I like the guidelines from The Well-Trained Mind book. She details schedules and curriculum nicely. The website is really helpful for those who homeschool or afterschool. Use their forum for questions/schedules/what to do, etc. They are quick to answer.
http://www.welltrainedmind.com/http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/Here are some recommendations in curriculum for that age:
1)
Algebra I and II - Foerster -
Don't be roped into doing Saxon. I think it is a true contributor to getting kids to HATE math!
2)
Geometry - Jacobs
3)
History - Depends on topic he is to study.
US History - Some like to use
History of US by Joy Hakim as an outline, adding to each chapter - chapter books, primary sources, etc. Jack Daws are good for that too.
I like the idea some do by making a binder with tabs for each chapter, which include essays, vocabulary, illustrations, songs, art, PowerPoint printouts, maps, etc. Most handmade by the student.
4)
Language Arts -
Writing - Writing Strands - all levels - requires parental input or writing tutor to go over work. I like the idea of giving them a rubric to cover main points BEFORE they start writing, and then see how they did by matching performance to different levels on the rubric.
Vocabulary - Many programs here- Wordly Wise is popular, although another good one is Vocabulary from Classical Roots
Literature - I like providing books from the Great Books collections. These books were chosen by Adler in the fifties, in designing a Classical Education (which I lean toward). There is a list of books per grade level. They are true classics and can require some discussion and teaching from you or a tutor.
Grammar, Usage, Mechanics - Lots of stuff is used, Shurley Grammar, Easy Grammar are popular. There is also Editor in Chief which helps with proofreading, and they can do on the computer. Some visual kids can have trouble with grammar and learn better diagramming.
5)
Science - I like Apologia Science. Start with biology and order the labs with them. There is dissecting involved, which homeschoolers typically LOVE!
6)
Spanish/Foreign Language - Rosetta Stone most common and successful.
7)
Art - Art in Focus is a common book
8)
PE - maybe swimming? Since he's so overweight, you don't want to overdo his joints or pull muscles. If you can get him to lessons to learn the strokes then take him to practice before the lessons sometime...he'd shed the weight pretty quickly.
I'd stay away from boring curriculum like Saxon Math or ABeka. They are popular, but I think there is just SOOO much repetition. I think they are popular, because they require so little from the parents while they drill the kids into hating the subjects. There is evidence the kids DO LEARN with these programs...but drill them with any program and they'll learn...and they'll learn to hate the subject.
Make the learning as fun as you can, and he'll become hungry to do more. We (humans) like doing work that is pleasing, and will willingly return to it if it is. So the key is to get his input on what he likes or doesn't like and help him learn how he can make each subject where he likes it all. Then he'll excel.
If you plan on putting him back in public school next year, you'll need to
Google your state standards of education for seventh grade. Then look up each subject, and cover each standard. If you don't meet them all, don't worry. I can tell you that my kids aren't taught each standard in school, so that should take the pressure off of any homeschooler...Good Luck!
