The following units of study will be approached by all eighth grade students.
8th Grade English Curriculum
Literature Curriculum:
Unit Title
Description
Holes
Novel by Louis Sachar
Students will read the novel, complete study questions, and discuss facts,
themes,
and literary elements.
The Pearl
Novel by John Steinbeck
Students will read the novel and complete study questions. Literary elements
will
be discussed and identified, and the role of culture in the text will be recognized.
“Flowers for Algernon”
Short Story by Daniel Keyes
Students will read the short story, complete study questions, and conduct
discussions about writing conventions, psychological testing, and multiple
intelligences. Emphasis will be placed on the theme of respect for all regardless
of
ability.
Diary of Anne Frank
Drama by Frances Goodrich and
Albert Hackett
Holocaust Background
Students will read the drama aloud in class, learn vocabulary terms related
to drama,
view key scenes from movie, and develop an understanding of historical events
and
implications of the Holocaust.
Short Stories
Students will read a variety of fiction and non-fiction short stories, many
of which
are multicultural. Students will gain practice in elements of the reading process
through discussion and activities. Students will identify and discuss characteristics
of a short story.
Poetry
Students will read a variety of poems and identify poetic devices and figurative
language.
Independent Reading
Students will select appropriate novels to read independently throughout the
year
and respond through literature logs/journals. In-class silent reading time is
scheduled
in addition to expected independent reading homework.
Literature Circles Novel Unit
Students, in groups of 3-4 students, will read and discuss novels with focus
on
author’s intent, compare/contrast, character description, vocabulary, cause-effect
relationships, and reading comprehension. Groups will complete projects based
on a
selected novel.
Research Unit
Students will define a problem, determine and locate possible sources (with
emphasis on using Readers’ Guide to Periodical Literature), evaluate and
take notes
on relevant information, and organize and document information from multiple
sources. Students will complete a project or write a paper and present information.
8th Grade English Writing Curriculum (continued)
Students will study and practice the six traits of effective writing and forms
of writing listed below. Students will complete the
Nebraska State Writing Assessment in February by effectively using the six writing
traits in a descriptive writing piece.
Idea Development
Students will write a paper that is clear, focused, and full of important details.
Organization
Students will write a paper that is easy to follow with strong lead and effective
conclusion.
Word Choice
Students will write a paper using clear and precise language.
Sentence Fluency
Students will write a paper using varied sentence pattern, rhythm, and structure.
Voice
Students will write a paper with sincerity so reader will know how the writer
feels.
Conventions
Students will write a paper with correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
Various Forms of Writing
Students will explore a variety of forms of writing with a focus on descriptive
and
narrative writing. Students will use writing process of prewriting, writing,
revising, editing, and publishing final copy.
Grammar mini-lessons
Students will learn and practice conventions, usage, and parts of speech through
on-going mini-lessons.
Same information in the form of a chart:
