The eighth-grade course employs the key literacy routines of daily, low-stakes writing, self-selected independent reading, understanding and analyzing nonfiction through the article of the week protocol, and collaboration throughout the entire year. The student will plan, draft, revise, and edit compositions with an emphasis on expository and persuasive writing. Students will also participate in shared reading of texts and media from multiple genres, eras, and perspectives with an opportunity to analyze texts written on a similar topic. The student will continue the study of word origins and vocabulary development using words culled from the texts they are reading, with attention to connotations and figurative language. With a focus on applying reading strategies to monitor comprehension and analysis, students will independently read fiction and non-fiction texts with opportunities to read at grade level. Students will be aware of the consequences of plagiarism and begin to give credit to all sources used using a standard format (such as MLA or APA), demonstrating responsible use of the internet.
Schools
Middle School