starts to feel like a drag, or the kids are fighting their instruction, revisit this article. Mix in some fun activities and keep the learning going. Getting up, moving around, or enjoying a laugh together can help stimulate everyone’s mind. 

Looking for even more great learning activities to engage your kids? Here are some of our favorite activity posts for reading, math, and more!

• 21 Classroom Games
• 15 Geometry Activities
• 20 Exciting Math Games
• 30 Virtual School Activities
• 36 Fun Word Game for Kids
• 15 Free Multiplication Games
• 37 Quick Brain Breaks for Kids
• 27 Best Educational Games for Kids
• 25 Social-Emotional Learning Activities  

Get more ways to help kids love learning with Prodigy English , a brand-new learning adventure! Whether you're a parent or a teacher, create a free Prodigy account to access tools that help you support reading and language learning in the classroom or at home.

Home Made Our Way

7th Grade Homeschool: Curriculum Resources, Reviews, Schedule, & Lesson Plans

Homeschooling · Simplify Your Life

Curriculum Resources, Reviews, Schedule, and Lesson Plans for Your 7th Grade Homeschool

Looking for curriculum and resources to add to your 7th-grade homeschool curriculum?

Here are our picks for this year starting with those curriculums and resources we have come to rely on year after year.

Updated reviews are provided for new resources.

Continue scrolling to find our 7th-grade homeschool weekly schedule as well as a pink button to gain access to our free resource library where you can get a copy of our 7th-grade lesson plans .

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

Our 7th-Grade Homeschool Curriculum Pics and Resources

First, let’s go over some of the curricula we will be taking this year.

If you are planning on using the same resources, then you will find our lesson plans especially useful.

Universal Resource

For most of our 7th-grade homeschool subjects, we will use our lifetime membership with Notebooking Pages.

We have been with Notebookingpages.com for five years now and it still is the best investment we’ve ever made.

They have hundreds of topics and thousands of notebooking pages.

And with a lifetime membership , you get access to all current and future products.

This resource is very versatile and covers most subjects at every grade level.

For a full review of this resource ← click here to see the different ways we used it in our homeschool.

You’ll also find examples of our pages in action below.

To learn more about notebooking pages, click the video below.

If you’re still not sure if it’s a fit for your homeschool, give their free sampler a try.

Core Subjects

7th-grade homeschool math.

For math, we are sticking with our favorite, Math-U-See .

This year, the boys will be taking up Pre-Algebra .

They will learn various topics that include but are not limited to:

• negative numbers, using basic operations
• roots and radicals
• Pythagorean Theorem
• surface area and volume of solids
• converting between Celsius and Fahrenheit
• absolute value
• ratio and proportion
• polynomials
• irrational numbers

For a review of Math-U-See <–click here.

If you decide to use Math-U-See in your 7th-grade homeschool, be sure to check out my post, How to Use Math-U-See in Your Homeschool.

We will also use Notebooking Pages to write summaries on a few historical mathematicians.

This year we will cover this year Euclid, Archimedes, Pythagoras, Thales, Fibonacci, and Pascal.

7th-Grade Homeschool History/Geography

World history & geography.

This year we will use Susan Wise Bauer’s Story of the World Curriculum with Volume 4: The Modern Age .

We will also watch the following DVDs:

• Mankind, The Story of All of Us
• America, The Story of Us

The boys love seeing their history come alive and the History Channel did a great job with these programs.

Along with this curriculum, we will continue using our Record of Time (from Homeschool in the Woods) to place figures and events on our timelines.

Click here to read our review of these history resources .

7th-Grade Homeschool Science

Last year we used Bernard J. Nebel’s Building Foundations of Scientific Understanding book to create our science curriculum.

I had to put in a little more work into creating lesson plans but I loved all the guidance the book gives.

So for this year, we will be using his second book, Elementary Science Education .

If you would like to read my review of last year’s book, click here → 6th-grade homeschool curriculum picks and reviews .

And naturally, we will continue to use NotebookingPages in science as well.

For our element study, we plan to discuss a different element every week, and then fill out a fact sheet about that element.

This is a continuation of our 6th-grade science curriculum.

We’ll also write up brief summaries of science concepts and historical scientists.

Hands-On Science Fun

During our 6th-grade homeschool, I started us on the subscription-based Tinker Crate by KiwiCo. This company delivers science kits filled with all sorts of projects that kids can do.

The boys and I had fun putting some of the projects together, so I decided to continue receiving kits this year.

The best part was when we would get a box that was perfect for the science topic we were on.

If we received a box that was perfect for a topic already covered, we just went ahead and put our projects together.

However, if we received a box before a particular topic was to be taught, I just stored the box away until we came around to that lesson.

In the meantime, I also signed up for Groovy Lab in a Box .

Like Tinker Crate, Groovy is a subscription-based company that delivers science kits as well.

We also had fun putting these together as well.

But let’s talk about the pros and cons of these two subscriptions.

One pro for both these resources is that their projects provide hands-on learning of various science topics.

There is no doubt that your kids will have fun and learn at the same time.

Also, both boxes provide more than one project/activity.

This means you can pull out the box again and attempt another related activity and/or project.

I also like that they provide everything you need…and I mean everything.

And some projects actually involve the box it comes in. So, no waste there.

Ok, now for some differences between the two subscriptions.

Tinker Crate is just one of the eight age-level kits that KiwiCo provides.

So, if your child finds their kit easy or boring, you can switch to another level that will challenge them.

Unfortunately, Groovy’s kits are not age or grade-based.

That is, you will receive a kit no matter your child’s level.

However, just from the few boxes, we have received, I can say that the kits are geared toward middle school students.

And while Tinker Crate was reasonably priced at under $20/month, Groovy was more expensive at under $30/month.

However, both companies offer discounts if you subscribe to their 3-month, 6-month, or more subscriptions.

If you are working with a science curriculum that doesn’t provide a lot of hands-on activities, these kits are a great way to supplement it.

English/Writing

We will be using BJU Writing and Grammar 7 curriculum.

We have been using BJU for the past five years and the boys seem to be doing very well with it.

As for our writing component of this book, we will go over those skills and strategies mentioned in the book.

However, instead of completing the assigned writing in the book, the boys will be expected to complete a research paper on a historical person or event.

The boys prefer doing these as opposed to those assigned in the book.

And they get to practice their typing skills.

 Need a homework station for your child? Click here to put one together and get your kid organized for school.

Classical Literature

For our classical literature studies, we will be reading:

• A Tale of Two Cities by Dickens
• Two Shakespeare plays: Love’s Labour’s Lost and The Merchant of Venice
• Percy Bysshe Shelley’s Poem: The Mask of Anarchy
• The Last of the Mohicans by Cooper
• And Some Short Stories by Poe and Shirley Jackson
• And for end-of-year fun, some Aesop’s Fables

We are blessed to own these books and plays but you can find many of them for free on Amazon Kindle .

I have provided links to these works searching for the free Kindle versions first.

Our lesson plans divide the readings by chapters and pages of the books we will be using. 

If you decide to read these same works, be aware that the page numbers will probably not coincide with your book.

Rely on the chapters given and divide the pages as you see fit for your child’s level of reading.

We will also use NotebookingPages for Literary Study and their Famous Poets Pages along with our readings.

Independent Reading

For independent reading, the boys are sticking to the Harry Potter series :

• Order of the Phoenix
• The Half-Blood Prince
• And The Deathly Hallows

 Need help setting up your homeschool? Click here to get your homeschool room or space organized.

The following are additional electives I chose for this year.

This year, I created a lapbook resource to teach the boys about finances and thought I’d share it with my homeschooling community.

To learn more about our Money 101 lapbook activity pack , ← click here.

Computer-Programming

This year we are going to do some game programming with Homeschool Programming Inc .

Last year, the boys took their Digital Savvy course and that went really well.

But the boys are itching to do some serious game programming.

There are two different kinds of game programming courses: Visual Basic and Unity.

Unity will become available later in the fall as they are currently still working on putting the course together.

After getting through a few of the first components of this curriculum, we started having problems understanding some of the concepts and the programming became more and more difficult.

I tried to seek help from the site which had some tutorials and we were able to continue a little further.

However, when the course became more difficult, the person who handles these inquiries was of very little help .

I am assuming that they refrain from giving too much help so that you are forced to purchase their higher package which offers a virtual teacher.

I was disappointed and we just nixed this curriculum from our schedule.

Also, when I went to look up their online tutorials, they removed them. Go figure!

This year I decided to give BJU’s Spanish 1 Curriculum a chance.

I find it expensive but it does come with a lot in one kit.

The kit comes with two student workbooks: one is the course workbook and the other is an activities manual.

They also provide two teacher’s manuals one for each of these workbooks as well as tests with answer keys and a case filled with 12 CDs.

One thing I didn’t like about this curriculum is that there are no lesson plans or some sort of schedule recommendation (despite the book’s notification that lesson plans are available online–they are not.)

I eventually created a lesson plan for this curriculum.

If you’d like a copy of our lesson plans don’t forget to fill out the form at the end of this post.  

FYI : Some of the cultural notes in the book are quite dated and old-fashioned in my opinion. But as far as the rest of the curriculum goes, I highly recommend it for homeschoolers whose parents have experience with learning a second language.

Physical Education

I don’t usually have a particular curriculum for this.

Basically, the boys ride their bikes or go for a swim, weather permitting. They will continue to do this again this year.

However, I have written to Daily Burn , a service I use for fitness. I’m going to see if they can possibly create a fitness program for kids. 

I’m hoping they will see this as a great opportunity to get kids moving at an early age. I will let you know their response if they get back to me.

Update (7-5-17): Daily Burn did contact me and they have forwarded my suggestion to their product team for review. I’ll keep you posted.

Update (12-10-2021): Daily Burn has finally added a 365 Fit Family Program . It is not specifically for kids but includes fun workouts that we have tried.

Scheduling 7th Grade

This year I decided to move our homeschool start time to 10:00 am because I believe the boys need more sleep. They are entering their teens and need those extra hours.

This does not mean that they get up or start their independent work at 10:00 am. This is just the time we start instructions.

The boys get up earlier than this and start their independent work when they are done with breakfast.

And although I would rather start early, recent studies have shown that kids at this age are not getting enough sleep.

In turn, this can affect their learning. ← (and we don’t need that!) Here are a couple of articles for more information about teens and their need for sleep:

• https://myslumberyard.com/sleep/teens-impact-of-sleep-on-mental-health/
• https://www.sleepadvisor.org/how-much-sleep-do-teens-need/

Our Schedule

Below is the schedule that we will try to closely stick to Monday through Friday.

Above you will notice that I have different times listed for Friday. This is because I like to lighten our load for that day as a treat. (However, if we become backed up during the week, then I will carry any unfinished work over to Friday.)

I did not schedule our Tinker Crate or Groovy subscriptions just because there is no way of knowing the exact day we will receive our kits.

When they do come in, I will schedule these activities in the 2:10 pm slot, Monday to Thursday.

I have also scheduled our Finance class during this same time slot for the month of October.

Does your student need help planning out their week with study time, reading time, and upcoming exams? Click here→ to receive our free student planners.

Lesson Plans

How to use our lesson plans.

First, if you don’t have the same resources we are using but still need help with coming up with lesson plans, then, by all means, use our lesson plans as a guide .

And if you have some or all of the same curriculum as us, then yes, use our lesson plans so you don’t have to figure it all out.

You will find that I usually follow the recommended lesson plans provided by the maker of a particular curriculum but as I said earlier, not all of them come with these.

Planning Out Your Lessons

If you do want to use our lessons or closely stick to them, know that each page represents one whole week. This means that our 38-page lesson plan covers 38 weeks.

Keep in mind that the last two weeks are pretty light.

Also, note that you will find a couple of weeks missing. This is due to holiday vacations.

And while we take off a whole week for Thanksgiving, we make up for it with holidays that we don’t take off like Labor Day, President’s Day, etc.

Other Notes

Finally, you will find an extra column in our lesson plans.

This is where I put notes and links to resources that go with that week’s lessons.

In the first week’s notes column, I have provided all the resources we will use throughout the year. This is only provided on the first page.

Final Thoughts on Scheduling your 7th Grade Homeschool for your Middle Schooler

Before you start creating your lesson plans for this grade:

• Decide on your curriculum and resources
• Create a flexible classroom schedule
• Check your resources for already-done-for-you lesson plans
• If no lesson plan guides are available, you will need to set aside some time to put a plan together
• If you are still having trouble and need some guidance or you are using the same resources we are, then fill out the form below and get free access to our lesson plans in our resource library
• Still have questions? please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or leave a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as I can (usually in a couple of hours but no more than 24 hours.)

Want a Copy of our Lesson Plans?

Fill out the form below to receive a copy of our 7th-grade lesson plans to help you schedule your child’s homeschooling.

Other Helpful Homeschool-Related Articles and Links

• 5th-grade homeschool curriculum resources
• 6th-grade homeschool curriculum resources
• 8th-grade homeschool curriculum resources
• 9th-grade homeschool curriculum resources

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7th Grade Homeschool Curriculum Resources, Reviews, Schedule, and Lesson Plans

About Dionne

Hi! I'm Dionne, founder and author of Home Made Our Way where I teach overwhelmed women how to get their home and life decluttered and organized. So grab a cup of coffee, tea, or wine and have a look around. And don't forget to access the resource library full of free tools to help you out.

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A Magical Homeschool

A hands-on, joy-led home education

Free curricula in every subject for your 7th grader

Homeschooling in the middle school years doesn’t have to be expensive. There are many outstanding curricula for math, science, history, language arts and more that are absolutely free .

Here are some of the best free resources for 7th graders in each subject.

Note: This is a tiny fraction of what’s available online for free but I’ve narrowed it down to a few good programs rather than listing a hundred web sites to wade through.

In cases where I have written up articles about the programs, I’ve linked to those articles for more in-depth information.

Khan Academy is one of the most used math sites in the world, for good reason. Kids can learn about math, science and technology (plus more) from early elementary levels to the college level and beyond. “Knowledge maps” let you easily track your child’s progress. Here’s how one homeschooling parent uses Khan Academy for her 7th grader.

MS Math 7th Grade is an online textbook with graphics and activities offered by the Georgia Department of Education as part of their shared content. Topics include numbers and operations, geometry, algebra, data analysis and probability.

Math Drills offers tons of great math practice worksheets free to print for 7th grade math subjects such as geometry and algebra .

Cool Math offers all kinds of easy to understand algebra games and lessons.

Free Math Help also has some very easy to understand algebra lessons.

Math Planet offers a comprehensive free online math curriculum for high school, starting with pre-algebra.

• Free algebra games, lesson plans and curricula for all ages
• Free fantasy game makes math fun for kids
• Math Live uses cartoon format to teach kids math (free!)
• 10 Sneaky ways to improve your child’s math abilities
• CK12 Foundation offers complete math and science textbooks online — free

Social Studies:

World History for Us All is a nine-unit curriculum that focuses on the entire span of human history and beyond. It is geared towards middle school and/or high school grades.

Crash Courses use entertaining You-Tube videos to teach world history with lots of graphics and humor. Young adult fiction author John Green presents the videos, with the help of a research team that includes his high school history teacher.  The courses have now been expanded to include American History, World History I and II, and Government, among other topics.

Supplements:

National Geographic News is a great daily source of geography and world news.

Teaching Tolerance offers middle school lesson plans on subjects such as bullying, injustice, civil rights, censorship, poverty and activism.

• Lizard Point offers fabulous geography tools for teachers (FREE)
• Harmony Art Mom offers excellent world geography curriculum (free!)
• Free 52-week Western history video course offered online
• You-tube’s Music for History Lovers channel uses modern music to teach history
• Ten incredibly fun ways to teach history in your homeschool
• Fabulous projects to get kids hooked on social studies

Middle School Chemistry is one of the most popular science programs for 7th grade. The American Chemical Society offers this entire 700-page chemistry curriculum with online lessons, a free downloadable book, activity sheets, hands-on activities and lots more for free .

My Science Box is no longer online but it can be accessed through the Internet Archive here .  This great resource offers 4-6 week science units complete with lesson plans, activities and printouts. In addition, ideas are offered individually for classroom activities, labs, projects, field trips, assessments, computer activities, outdoor activities and more.

MS Science 7th Grade is an online textbook with graphics and activities offered by the Georgia Department of Education as part of their shared content. Topics include cell structure, ecosystems, energy, genetics, reproduction and evolution.

Crash Courses has wonderful videos available for astronomy, biology, chemistry, ecology and more.

• NIH offers science curricula FREE online or through the mail
• Amoeba Sisters teach biology through fun videos and free handouts
• Free physics comic books and coloring books
• SDSU offers excellent free K-8 biology curriculum
• National Academies Press offers free evolution books online
• EarthCache provides fantastic science adventures for nature sites all over
• New neuroscience journal is edited by kids, for kids
• Free science magazines for middle schoolers! (coming soon)

Language Arts :

KISS Grammar is a free online program that is very thorough but it can be a little tricky to navigate at first. Here is one homeschool mom’s introduction to the program.

Daily Grammar has archives of over 440 short, easy lessons and 88 quizzes.

Internet 4 Classrooms offers links for kids to learn about and practice all sorts of 7th grade language arts concepts such as analogies, grammar review, punctuation, proofreading, sentence structure, comprehension, fact versus opinion, and so on. Links are thorough and updated often. Click on review to view more than a dozen language arts tests for 7th grade to help identify areas in need of work, as well.

MS LA 7th Grade is an online textbook with graphics and activities offered by the Georgia Department of Education as part of their shared content. Topics include the writing process, The Outsiders (discussion of plot, setting and so on based on reading the novel), conventions, poetry and nonfiction.

NaNoWriMo Young Writers’ program offers a free middle school young writers’ curriculum and free workbooks containing over 100 pages to help kids hone their writing skills.

Recommended reading lists for 7th graders can be found on sites like Good Reads and Pragmatic Mom . It’s generally helpful to compile a longer list and let kids pick from the list. Aim to check a few out from the library at a time for kids to choose from, and be sure your child reads a mix of historic fiction, non-fiction, biographies, current reads and some that are just plain enjoyable.

• How to help your child love to write
• Shakespeare Fortune Teller! (and lots more Shakespeare fun)
• Great sites help kids and teens pick which book to read next
• Kids can earn free T-shirts and certificates from MENSA for Kids for reading
• 18 Magazines that publish art and writing by kids and teens
• The complete 10-week Poetry for Kids course (coming soon)
• 25 Free writing sites for prompts, exercises, lesson plans and more (coming soon)

Fine Arts :

Artists and Their Art is a free art history curriculum offered for download in PDF form from Concordia University Chicago.

Smarthistory is now offered at Khan Academy and features over 500 video art history lessons.

• NGA provides incredible free lending library of art education resources

Foreign Languages:

Memrise is a great web site that helps students learn languages such as German, French, Spanish and Japanese.

Duolingo is another very popular web site for learning many languages.

Japanese: Irrasshai is an excellent online series by PBS.

Spanish: I’ve listed many great Spanish resources in Fabulous FREE resources for Spanish language learning for all ages .

Latin: I featured more than a dozen books and resources in  Free Latin classes and resources for all ages and Free Latin books and more online (coming soon) .

You can also find lessons to learn just about any foreign language in Students can use free public domain classes to learn over 40 languages (coming soon).

Physical Education:

While no formal curriculum is needed for PE, this may be helpful in keeping your 7th grader active and physically challenged in fun ways.

• 50 Ways homeschoolers can get physical education

Full Curriculum:

Ambleside Online is a free Christian homeschool curriculum designed to be as close as possible to the curriculum that Charlotte Mason used in her own private and correspondence schools. Ambleside Online uses high quality books that you can find at your library or free online. The program also has support groups.

• WatchKnowLearn offers thousands of free educational videos for kids
• PBS releases new free K-12 app for the iPad
• KIDS DISCOVER offers fabulous free resources

Also see these articles for more resources and information:

• A Montessori education for middle school years
• New to homeschooling? What you need to buy right now
• Web site provides links to hundreds of free lessons (coming soon)
• Scope and sequence lists for every grade (coming soon)

Remember not to stress about covering everything and doing it all. Involve your 7th grader in planning the year and choosing good fiction and non-fiction books to read. Spend time in nature. Work on life skills like cooking, gardening and building. Most of all, be sure to allow for lots of time for your child to explore his or her own interests.

Seventh grade is a time of transition for kids, and you may need to alter the way you homeschool in order to meet the needs and interests of your changing child. The more say your child has in homeschooling, the easier and more enjoyable it will be for everybody.

Have a great year!

Note:  This article originally appeared in my homeschooling column at examiner.com.  That site stopped operations in 2016 and  I have tried to move all of my articles here so they can continue to be helpful for homeschooling families.  I tried to check and update all of the links provided here when I reposted it (September 2018).  Please let me know if you find any outdated or broken links. 

Some of the articles referenced in this post are not up here yet but should be soon.  Holler if you would like me to post a certain one soon and I’ll try to it next.  🙂 

— Alicia

Post Author: A Magical Homeschool

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13 Fun Homework Ideas: The Best Ways To Make Homework Fun For Kids Quickly & Easily

Ellie Williams

Figuring out how to make homework fun can be a tricky task for parents.

Does it feel like you’re constantly nagging your kids to do their homework? If your answer is yes then worry not as we’ve all been there! It’s natural for parents to want their children to progress and do well in school, but after an entire day of paper, pencils, and books many youngsters will resist getting on with their homework – and that’s putting it mildly!

Top Tips To Make Homework Fun:

• Work together
• Use rewards and incentives
• Sort them a snack
• Make it visual
• Try different learning apps
• Set up a homework play date
• Turn it into a game
• Let them play teacher
• Use a timer
• Create a special homework space
• Remember to be positive
• Get help if you need i t

Thankfully, there are ways of making homework less boring and that little bit more fun for your child. Whether they need to practice spellings, learn their times tables or revise for an important exam, our top fun homework ideas will help you to magically take the ‘work’ out of homework.

KS2 Maths Games and Activities Pack

A FREE downloadable games and activity pack, including 20 home learning maths activities for KS2 children. Bring maths into your home in a fun way.

1. Work together

Adults often work best in the company of others, and the same can be said of kids, so why not sit with your child while they’re studying and get on with some of your own work or life admin?

Whether you’re returning emails, doing your online banking or organising the next primary school PTA fundraiser, creating a shared workspace and modelling focused work is a great way to spend quality time together while they complete their homework. Win-win!

Quick win : Whilst your child is tackling their fractions homework, you could sit down with them and take a look through your finances or even test yourself on the work that your child will be doing in their SATs .

2. Use rewards and incentives

Rewards and incentives are great when it comes to getting your children to follow your household rules and routines, and homework is no different. Things like stickers or the promise of time on their iPad or games console for slightly older children can all work wonders in getting them to do their homework without a battle.

Quick win: For every few questions they answer they could get a minute of screen time!

3. Sort them a snack

Let’s face it: A hungry child is an unfocused, unmotivated and unhappy child.

Most children come out of school ravenous, so let them nibble on a nutritious after-school snack while they get on with homework; things like popcorn, apple slices, grapes, flapjacks, or crackers and cheese are all great snack options.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, Netmums has a list of healthy after-school snack ideas and recipes to try.

Quick win: One of the best brain foods for kids is a nice and crispy apple! So when your child is craving something sweet just cut up an apple and let them munch away.

4. Make it visual

Help to eliminate the late night ‘Oh, I forgot to do that’, and create a weekly homework chart so your child can see what they have to do each day and check off each homework ‘To Do’ as it’s been completed.

Again, Pinterest has some great free printables to help keep kids organised. Get them involved by letting them colour it, or decorate it with their favourite stickers, and pin it up somewhere at their height, where they will see it easily every day as a reminder. Some exciting new stationery and colourful pens might help too.

Quick win: An easy way to make homework fun is to grab a piece of paper and get your child to draw out and decorate a ‘homework chart’ consisting of 5 days. Stick it on the fridge and add a sticker to each day after they’ve done their homework, when they’ve collected 5 stickers they get a treat!

5. Try different learning apps

If your child prefers to be online, there are some great online apps around that children will have fun using, yet encourage learning too. Here are our favourite free maths websites for example. Speak to your child’s teacher too and see which apps the children use in school so you can support what they’re doing at home.

Quick win: One of our favourite apps that makes homework fun is Times Tables Rockstars!

6. Set up a homework play date

Holding a homework playdate where your child can invite one of their best school buddies over to do homework together can be a great way for them to learn and make sure the work gets done, especially slightly older primary children.

Plus, it’s likely that their parents will be delighted!

Younger children may need a bit more support and guidance but can still gain a lot from the experience of learning together with a friend – think of this as a mini-educational play date for them – with a special tea afterwards of course!

Quick win: Let your child and their friend play for a while, and then get them to work through their homework with the incentive of a yummy ‘tea party’ when they’ve completed all of their homework.

7. Go outside

If the weather allows, create a comfortable outside study space and allow your child to do their homework outdoors.

The fresh air can help kids with their concentration if they’ve been stuck in a classroom all day, and studies also show that being outside, closer to nature, can increase productivity. The reward of a quick game of Frisbee or a kick-around of a football between tasks will help them stay motivated too.

Quick win: Check out this fun outdoor maths activity for some inspiration of ways you can make homework fun. 

8. Turn it into a game

Who said home learning had to be boring? If children enjoy what they’re learning, they’re more likely to remember what they’re being taught, so turn their learning into a fun game. Using sweets like Smarties to help with maths and number work can turn the experience from a chore into a treat. If they get the right answer, they get to eat some!

Another trick that you can use when your child is learning spellings is to write them in foam or in magnetic letters. It sounds simple, but  we can guarantee that it will make homework a lot more fun for your child.

These maths games for kids and times tables games are a great place to start.

Quick win: If you’re looking for some fun homework ideas then check out this simple multiplication activity you can do at home, it’ll even get in one of your child’s five a day!

9. Let them play teacher

Make another fun homework game by creating your own mini-classroom and letting your child step into the role of teacher.

Have your child explain a concept to you as a teacher, as you, or their sibling, plays the role of the student. This game works particularly well with subjects that require theory, like Science for example, as it will improve their understanding of the concept and build logic and reasoning skills.

Quick win: Make homework fun by getting your child to choose their favourite teddys and toys and setting them up in their own mini classroom. Start off with registration, ‘mummy’ ‘present’, ‘mr teddy’ ‘here’ etc. You’ll soon notice that your child is growing in confidence regardless of the topic as children love playing teacher!

10. Use a timer

Some children may have difficulty working for prolonged periods of time without a break, so using a timer can be great for getting them to complete homework without the whining. For example, if your child is given 20 maths problems for homework, you can say “Complete the first 10 questions then we’ll take a 5-minute break, then complete the next 10 questions”.

Many children will need a mental break and will work more effectively when given the opportunity to take one. At the end of the task, they get to pick an activity of their choice. If your child gets easily distracted, a timer game can work well to keep them focused on the task in hand.

Quick win: Put the timer on your phone so that your child can see the countdown whilst they’re working.

11. Create a special homework space

A special study space can make homework more fun and help motivate your child to get it done! Choose a space in your house that’s least likely to distract your child, and create a simple, organised, and kid-friendly homework HQ.

You could hang up some of their artwork above the desk, and have all their school essentials nearby so everything is close to hand.

Quick win: Make sure that they aren’t surrounded by things that will distract them. Televisions and iPads are a no go at homework time!

12. Remember to be positive

Remember to always be upbeat and positive about school and the importance of their homework. Give your child lots of praise and encouragement about how well they’re doing to help them stay motivated and on track.

Quick win: After every homework session spend five minutes talking through what your child has accomplished. If you’re running out of activities to do, have a look at our list of home learning packs – all free to download.

13. Get help if you need it

Homework can be frustrating if your child doesn’t understand the material or gets bored easily. If your child is struggling, get them some expert help!

Quick win:  Third Space Learning has plenty of advice on learning maths for kids and parents but if you need more support, our primary school maths tutors are easy to organise and very affordable.

DO YOU HAVE STUDENTS WHO NEED MORE SUPPORT IN MATHS?

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Since 2013 these personalised one to one lessons have helped over 150,000 primary and secondary students become more confident, able mathematicians.

Learn how pupils make accelerated progress or request a personalised quote for your school to speak to us about your school’s needs and how we can help.

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Back To School Tips For Parents: 10 Ways To Help Your Child Get Ready And Excited For Primary School!

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FREE Ultimate Maths Vocabulary List [KS1 & KS2]

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7 Creative Ways to Motivate Your Kids to Do Their Homework

It's hard to get kids excited about things they don't want to do, like going to sleep, eating their veggies, and, yes, doing their homework . While some children are natural overachievers who enjoy school and relish in homework time, many children will rebel. And usually, once your child has it in their mind that they don't want to do something, it can be difficult to convince them otherwise. To help with this, we've come up with seven creative solutions to help get them excited about doing their homework (and doing it well!).

1. Make a Colorful Workstation

Any adult who has a desk knows that having a colorful, inspiring workspace can really help you with creativity and productivity. The same can be said for a child's workstation! Whether they have their own desk in their room or have a workspace in a common area of your home, decorate it with things they are inspired by (colored pencils, a fun eraser, etc.) so that homework time is more fun.

2. Give Them a Reward

Rewarding your child for doing their homework can be a little controversial, but when done right, it's very effective. Some parents choose to reward their children with food or toys, but the reward can even be as simple as an hour of TV time or a creative, fun activity. Whatever your child's natural instincts, abilities, and interests, choose a reward that will motivate them to finish their homework.

3. Praise Your Child

Rewards don't necessarily have to be tangible objects. If you're uncomfortable with physical rewards, consider using praise as a reward. Children are often concerned with pleasing their parents, so if you establish that completing homework results in praise, they may be more willing to do their homework on a regular basis.

4. Establish a Homework Routine

Most children work better when a routine is established, so consider setting aside a certain time for homework every day after school. You can also let them have an hour or so after they get home to watch TV or have a snack first.

5. Let Your Child Decide When Homework Time Is

It can be hard to make children do something they don't want to do, so letting them have some level of agency and choice when it comes to their homework can really help motivate them. Instead of telling them when homework time is, sit them down and let them choose what works best for them. Maybe your child prefers to do their homework immediately when they get home from school, whereas some children need a break beforehand.

6. Encourage Using Technology

There are likely many ways your child uses an iPad or computer that are not homework-related, but instead of telling them to put down their devices during homework time, see if there are ways they can use technology to help them. The internet can be a powerful tool for studying and research, and there are lots of apps available that can help your child with spelling, math, and other subjects.

7. Make Homework Their Responsibility

Homework is a great way to teach your children responsibility . Ultimately, the only person who is impacted by whether or not they complete their homework is your child. Make sure they understand the implications of not doing their homework and, if necessary, let them find out the hard way. Making homework your child's responsibility will help them to see the direct results of their actions.

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• Little Kids

The Ultimate List of Ways to Make Homeschooling Fun!

Is your homeschool in a boring phase?

Are your kids’ eyes glazing over as you just go through the motions of your curriculum?

Do you want to be the “fun homeschool mom,” but have no idea how to make school fun?

In fact, is it even possible to make homeschooling fun??

I mean anybody can make the first day of homeschool fun, but…what about all the days after that?

To answer your questions – YES, you can have fun with homeschooling!

It does take a little bit more effort and time, but it is beyond worth it!

Kids who have fun learning are much more likely to love reading, love learning, and even become lifelong learners – the holy grail for homeschool parents everywhere!

15 Ways to Bring the Homeschool Fun!

1. Routinely Change Up Your Homeschool Routine

Some kids like knowing exactly what is going to happen every day.

They love the routine and it is comforting to them. But you may start to notice that doing the subjects in the same order every day can cause your kid’s eyes to glaze over as they go through the motions.

Something as simple as shuffling the order you do your subjects can have a huge impact!!

They still have the routine of when you do school every day and the curriculum you’re using, but they don’t know whether they’ll be jumping into math games, science, a journaling exercise, or literature read aloud first!

I will often list two or three options and then let my kid pick!

2. Plan a Monthly Homeschool Field Trip

Confession: I am terrible about planning field trips in my own homeschool.

But I know that it is an integral part of what makes homeschooling fun and special!

This year I have found a wonderful way to get my homeschool butt in gear: a co-op that does all the field trip planning for me! The large group gets special rates and uses positive peer pressure to get me to show up at the apple farm with my kids on a Wednesday.

If you have a strong co-op in your area, I would definitely recommend taking advantage of the opportunity to tackle field trips together! 

If co-ops aren’t your thing, you can still have a great time just putting together a group of homeschool mom friends and taking turns planning monthly field trips. This will give you accountability to follow through with making your homeschool fun – AND you will only have to actually plan a few field trips for the year!

****Need some ideas? Check out these free field trip ideas ! If you have little ones, check out this list of homeschooling tips for surviving…I mean enjoying field trips with younger students!

3. Teach with Games

If there is any reasonable way that you can turn a lesson into a game – do it!

I know you already know that , Homeschool Mama, but it is still so easy to get caught in the grind of workbook page after workbook page.

Buy a deck of cards and play simple card games like “War” with your younger kids to teach numbers and greater than/less than.

Then build on that with flashcard games  for math facts, math board games , Mad Libs  for Parts of Speech, and Spelling Games ! 

I have even hid my kid’s reading words on little post-its around our living room. She had to go on a scavenger hunt for them and then read each word as she found them! She enjoyed it so much that she asked me to do it again!

Putting in just a little more effort and time to turn a lesson into a game will go a long way to making your homeschool fun and exciting for your kids!

4. Supplement History, Science, and Geography with Youtube

Whether you are learning about historical figures, science, or geography, there is most likely a fantastic YouTube video to help bring the material to life!

The energy in our homeschool definitely goes up a few notches when I turn on “ Homeschool Pop ” for U.S. state geography, “ National Geographic Kids ” for world geography, “ Liberty Kids ” for U.S. History, “ Operation Ouch ” for anatomy lessons, and “ Brave Wilderness ” for all things zoology!

We have even watched videos of the best of Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey when learning about how the diaphragm and lungs work (those women have some of the strongest diaphragms in the world to hold those notes!).

Kids enjoy the 10-15 minute change of pace and listening to a different teacher explain something. It’s like the cherry on top of any lesson!

****It really pays to watch YouTube videos in advance to make sure it is appropriate for your kids. I also opt for YouTube premium so we can skip the random ads. 

5. Schedule in a Daily Recess & Go Play With Your Kids!

Having a mid-morning recess is a fun way for any kid to get their energy out during the day.

After our morning time, I usually dismiss my kids to brush their teeth, get dressed and ready for the day, and then go enjoy some recess time until I call them back.

Yes, sometimes I need this time for myself to get ready for the day, clean something, or prepare a lesson. But my kids are so delighted when I take a little bit of time to go jump on our trampoline with them, go outside and see the “treasures” they’ve discovered, or even just play a couple of rounds of cards with them. 

It can be a real balance to be both homeschool teacher and mom to your children…every day. Remember to set aside the “teachery things” from time to time and just have fun with your kids! I promise you, they will light up like a Christmas tree when you offer to come play with them for a few minutes!

Even if it’s only for 10 minutes, having a little “recess” with your kids will go a long way to improve your kids’ attitude, help them bond with you, and see homeschooling in a fun light!

6. Adventure Journal Assignments

We were having a little bit of a low-energy week in our homeschool. 

I knew I needed to do something to shake things up!

I told my girls we were going to start our day off with a walk in our neighborhood. During that time, they needed to come up with a journaling topic based on what they saw or thought about on the walk. When we came back from the walk, I could see such a spark in them as they hurriedly grabbed their journals and started buzzing about their ideas. 

I loved to see them excited and having fun with a homeschool assignment!

My younger ones also illustrated their sentences and had great fun standing up to present their journals and pictures to all of us! Little did they know that there were working on their handwriting, grammar, language arts, spelling, creative writing, and public speaking by doing this little activity!

What adventure journal assignments could you assign for your kids?

Maybe go on a hunt around your house with a magnifying glass for a lost treasure?

Search for any hidden creatures that might be in your garden?

Whatever it is, adventure journaling is a great time to get kids outside, engaged in the world around them, and learning!

****When looking at the journals, find four or more positive things to say and only allow yourself to make 1-2 corrections. Speaking from experience here, ripping your kid’s journaling apart is a surefire way to make it not fun and just another chore for your kid. Remember that it’s a supplemental activity and there will be other opportunities and subjects where you can make those corrections.

7. Documentary Days

Making time for documentaries is new for us this year, and my kids are loving it!

No, we don’t spend an entire school day on the couch watching them, but I do schedule time each week to sit down and watch 20-30 minutes of a kid-appropriate documentary.

The first one we watched at the beginning of the year was “Unstoppable” – a documentary of the life of Bethany Hamilton. My kids were captivated with this amazing woman who just refused to quit on her dreams, no matter what obstacles she came across. I would pause the video frequently and talk to my kids about what was going on, how Bethany was reacting, and what we can learn from her experience.

My kids have really internalized the “Bethany Hamilton attitude” of grit and hard work. Highly recommend!

Here is a list of high-quality documentaries that are perfect for kids and full of homeschool fun!

8. Really Commit During Read Aloud Books

If you want your kids to lengthen their attention span, increase their listening comprehension, improve their writing skills, and enjoy great literature – daily read aloud sessions are where it’s at!

Choosing high quality books is a great start, but how you read them to your kids is what takes them from “ho hum” to homeschool fun!

When you are reading, make every effort to have the stories come to life for your kids. Think facial expressions, different voices for different characters, actually yelling when the character yells, whispering when the character whispers, and trying to make the noises from the book (knocking on the table when there is a knock, etc.). 

Read aloud time for your kids should feel like magic and a huge treat for the day! You will know you’re doing it right when your kids learn to read fluently and they still want to listen to you read chapter after chapter!

9. Set Up a YearBook Committee

I wish I could claim to be the fun homeschool mom who came up with this idea, but I actually picked it up from another mom at our co-op.

She said that she wanted her kids to remember all the things they did when the end of the year came around. So she started taking random pictures during field trips, science experiments, art projects, and even just pictures of kids writing in workbooks.

She compiles them in a yearbook every year and the kids love it! I mean what kid wouldn’t love a yearbook that has their face on almost every page??

We decided to update our yearbook on Shutterfly at the end of every month, so it doesn’t get to be too much of a project for me. I also have a lot of fun yelling out, “This is for the yearbook! Come on, smile!” 

Eventually, I think it will be a lot of fun for my homeschoolers to be on the “yearbook committee.” One of them will be a photographer, another doing layout on Shutterfly, and another working on captions!

10. Always Choose Laughing Over Yelling

Is your homeschool struggling in the fun area because you have a bit of a hair-trigger temper?

No judgment here! I have had some anger struggles myself. 

I have learned over the years though that yelling, snappy attitude, and eye-rolling NEVER gets me the results I am looking for.

Instead, I have found that it is tremendously helpful to swallow that anger (and deal with it somewhere outside of my homeschool) and choose to find a way to make my kid laugh. 

Laughing so quickly breaks the ice in tense situations and helps to bond you and your child together when you’re working through something hard!

You might be wondering, “What does that even look like? What is she talking about?!?”

Here is an example:

Your kid is throwing a fit over their math workbook and refusing to keep going. 

You are tight on time and patience and just want to scream that they they need to get this done or else. 

Instead of giving into that steam release valve of yelling, I usually like to say thing like, “Yes!! I was hoping you would want to quit school and just live with me forever! I am so happy my plan is working! If you did your math, you would probably end up going to college and doing cool things like curing cancer, becoming president, or going into space. Don’t do that! Stay with me forever!”

I can be pretty dramatic, so my kids are usually cracking a smile at this point. I then say something like, “Oh, don’t smile. You know I prefer sad children. What did I just say?! Stop smiling! Unbelievable! Why are you smiling?!!”

They are falling out of their chair in peals of laughter at this point. The tension is gone and then I can say something like, “Alight, let’s look at this math book and show it who is boss. Which part is giving you trouble?”

Yes, that approach takes a little bit of time and effort, but producing a fun, positive homeschool is so worth it!

Need more help than this? Check out “ How I Stopped Being An Angry Homeschool Mom .”

11. Search for Fun Homeschool Supplements

I have found that bringing in fun, interesting supplements can make a huge difference in any homeschool!

Even if you picked the perfect curriculum, your kids (and you!) can start to get bored with it. The days start to stretch out in front of you and the feeling of monotony can creep in. 

You don’t necessarily need new curriculum, but you may need to switch some things up!

A fun supplement to your curriculum is a great way to keep kids guessing and engaged!

Here is a list of some of our favorites:

• Code Spark Academy
• Math Facts that Stick (math facts taught with game boards!)
• Times Tales
• Once Upon a Pancake
• Rip the Page
• Music in our Homeschool

You could also supplement reading with comic strips once a week – a great idea for the resistant reader!

I am sure there are many more! Whatever your kid is slogging through, find a supplement that helps brings it to life and make it fun!

12. Make Time for Art Projects Sacred During the Week

It is rare to find a homeschool kid who does not love art projects, but it is all too common to find a homeschool mom who just doesn’t have time for it.

Guilty as charged.

Art projects can be messy, time consuming, and expensive, so they can fall to the back burner of our homeschool days.

In order to keep that from happening (and because I know my kid have so much fun with them!), I now schedule an hour for art every Tuesday morning. Right after morning time, my kids know we are jumping right into our DVD-based art curriculum and the craft closet is busting open!

Do not allow art to be an afterthought or a thing you do IF you have the time or energy left at the end of the day.

Make it a priority that is even with with math and reading. You know it will enrich their education, but it will also help them see your homeschool as more than workbooks and drills. 

Art not really your thing?

I love our DVD art curriculum, but we have also loved using art subscription boxes like We Craft Box and Kids Art Box . I break the projects up over a month, so we have something to do every week and all the supplies are included!

No weekly art supplies shopping = no stress and happy homeschoolers!

13. Do the Science Experiments!

I know it is so tempting to just read the experiment to your kids. Weeks get busy and you forget to get to the store to get the things to do the experiment.

Or maybe you just don’t have the energy to get all the things out and actually do whatever it is.

Let me tell you, Homeschool Mama, science experiments are a lot like exercising. Nobody wants to do it, but once you get started, you’ll be so happy you did!

Science experiments inject curiosity, energy, excitement, and fun into a homeschool that is over run with worksheets and predicability. 

Glazed over eyes start to shine when mom starts getting out the things! You gain credibility as a fun homeschool mom who is the Pied Piper for learning in the house!

Make it a priority to do science experiments with joy and the learning will bleed over into the rest of your homeschool!

14. Sign Your Kids Up for Classes/Lessons They’re Interested In

The fun activities in your homeschool don’t always have to come from your actual homeschool.

My kids really appreciate that our flexible homeschool day helps them to participate in activities during the day – while most kids are in school.

For example, my oldest daughter was able to take horseback riding lessons at 10:00am on Thursdays because I can make that work around our schedule. 

I have another daughter who is taking an acting/dancing/singing class at 11:30 on a Tuesday because I can make that work for us.

The ability to let them peruse their interests is a huge part of homeschooling culture and what makes it fun!

Look around your area and see what businesses offer “homeschool hours” for their lessons, activities, or classes. There are usually discounted prices and your kids will love the break in routine during the week!

Your local library may even offer free classes and clubs!

15. Don’t Push Them To Validate Your Homeschool

Another reason you may not be having any fun in your homeschool is that you are pushing your kids beyond their capabilities in order to make you feel better about your decision to homeschool. 

They are overwhelmed, and you are frustrated on the regular.

How do I know that about you?

Um…because I’ve done it! And I think most homeschool moms have gone through a phase like that.

In the pursuit of finding the most challenging curriculum to prove all the naysayers wrong…you may accidentally prove them all right.

If your kids are drowning in the “advanced curriculum” you purchased…if your school day goes longer than the public school day so you can check off every little thing…or if you find yourself constantly comparing their progress (or lack thereof) to anything else – you need to take a Homeschool Mom Chill Pill. 

Back off. 

Put yourself in a time-out. 

Remind yourself that homeschooling is all about letting your kids go at their own pace. That may be faster in some areas and slower in others – and that is okay!

Some of the best homeschool advice I ever recieved was from a group of homeschool moms with high school aged kids. All of them unanimously told me they regretted not spending more time doing the fun things with their kids when they were elementary level. They were wound way too tight, and wish they knew how unneccessary it was at that age. 

Avoid the burn out and make homeschool fun your focus!

Recap Homeschool Fun

There you have it, Homeschool Mama! 15 fresh ways to bring the homeschool fun!

Obviously don’t try to make a ton of changes at the same time – just pick 1-2 things to add into your normal routine and see how it goes!

I have to tell you though, it’s a little addicting to see your kids laughing, learning and having fun!

What do you to for fun in your homeschool?

Drop a comment below and share you wisdom!

This is so encouraging! I have a soon to be 2nd grade boy and a soon to be 3 year old boy. I agree! The days get monotonous even if you have the best curriculum. I like that you say make art a priority because it totally can fall to the wayside. And laughter IS the best medicine. That and prayer. My days go so much better when I am trusting in the Lord! Thanks for the fun tips! I get caught up in the workbooks and I know that my kids need more than that at their young ages!

Always enjoy your posts. Full of info and encouraging. Thanks!

Fun. Who would’ve thought? Much forgotten, but much appreciated reminder, Lauren. Thank you <3

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Homeschooling 7th Grade

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Do you have questions about homeschooling 7th grade?

We’ve got answers!

Find out how to homeschool 7th grade, this pivotal middle school year.

This article contains affiliate links to things that you might like.

Homeschooling a 7th Grader

The middle school years are all about transition.

Your preteen is turning into a teenager, and you’ve likely already seen a shift in her interests, emotions, and self-consciousness.

By homeschooling this year, you can keep stability and focus during this constant shift of terrain. 

Your education focus is all above firming up the foundational skills in reading, writing, and math.

If you haven’t already done so, consider administering some form of standardized testing (like Stanford 10, Iowa, or MAP) to figure out where your child needs extra help.

As you begin the transition to high school work in a couple of years, you’ll want to help your child take some ownership of his own schoolwork.

He should do some assignments independently and check over his work before he hands it in.

Ideally, he would plan out his week’s worth of schoolwork in his own planner.

Some kids need some extra help in this area, so provide the support he needs until he can do this independently.

Homeschool 7th Grade  Learning Objectives

7th grade is the year to look toward high school.

Is your student gifted in math?

Consider taking Pre-Algebra this year.

Start a formal writing course if you haven’t already, so your student is ready for those high school essays. 

7th graders are ready to look to the future and make plans (even if they seem a little unrealistic to you).

Your 7th grader may even have some future careers in mind.

Use this forward-thinking to enliven her interests in subjects now.

Your future fashion designer may sit up straighter in math when you connect measuring to her favorite interest.

Or your future YouTube gamer may pay better attention in math or history if you use Minecraft Education Edition lessons. 

Reading and Language Arts

• Reads and comprehends different types of writing: both fiction and nonfiction
• Summarizes, analyzes, and critiques texts
• Can write a three-paragraph paper with intro, body, and conclusion
• Applies grammar knowledge to writing and editing
• Understands more advanced vocabulary
• Knows library research skills
• Can decode word problems to decide if addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division is needed
• Can complete two- and three-step word problems
• Begins to work with algebraic concepts
• Works with fractions, percentages, ratios, scientific notation, and exponents
• Can draw and interpret graphs

Science (these will vary depending on your curriculum)

• Studies earth and space science
• Classifies types of rocks: sedimentary, igneous, metamorphic
• Learns parts of the Earth and tectonic plate boundaries
• Studies volcanoes, earthquakes, erosion, and other geological forces
• Learns about our Solar System
• Conducts experiments according to the scientific method
• Records data in charts and graphs
• Uses instruments of measurement with accuracy

Social Studies (these will also vary):

• Studies Middle Ages and Early Renaissance
• Can label continents and oceans and certain countries around the world
• Presents projects and reports on historical topics
• Integrates history with science, music, literature, and art
• Constructs a timeline of the Middle Ages

Curricula for Homeschooling 7th Grade

If you have been homeschooling up to this point, you probably have a program that works for your child.

Perhaps you want to tweak a subject or two to find a better fit, but you likely know your homeschooling style and will continue with what is working for your family.

If you are homeschooling 7th grade as your first year of homeschooling, you’ve picked a terrific year to begin.

There are many fabulous curriculum options available from online to written, from independent to teacher-supervised to parent-led, from secular to religious.

Pick one that suits both your teaching style and schedule as well as your child’s needs. 

Workbook Approach

Some kids just love workbooks.

Spectrum makes workbooks for nearly every subject from Kindergarten to 8th grade. 

If you want to work on a specific skill, like reading comprehension, test practice, or word problems, they have workbooks for those too.

If you are looking for a vocabulary and reading comprehension workbook, Worldly Wise Book 7 fits the bill.

It includes passages from classic literature and tests on both direct and interpretive questions.

Unit Studies

Unit studies are fantastic for integrating all the subjects and drumming up enthusiasm for learning.

You can design your own unit study (read about that here –it’s easier than you think) or go with a pre-planned one.

Check out my review of a unit study called Time Capsule: Medieval England , which could work for 7th grade. 

Online Schooling

There are two options when it comes to doing homeschool online.

The first is that you can use an online curriculum, but you are still the teacher who reviews the work and assigns the lessons.

Time4Learning is such a choice, where you student watches video lessons and complete online activities.

You can print worksheets for him and check his progress.

The second online option is a virtual class.

Your student attends a class, either live or pre-recorded, and has a teacher who monitors her progress and grades her work.

Examples of this would be Power Homeschool or the Potter School .  

Homeschooling 7th Grade Daily Schedule

High school is right around the corner, so you want to set up habits and routines that will make that transition easier.

Start the school day at a consistent time and keep a daily schedule.

7th-grade work usually takes about 4 hours, more or less, to complete.

That is solid working time, so if your child needs frequent breaks or has trouble focusing, the school day may be a bit longer. 

Of course, academics aren’t the only piece of your homeschool. 

Make sure your child has time for some activities he enjoys, time with friends and family, and free time for himself.

If you start school on or before 9 am, he should finish by early afternoon.

That gives him time for activities he enjoys. 

Speaking of activities, this is the time to discover what lights up your student.

If he doesn’t have any current passions, encourage him to try some different things.

He’ll never know if culinary, archery, pet rescue, or theatre is his passion unless he gets exposed to it.

Most people do well with physical activity of some kind (this could include walking, yoga, or an organized sport) and a creative outlet (like digital art, playing an instrument, or creative writing). 

How to Make Homeschool for 7th Grade a Success

7th grade is a turning point.

The elementary grades are behind your student, and a big, bright future dawns.

Pave the path to success by homeschooling 7th grade with confidence, consistency, and a dose of fun.

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36 Meaningful Vocabulary Activities for Every Grade

These activities are the definition of fun!

Learning new words is like adding to your writing toolbox. The more tools available, the more interesting and engaging your writing becomes. Check out these fun and engaging vocabulary activities for kids in grades K-12, and supply your students with the tools they need to build their wordsmith skills.

1. Write vocabulary stories

Using vocabulary words in writing shows mastery. Challenge your students to use all of their vocabulary words in an original short story. Allow students to pair up and share their stories with a partner.

Learn more: Vocab Short Story 

2. Put your students in the hot seat

Divide your class into two teams. Choose one student from one team to go to the front of the room and sit in a chair facing the class with their back to the board. This person is “on the spot.” Place a word on the board so everyone can see it except the person in the chair. One at a time, team members give the person a clue about the mystery word. If the word is guessed before two minutes are up, the team gets a point and play turns to the other team.

Learn more: On the Spot at Upper Elementary Snapshots

3. Match up words and definitions

Download these vocabulary words and matching definitions. Distribute one card to each student (either a word or a definition). Allow students to circulate in the room and find their “match.” Switch cards and repeat.

Learn more: Dictionary Sort

4. Sketch up word maps

Creating word maps from vocabulary words encourages students to find the relationships between the vocabulary word and other words. Have them include words, pictures, examples, real-world connections, definitions, descriptive words, etc.

Learn more: Word Map

5. Create Post-it stations

Post vocabulary words around the room, then have students circulate and write an original sentence using that word on a sticky note. Follow along and make sure students use the words correctly.

Learn more: Post-it Stations

6. Play a game of Pop!

Kids draw cards out of the bag and attempt to correctly spell them. But be careful, you don’t want to draw the Pop! card.

Learn more: Pop!

7. Take a gallery walk

Hang six to eight large sheets of chart paper in various places around the room. On each sheet, write one vocabulary word. Have students work in small groups, rotating between stations. At each station, ask students to come up with a different, original way to use each word. Continue the activity until all students have visited every station.

Learn more: Gallery Walk at TeachWriting.org

8. Play a round of Pictionary

This fun activity requires students to draw a picture for each word to create their own visual dictionary. When students create their own visual representations, they develop an association with the word that they will be able to tap into when needed.

Learn more: Pictionary

9. Make a word map

Word maps help deepen understanding of a vocab word by relating it to other words and concepts students already know.

10. Use the Frayer model

Frayer models are a popular way to learn new words and concepts. Kids define the word in their own terms, then list facts and characteristics, examples, and non-examples.

Learn more: Frayer Model

11. Draw vocabulary Sketchnotes

Kids and teachers love Sketchnotes ! Rather than writing out definitions, have students draw a sketch that sums up each word instead. It’s a lot more fun and gives kids an image for visual association to help them remember the meanings.

Learn more: Sketchnotes

12. Bump words along

Group vocab words together with a few other words with similar meanings and one that’s an antonym. Students identify the antonym and “bump” it to the next box, filling in the next group of words. They continue until the worksheet is full.

Learn more: Bumper Words

13. Post a graffiti wall

Think of a vocabulary graffiti wall like a collaborative word wall. In the classroom, post the words on the wall and have kids add sticky notes to illustrate the term (they can use words or pictures). Online, try a tool like Padlet or Google Slides.

Learn more: Graffiti Wall

14. Match words to describe character

This is a terrific way to practice vocab words pulled from books you’re reading. Ask students to use various words to describe the different characters in the book and their feelings, thoughts, and actions.

Learn more: Vocabulary Activities

15. Fill in words from A to Z

This vocabulary game is fun and challenging, and it can be played by kids of any age. Choose a word, then challenge kids to come up with related words for as many letters as possible. These could be synonyms, antonyms, examples, and more. Trickier letters are worth more points!

Learn more: A to Z

16. Try Flip for vocabulary activities

Are you on the Flip (formerly Flipgrid) bandwagon yet? It’s perfect for vocabulary activities! Have kids record a quick video for each word, using their creativity to make it fun and meaningful.

Learn more: Pop-Up Pods

17. Battle it out in Vocabulary Jeopardy

Good vocabulary activities encourage more than just memorization of definitions. That’s why we like this Jeopardy game idea. It explores synonyms and antonyms and how words are used in real sentences.

Learn more: Not So Wimpy Teacher

18. Use RAFTs to write vocabulary stories

Writing a story using vocab words is a perennial favorite, but the RAFT method gives it a new twist. Students are assigned a Role (the point of view from which they’ll tell the story), an Audience, a Format, and a Topic. For instance, they might be an astronaut (Role) writing a postcard (Format) to their friends back home (Audience) about what they’ve seen on Mars (Topic). RAFTs are especially great for kids who claim they don’t know what to write about.

Learn more: RAFTs

19. Discover the power of words

Vocabulary words take on greater meaning when students incorporate them into their daily lives. Challenge kids to use their vocab words in conversation and writing outside the language arts classroom. Use the free printable worksheet here to help them keep track of how often they use them.

Learn more: Downloadable Vocabulary Activities

20. Create graphic organizers

Colorful organizers like these are terrific vocabulary activities. Want to go digital? Have kids make a slideshow, one slide per word. They can include the same information, but instead of drawing a picture, have them find one online that illustrates the concept.

Learn more: Graphic Organizers at Upper Elementary Snapshots

21. Focus on a Word of the Week

Give really important terms the attention they deserve. Choose a new vocab word each week, then explore it in depth day by day.

Learn more: Word of the Week

22. Join the Million Dollar Word Club

Post a list of target vocab words. If a student uses one of the words in class (outside of vocabulary activities), they become a member of the Million Dollar Word Club! You can have them sign their name on a wall in the classroom or award a badge online. You could even develop this into a reward system for homework passes or extra credit.

Learn more: Million Dollar Words

23. Explore shades of meaning

This is a cool idea for exploring synonyms and the slight differences that make words unique. Ask for paint sample strips at your local hardware store, or buy a clip art set .

Learn more: Shades of Meaning

24. Personify a word with social media

This is one of those vocabulary activities kids will want to do over and over again! Assign each student a word and have them create a faux Facebook, Instagram, or other social media page for it. They can draw them freehand or complete a template like these from Teachers Pay Teachers . Post the images to a shared Google slideshow so other students can use them for review.

Learn more: Social Media Vocabulary

25. Create vocabulary cards

Have students draw a diagonal line across an index card. On the top half, have them write the vocabulary word and definition. On the bottom half, have them draw a picture of the word and use it in a sentence. Cards can be joined together in a strip for easy review.

Learn more: Index Card Vocabulary

26. Play vocabulary word Taboo

In this game, the goal is for one student to get their partner to guess the word by describing or giving examples of it. The trick? There’s a list of additional words they’re not allowed to use! Let other students see the card in advance to help keep the players honest. (Flash it on a whiteboard and have the guesser face away.)

Learn more: Don’t Say It! Vocabulary Game

27. Roll a die for vocabulary activities

Choose a vocab word, then have a student roll a die ( these virtual dice are handy ) to see which activity they get to complete.

Learn more: Roll a Word

28. Write an acrostic

Write an acrostic poem for each vocab term, using the letters to determine the first word in each line. This can get really challenging when words are longer!

Learn more: Acrostic Poem

29. Play vocabulary board games

Everyone knows that playing games is the best way to learn. Try some of these fabulous board games with your students and watch their vocabularies grow.

Learn more: 11 Vocab Games To Make the Learning Stick

30. Become a Word Collector

This is one of those picture books that grown-up kids will enjoy as much as little ones. Use it to remind your kids that they don’t need a vocabulary list to learn new words—new words are all around them. Encourage them to keep a word list or journal of their own to record new words they want to explore and use more often.

Buy it: The Word Collector

31. Play Vocabulary Headbanz

Make or buy headbands with a notch on the front designed to hold a card. Create cards with vocabulary words on them. To play, each student gets a card but can’t see it. Other students will describe the word, trying to get the one wearing the headband to guess the correct word.

Learn more: Vocab Headbanz

32. Go Fish!

A fun and lively way to practice vocabulary words. Create a deck of vocabulary words with two of each word. Explain the rules of Go Fish to students and let them loose!

Learn more: Go Fish Vocab Game

33. String three-letter words

Using wooden letter beads and pipe cleaners, students will form three-letter words that match vocabulary cards.

Learn more: Three-Letter Busy Bag

34. Play vocabulary charades

Everybody loves an exciting round of charades. Break your students into groups, provide them with a stack vocabulary cards, and watch them learn!

Learn more: Word Charades

35. Make words

Use plastic letters, magnet letters, or letter blocks to make words. Play it mentally with older kids, or with paper and pencil. Simply give your children some letters and challenge them to make words from those letters.

Learn more: Make a Word

36. Do a dictionary dig

Send your students on a scavenger hunt … in the dictionary! Exposing kids to the thousands of words in our language is both inspiring and fun. Download the free task cards below.

Learn more: Dictionary Dig

Reading poetry also helps students expand their vocabulary. Check out these must-share poems for elementary school and middle and high school .

Plus, get all the latest teaching tips and ideas when you sign up for our free newsletters .

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Homeschooling 7th Grade: Schedules, Curriculum & Plans

• Posted by by Maddie
• October 22, 2020

I have to admit I was just a little bit ( okay, a lotta bit ) concerned about having a 7th grader this year. Junior high… almost high school.

Yeah, there were a few freak out moments about homeschooling 7th grade. But I’m learning that there’s no reason to be scared of these years – we still have to work, discuss, and find a routine and schedule (and curriculum!) that works for both us.

First Term Review

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We’ve finished our first term. (We homeschool in 6-week terms, taking a week off between each term. It’s a schedule we’ve used for a few years now and it works so well. Having that week to catch up on housework, appointments, and other life tasks create a nice natural routine.)

Things went well with a few bumps – which is to be expected!\

7th Grade Homeschool Scheduling

I have to attribute much of our success to our schedule. It’s taken us awhile but we’ve found a routine that works for us. We aren’t strict about, it’s more like a general daily routine. Here’s what it looks like:

Wake up between 7:30-8:30 – use that time to wake up (we aren’t morning people here – lots of lying around trying to pry our eyes open). When we are sufficiently awake we get ourselves ready for the day, do a chore or two, and read our Bibles.

We’re ready to get breakfast and start our morning meeting around 9 am. I spend about 1-1 ½ hours a day with TJ, going over independent assignments, discussing subjects we work on together, and doing a bit of reading aloud while she works on a project.

After our morning meeting, she grabs her agenda with her assignment list and gets to work, tackling the subjects she does independently. This is my time to do a bit of housework, laundry, or meal prep.

Around 11:30 or 12pm we take a lunch break until 1 or 1:30 when we take a little time to sit and read. TJ chooses literature from a book basket and I read a good book (from The Well-Educated Mind list or something non-fiction). After our reading time, TJ gets back to work on her assignments while I do some online work.

Around 3:30 or 4 pm we break for a short ‘tea time’, chat about the day, and TJ finishes up any last minute assignments (depending on how much she dawdled that day).

To finish out the day, we make sure all the homeschool things are put away before moving on to free time and dinner prep.

This fluid schedule works, largely in part because she’s reached a more independent stage. That’s not to say it’s without its bumps. I’ve been letting her tackle science on her own but we’ve discovered she’s just not ready for the textbook and workbook method without a little more preparation.

But we’re working on the issues and finding a good daily rhythm.

7th Grade Curriculum

What’s Working

Our schedule! Giving TJ some independence is working well.

For the most part, our curriculum choices are working well. We’ve used some of them for a few years so have found a good rhythm that works for us.

History is going very well. We’re following The Well-Trained Mind history plans for the Logic stage, using The Story of the World as our ‘spine’ and adding in outlining, a timeline, mapping, extra reading, writing, primary sources, and the occasional history project. I created a weekly history schedule and TJ follows that, doing the work almost completely independently.

I’m so glad we came back to Writing & Rhetoric. I wanted to try something different last year and it really didn’t work for us so we are back to this series – and TJ is as happy as a clam. She loves the discussion, interaction, and creative lesson format.

What’s Not Working

Independent science isn’t working so well. TJ’s not used to a textbook-based science program and I made the mistake of just handing the book and workbook to her and told her to follow the schedule.

Well, that didn’t work so great! So we’ve backtracked and she sits beside me while she does the work semi-independently. We’ll work up to full independence at a slower rate when she’s ready for it.

Second & Third Term Reviews

It’s hard to believe we’ve finished our third term now – this school year is moving right along (with a few bumps along the way). For the most part, things are going well. We’re making good progress and staying on track.

We’ve taken a little more time off than I anticipated. I had planned a shorter Christmas break because we took a week off in early December to attend a family wedding. But, once that first week of Christmas break rolled around I really wanted a second week off. So we took another week off and I’m so glad I made that decision – we really needed the break. And, hopefully, it doesn’t set us back too far (I’d really rather not be homeschooling in July!).

Planning a School Year

Over our years of homeschooling, I’ve tried many different tools and planning products, but I always come back to one simple system (paper, pen, and highlighter – pretty low-tech stuff!). I have three pages in my teacher’s binder that keep me on-track:

School Calendar

I use this page to record our actual homeschool days. Here in Quebec, we have to school for 180 days so this simple pencil and paper method shows exactly that – I check off the days that we’ve homeschooled, highlight our days & weeks off, and keep a total of the days and school terms.

We follow a ‘sabbath school’ model – homeschooling for six weeks and then taking a week off. Each of those six weeks is a ‘term’ and I plan six of them over the course of the year. Because of various events (like weddings!), some terms may be broken up a bit – but each one is approximately 30 days long, giving us 180 school days. This school calendar shows me exactly which term we’re in, how many days we’ve completed, and how many we have left to go.

Course of Study

This page is probably the most important for staying on-track throughout the year. Before the school year starts, I make a spreadsheet covering all the subjects we’ll be covering that year. It’s divided into columns – the first shows the week, the second is blank for filling in the date, and then there’s one column for each subject. Each row includes a week’s worth of assignments.

When I’m planning the year, I estimate how many pages, chapters, lessons, etc. we’ll cover in each subject and type that into my spreadsheet. Then I’m able to see at a glance how long each subject will take to complete.

During the school year, as we finish each week, I add the date to the appropriate row and a small checkmark beside the completed assignments. As the year progresses, some columns may have more or fewer checkmarks, if we took a week off from those particular assignments.

This spreadsheet is so useful because I can see at a glance those subjects we’ve been slacking on (so I know we better not skip any more work!) or I can see that we are ahead of schedule in another subject so I can surprise my daughter with some lighter assignments that week.

This is the most time-consuming part of prepping for the school year, but it’s also the most useful part of my planning.

Vacation Days

The last page of my planning tools is a 12-month one-page calendar. At the beginning of the year, I highlight all the important events and vacations and then highlight our ‘sabbath week’ after each term. From there, I can determine how many extra days off we can take without eating into our 180 school days. I make a note about how many of these ‘floater’ days we have. Then, throughout the year I make note of any of these extra days as they are used.

With this page, I know how many days we have left to homeschool and can quickly see when we have an upcoming vacation (or if we have any extra days we can take off as we want).

A Look at Our Second Term

We are fairly well on-track as far as assignments go. TJ will be finishing up her current level of CTC next term so I’ve been looking at resources to use before she tackles pre-algebra next year. We’ve settled on the ‘Key to’ series to shore up all her skills with fractions, decimals, and percents. I also picked up a drill book to continue working on multi-digit multiplication and long division – something she needs more practice with.

Planning tools – keeping records of our school days and assignments really helps me stay on track.

Logic – we are really enjoying The Art of Argument and TJ has started making references to it when we read or see a commercial (learning in action!).

Most subjects are coming along well.

We’ve had some issues with incomplete work. During a particularly busy week before Christmas break, I slacked off on checking assignments every afternoon only to find that TJ had only been making a half-hearted effort to complete her work. So, instead of a light school week the following week she had to re-do the previous week’s assignments plus the regularly assigned school work for that week. And I’ve learned she is not ready for checking her own work.

All-in-all it was a good term and TJ is making good progress in her skills and abilities. But I need to remember that kids this age will often take the ‘path of least resistance’ so I need to stay diligent to keep her on task and make sure she’s completing things to a good standard. It’s a learning process for both of us.

Wrapping up the school year

Another school year complete! We had our ups and downs (mostly ups, thank goodness). It was really a year of growing independence — TJ has moved to doing almost all of her work independently. We still have a daily morning meeting to go over some things together before she starts on her list of assignments.

What worked for us

This was the first year TJ has written down her assignments in a daily agenda. Up to this point, she’s had checklists and lists I’ve written for her. It’s worked very (when she doesn’t lose track of it) and it’s something we’ll continue next year.

Most subjects worked well for us though we had our sticky moments — especially with science. She’s not ready for complete independence — I still need to check that her assignments are completed to my standards (we have some issues with messy handwriting and lazy work) but she’s making good progress at working more independently.

The hardest part of 7th grade…

I think the hardest part of homeschooling 7th grade is the growing and changing teen. Some days they are more ‘adult-like’ and other days they are decidedly not. Some days they are very responsible, doing their work diligently. Other days… not so much.

While I’m ready for my daughter to have more independence, and she wants more independence, it’s been a bumpy road. She’s easily distracted by music, the family dog…

…and the joys of 7th grade

Watching your child grow into adulthood is such a blessing. Our best days had some great discussions about current events or books. Instead of the early years filled with direct instruction, these years are all about discussing things and watching the teacher-student relationship change. Now I’m more of a facilitator instead of a direct instructor. There’s a bit of nostalgia for reading lessons spent curled on the couch but I have to admit that I love this time of transition just as much.

Finding the right balance

The middle school years are all about building independence. I’ve made some mistakes along the way – letting TJ have too much independence when she wasn’t ready for it (I’m still learning that lesson!).

But these years are also about focusing on your relationship. Pretty soon, those little birds will be flying the coop and one of the many benefits of homeschooling is the opportunity to forge strong family relationships. 

Middle schoolers are going through big changes and it can affect the family. Sometimes homeschooling takes a bit of a back burner as you focus on forming those strong bonds.

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Science Fair Ideas for 7th Grade – 60 Perfect Projects

June 27, 2024

If your 7th graders are preparing for the science fair, it’s possible that you’re looking for some ideas to get them started. With these 7th grade science projects, your students will be sure to feel inspired and ready to begin. These science fair ideas for 7th grade include projects related to biology, health & psychology, environmental science, chemistry, physics, and engineering.

Things to consider – Science fair ideas for 7th grade—60 perfect projects

Each of these projects is ranked according to “difficulty” and “materials.” You can consider these rankings as you decide which to share with your 7th grade students.

Difficulty : How advanced is the project? Do your 7th graders have enough time to complete it? Each project is rated “basic,” “medium,” or “advanced” based on the complexity of the concept and the amount of time it will take.

Materials : These projects also range in terms of the complexity of the materials and setup, and are ranked as “basic,” “medium,” or “advanced.”

Biology – Science Fair Ideas for 7th Grade—60 Perfect Projects

1) extracting dna from onions.

  Can DNA be studied separately from other cell components? In this experiment, students creatively use a variety of household supplies to learn more about DNA, an important biology concept.

• Difficulty: advanced
• Materials: advanced
• Learn more: onion DNA extraction

2)  Grow box design

  Build a grow box (or series of grow boxes) for plants using cardboard, foil, and a plug-in light source. Students can test the effectiveness of the grow box when variables are changed, such as light source strength and box size. After this experiment, your students can invite plants into their homes or the classroom all winter long.

• Difficulty: medium
• Materials: medium
• Learn more: DIY grow box

3) Collect biofilm

  Biofilm is comprised of microscopic bacteria accumulating on objects in the water (you might notice it rivers, swimming pools, or even on the surface of teeth). Students can quantify biofilm by building a collector. They can also experiment with ways to reduce it.

• Learn more: biofilm experiment

Science Fair Ideas for 7th Grade – 60 Perfect Projects (Continued)

4) plants and phototropism.

  Do plants really grow towards light? Discover more about how plants respond to light through this simple experiment.

• Difficulty: basic
• Learn more: phototropism

5) Nitrogen and plants

Explore the important role of nitrogen in plant growth with this science fair project. The experiment involves comparing the growth of pea plants with and without nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

• Learn more: nitrogen and pea plants

6) Bubble cell membranes

  If you’re looking for a fun way to teach 7th graders about cell membranes, consider using bubbles. Through this lab, students investigate the behavior of bubbles and apply it to cell membrane characteristics.

• Learn more: cell membrane bubble lab

7) Test Darwin’s theory

  With this lab, students repeat Darwin’s “survival of the fittest finch” experiment for a fun and interactive way to learn about natural selection and evolution.

• Learn more: natural selection lab

8) Carbon cycle experiment

  Help your 7th graders learn about processes of photosynthesis and respiration through this project that combines biology and chemistry concepts.

• Learn more: carbon cycle experiment

9) Test for germs

  What’s the dirtiest place in the kitchen? The refrigerator handle? The coffee machine? The sink? Students can guess, though it might not be what they think. Swab household items and store the samples over several days to find out.

• Learn more: germ experiment

10) Cell size lab

  In this project, students can analyze surface-area-to-volume ratios using beets and bleach, demonstrating how small cells are more efficient at moving materials in and out.

• Learn more: cell size lab

Health and psychology – Science Fair Ideas for 7th Grade

11)  colors and memory.

  Find out how color affects memory by asking volunteers to recall simple words on differently-colored construction paper.

• Materials: basic
• Learn more: color influencing memory

12) Measuring tooth decay

  Since eggshells share similar properties to teeth, your students can use them to test how different beverages erode tooth enamel. This project teaches biology concepts while also encouraging healthy eating and dental care.

• Learn more: tooth decay egg experiment

13) Cooking and Vitamin C

  Do cooked fruits and vegetables have less Vitamin C than raw ones? This is another good experiment for your students interested in nutritional science. This project involves a slightly more complex procedure, so it’s also perfect for your advanced 7 th grade students.

• Learn more: Vitamin C determination

Science Fair Ideas for 7th Grade (Continued)

14) caffeine and typing.

  Does a jolt of caffeine help you work more efficiently? Test this out through typing with this 7 th grade science experiment. Your 7 th grade students can run this test with mild forms of caffeine, such as soda or a piece of chocolate.

• Learn more: caffeine and typing

15) Psychology and texting language

  If you teach 7 th graders, you may have heard them speaking in texting-speak. Have these texting abbreviations become a full language? With this project, your 7 th grade students can create a text-language glossary and study its practical applications.

• Learn more: is texting a new language?

16) Test calorie counts

  Where does the calorie number on packaged foods come from? Try this experiment with a variety of foods to help your students understand how food energizes us.

• Learn more: test calorie counts

17) Balloon lung capacity

  Using a balloon and a tape measurer, students can measure lung capacity, which has a number of health implications. It can be made more or less complicated depending on the measurements taken (circumference vs. volume of the balloon, for example).

• Learn more: measuring lung capacity

18) Myers-Briggs and memory

  Are your students interested in exploring questions of psychology and memory? This experiment involves asking volunteers to take a Myers-Briggs personality test, followed by a simple memory exam. They only need internet access and willing volunteers.

• Learn more: memory and personality

19) Flexibility experiment

  There are a number of reasons for stretching, including reducing chances of injury and feeling calmer. But does stretching actually make us more flexible? Find out by comparing flexibility before and after stretch exercises. Students can test volunteers after holding the stretches for different lengths of time.

• Learn more: flexibility experiment

20) Sleep and memory

  Can sleep deprivation affect memory? Your students can find out by quizzing volunteers on trivia studied beforehand after 8 or 5 hours of sleep. While this project takes some planning, organization, and willing volunteers, it’s a fun way to promote healthy sleep habits.

• Learn more: sleep and memory

Environmental science – Science Fair Ideas for 7th Grade

21) water filtration.

Create a charcoal filter in order to better understand water filtration systems. Afterwards, students discuss the science behind clean drinking water, as well as its environmental implications.

• Learn more: charcoal water purifying experiment

22) Acid rain and plant life

  Does acid rain negatively affect plants? Students can test this environmental concern using vinegar. Advanced students can also experiment with different pH levels for a more complex project.

• Learn more: acid rain experiment

23) Ocean acidification

  For another project related to acidification, students can make stimulated ocean water and test its effects on seashells.

• Learn more: ocean acidification lab

24) Test the greenhouse effect

  Though the greenhouse effect can help planet Earth to stay at a livable temperature, it also causes harmful global warming when enhanced by excess greenhouse gases. With this model, students can see the greenhouse phenomenon in action, and discuss how humans could reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• Materials: simple
• Learn more: greenhouse effect experiment

25) Grow garbage plants

  Grow plants using different kinds of compost and garbage to see which kind of matter facilitates the quickest growth. This project is a great way to teach about composting and sustainability.

• Learn more: growing plants in garbage

26) Water cycle bags

7th grade students can learn more about the water cycle with only a Ziploc bag, food coloring, water, and a marker. Once these water cycle bags are created, they can be hung by a window and checked throughout the following days. Students can observe and record a miniature water cycle happening before their eyes. For more complexity, they can check it at different temperatures.

• Learn more: water cycle bags

27) Glacier ice-cutting

For a demonstration of how glaciers melt from pressure, try this ice-cube-cutting experiment. Mix it up by timing the process with differently sized ice-cubes and weights.

• Learn more: ice cube vs. wire

28) Water quality testing

  A simple water testing kit opens numerous possibilities for science fair projects, including testing the water quality of local streams, ponds, swimming pools, and drinking-water taps. If students don’t have water testing kits on hand, they can purchase them for under $30. This is a perfect way to teach about the importance of clean water sources.

• Learn more: water quality experiment

29) Algae growth

  Teach students about fertilizer runoff and its harmful impacts on local waterways through this experiment, which has students test the effects of pollutants on algae growth using household fertilizers.

• Learn more: algae and pollution

30) Bird watch

  Project FeederWatch is perfect for students who might take an interest in ornithology. It only involves putting a bird feeder outside and recording the number of visitors. For more complex studies, students can take on Feeder Design Challenges .

• Learn more: bird feeding with Project FeederWatch

Chemistry – Science Fair Ideas for 7th Grade

31) slime design.

  Chances are, you already know that middle school students love slime. Turn the fascination into a learning activity by experimenting with chemical properties to create the best slime.

• Learn more: how to make slime

32) Mummify a hot dog

  Students can understand the chemical processes involved in mummification by completing this simple experiment.

• Learn more: hot dog mummification

33) Eggshell chalk

Your 7th graders can make their own sidewalk chalk by using the calcium in eggshells. They can change variables (flour type, water temperature, etc.) to see which chalk is the most long-lasting or water-resistant.

• Learn more: make your own eggshell chalk

34) Homemade ice cream

  The secret to making ice cream is to lower the freezing point of ice. The secret to this secret? Salt. With this experiment, students can have delicious vanilla ice cream ready in about 20 minutes. Test different ingredients for the creamiest results.

• Learn more: homemade ice cream

35) Saltwater and density

Explore salinity by making an egg float or sink in water with various salt levels. You can base your salt levels on notorious salty bodies of water such as the Great Salt Lake (6-27% salt water) and the Dead Sea (34% salt water).

• Learn more: egg float science experiment

36) Oxidation experiment

  Ever wondered how to slow or prevent rusting? Rusting occurs through a process of oxidation, which can be slowed using different liquids. Test how saltwater, freshwater, and other liquids affect oxidation on common metal objects (paper clips, staples, coins, etc.)

• Learn more: does it rust?

37) Static water bending

  Change the flow of water just by combing your hair and then holding it next to a stream of water. How far can you bend the water by combing your hair for different lengths of time? This is a great way to help 7th graders understand static electricity.

• Learn more: bending water experiment

38) Blow bubbles

  Yes, bubble-blowing can be a science fair project. Ask your students to test how temperature affects bubble life through this fun experiment.

• Learn more: bubble life and temperature

39) Red cabbage pH indicator

  Explore chemistry by testing the pH of liquids such as vinegar, milk, and coffee. You’ll need cups and bowls, and of course, red cabbage.

• Learn more: red cabbage indicator experiment

40)  Plate coins with copper

  Create copper-plated coins by extracting copper from a solution, through processes of electrolysis and electroplating . This is a fun way to combine chemistry and electrical engineering.

• Learn more: copper plated coins

Physics Projects – Science Fair Ideas for 7th Grade

41) balloon temperature.

  Using this simple and visual balloon experiment, students can better understand how air expands when heated, a basic component of thermodynamics.

• Learn more: balloon temperature experiment

42) Floating tea bags

  To teach your students about heat and its effects on air molecules, give them this tea bag experiment. Since this project involves fire, you should make sure your students have adult supervision while conducting the experiment. It’s also great for a class demonstration.

• Learn more: floating tea bags

43) Build a parachute

  7th graders can learn about speed, velocity, and acceleration by crafting their own parachutes. They can use different bag materials to test for a smooth fall and graceful landing.

• Learn more: build a parachute

44) Solar-powered oven

Teach your students about thermal energy, reflection, and convection through this fun project. Test the oven on a warm sunny day for delicious results (s’mores).

• Learn more: build a solar oven

45) Swing a glass of water

  This is a great way for 7th graders to learn about centripetal force. The goal is to swing glasses of water over their heads without spilling the water (we recommend doing this experiment outside since it has the potential to get messy).

• Learn more: centripetal force experiment

46) Instant ice

  Through this experiment, your students can experiment with instant ice. For variations, try leaving the water in the freezer for different times, or using other liquids.

• Learn more: instant ice experiment

47) Rainbow density tower

  Teach about density using this simple project with a beautiful outcome. Once students have created their density towers, they can test the density of other objects ty tossing them in (how far will a coin sink? A peanut? An egg?)

• Learn more: density tower

48) Separate hot and cold water

  For another density-related experiment, try separating water by temperature. Students can run the test with the hotter (less density) on the bottom and colder (more density) on the top, and then vice versa.

• Learn more: separating hot and cold water

49) Physics of sound

  It turns out that sound has physical matter. Students can demonstrate this by blowing out a candle using only sound vibrations, which move through an oatmeal box.

• Learn more: discovering sound matters

50) Graphite circuit

  For another electricity-focused experiment, challenge your students to create an electrical circuit using pencil graphite. Since it involves drawing, students can put their art skills to use for a beautiful result.

• Learn more: graphite circuit

Engineering Projects – Science Fair Ideas for 7th Grade

51) pet auto-feeder.

  For a more advanced project with practical application, have your students build this automatic pet feeder. Some coding is involved, which could interest your computer-engineering-oriented students.

• Learn more: auto-feed your pet from anywhere

52) Balloon-powered car

  To help your students learn about engineering design and kinetic energy, suggest that they build a balloon car out of materials likely found around their homes. They can experiment with different wheel and balloon sizes to see how fast the car can go.

• Learn more: Newton’s balloon car

53) Build a geodesic dome

A geodesic dome is a thin-shell structure created out of triangular elements, which help it to withstand heavy loads. This experiment utilizes geometry concepts and it only requires paper and masking tape (students can play with different types of paper and tape as variables).

• Learn more: geodesic dome

54) Da Vinci’s bridge

  This bridge-building project is inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s self-supporting wooden bridge. Your students will only need pencils and rubber bands (not to tie the pencils together, but to make sure they don’t slip). Test the bridge with different objects to see how much weight it can take.

• Learn more: Da Vinci’s bridge

55) Tensegrity structure

  Understand the mechanics of tension by making this functional floating structure that’s mind-boggling to look at. You will need string, popsicle sticks, and some patience for exact measurements.

• Learn more: anti-gravity structure

56) Make a water clock

  In this engineering project (which has been around since ancient times), students can create a clock from plastic cups, a small bell, yarn, and several other common craft items.

• Learn more:   water clock

57) Design a pinball machine

  Your 7th grade students can create functioning parts for a homemade pinball machine using objects found at home or in the classroom. They can test for speed and materials as they craft their own game.

• Learn more: homemade pinball

58) Rubber band helicopter

Students can learn about helicopter mechanics by constructing this flying and rubber-band-powered toy.

• Learn more: rubber band helicopter

59) Crash cars

This experiment involves building cars and then crash-testing them with raw eggs inside as “passengers.” What structures best protect the egg? Beware: this one could get messy.

• Learn more: car crash project

60) Build an electricity generator

  For another electrical engineering project, students can create an electric generator. Challenge them to test the generator using different materials for different results.

• Learn more: energy generator

Final thoughts – Science Fair Ideas for 7th Grade

Hopefully your 7 th grade students will find projects to get excited about from this list. For more classroom resources applicable to middle school students, we recommend the following articles:

• 124 Good Icebreaker Questions for Students/Adults
• 141 Fun, Weird, & Interesting Facts
• 102 Fun Last Day of School Activities
• 56 8 th Grade Science Fair Projects
• 100 Best Quotes About Education & Teachers
• 150 Journal Prompts for Kids, Middle & High School Students
• 151 Best Summer Jobs for Teachers
• Teacher Tools

Sarah Mininsohn

With a BA from Wesleyan University and an MFA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Sarah is a writer, educator, and artist. She served as a graduate instructor at the University of Illinois, a tutor at St Peter’s School in Philadelphia, and an academic writing tutor and thesis mentor at Wesleyan’s Writing Workshop.

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