Hey there! I’m so glad we’re catching up—it’s always lovely to chat about how we’re approaching learning at home. Today, I thought I’d share how we’re planning our Year 8 English Language studies using the British Curriculum. Grab your tea (or coffee!), and let’s dive into some fun, engaging ways we’re making English an enjoyable experience for our kids.
What Should a 12-Year-Old Know?
At 12, most kids are building on the foundational skills they’ve developed so far. At this stage, they should be getting comfortable with more complex sentence structures, expanding their vocabulary, and identifying literary devices like metaphors, similes, and personification. They’re also diving deeper into text analysis, thinking critically about themes, character development, and plot.
While this is a general guideline, every child moves at their own pace. Our approach is flexible, ensuring my daughter enjoys the learning process without feeling overwhelmed by any rigid structure.
Spelling for Year 8
To support this growing complexity in her language skills, we’re focusing on spelling using the CGP Spelling Books for Year 8. These resources cover trickier spellings and help reinforce the rules behind them, building a solid foundation for her writing. We set aside time each week to review the material, but we keep it fun and light, so it doesn’t feel like a chore.
Handwriting, Typing & Finding Her Style
While spelling is key, we’re also focusing on improving her handwriting. At this stage, it’s important for her to develop a style that feels comfortable and efficient, especially as she tackles more writing assignments. We practice different handwriting techniques weekly, helping her find a style she enjoys and can use consistently.
Once she’s more confident in her handwriting, we’ll be shifting focus to typing. In today’s digital world, typing is just as important as handwriting, especially for longer writing projects like essays and stories. We use typing games to make it fun, ensuring she builds speed and accuracy while still enjoying the process.
Why Writing Matters
Writing is an essential part of learning English, and it’s more than just putting words on a page. It helps our children express themselves, organise their thoughts, and develop clear communication skills. Whether they’re writing stories, essays, or even journals, it’s a skill they’ll carry with them throughout life.
This year, we’re diving into a fun and ambitious project through NaNoWriMo’s Young Writers Program. This month-long challenge encourages kids to write their own novels! By focusing on creativity over perfection, it allows them to express their ideas freely. At the end of the year, we’ll even take it a step further by publishing her novel on Amazon, with a cover she’s designed herself! I can’t wait to see her face when she holds her very own book.
LoveReading4Kids
To help build up her reading comprehension and writing skills, we’re also using LoveReading4Kids These guides break down classic and contemporary novels into engaging discussions about plot, themes, and characters, making it easier to dive deeper into the texts. They provide structure while still leaving room for creative thinking, which makes them a fantastic resource for our lessons.
Following Her Interests
One of the best parts about learning at home is the flexibility to follow my daughter’s interests. Whether she’s drawn to fantasy, adventure, or mystery, I try to find books that fit those themes, making reading feel like an exciting journey rather than just another assignment.
Recently, we’ve been enjoying books like Aliyah and the Infinite City and Paper Dragons, which have sparked fantastic discussions about world-building and character development. We’ve even started a little book club, where we read the same book and chat about it over tea. It’s such a fun way to connect while diving deeper into the stories we love.
Audiobooks & Tea Time
Speaking of tea, one of our favourite rituals is audiobook tea time. There’s something so calming about listening to a story together while sipping tea. We use Epic! and Audible to find audiobooks, and I always make sure to preview the books to ensure they’re age-appropriate.
This laid-back routine helps build my daughter’s love for literature, and it naturally leads to conversations about the themes, language, and characters in the books we hear. It’s learning without feeling like learning, which is the best kind!
Adding Art to English Studies
We’ve found that combining art with English studies is a fantastic way to keep learning creative and exciting. As she works on her NaNoWriMo novel, she’s illustrating her characters and designing mood boards for the scenes she’s writing. It’s not only fun but also helps her visualise her story, making the writing process more dynamic.
We also create book posters for the novels we’ve finished reading. She designs a visual representation of the book’s main themes or her favourite scene. It’s a brilliant way to mix creativity with literary analysis and adds a personal touch to our English lessons.
Choosing the Right Resources
When it comes to planning out our learning, I use a mix of resources that outline what’s typically expected for Year 8 students. I prefer a flexible approach, adapting our lessons to her needs and interests rather than sticking rigidly to a set guide. This allows us to explore what she enjoys while still making sure we’re covering the essentials.
The Big Finale: Publishing Her Novel
As the term wraps up, we’re going to celebrate her hard work in a big way. After completing her NaNoWriMo novel, we’ll work together on editing, and then—drumroll—we’ll publish it on Amazon! She’s already designed a beautiful cover, and I can’t wait to see her hold her very own book in hand. What a perfect way to finish the year and celebrate all her creativity and dedication!
So, that’s our plan for Year 8 English at home—a mix of structure, creativity, and following her interests. How’s your learning-at-home journey going? I’d love to hear your ideas and tips.
Disclaimer: I don’t receive any compensation for the links shared in this post. These are just personal recommendations based on what has worked well for us on our learning journey.
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