English Language Arts 8

Course Description

This course uses the 8th grade ELA curriculum to teach students various strategies that enhance their understanding, enjoyment, and appreciation of texts when applied to the reading. Students apply the elements of different literary genres to interpret, analyze, and evaluate the structure, language, and ideas of the literature they read. Students connect the readings and their own experiences to further enhance the meaning of the literature on a personal level, enabling them to develop as critical and reflective thinkers. Texts across genres, both literary and informational, are also used as the foundation for developing oral and written language. Students learn to express what they have learned and to share ideas and perspectives on important issues in formal and informal situations, in oral discussions, presentations, debates, projects, and written essays. In addition, students work with writing extended compositions across the writing types. Students demonstrate their evolving writing capabilities through literary analysis compositions, in-depth expository writing focusing on writing a stellar thesis statement, finding and citing precise evidence, and developing an understanding of "audience" and the logic of using certain arguments. Ongoing and focused feedback is part of this process. Vocabulary growth continues to be taught through the core texts as well as through unit lessons. Grammar and usage are taught through lessons, writing, and application. This course prepares students for the transition to 9th Grade. Students read a variety of texts, from classic to contemporary, including short stories and poetry collections, Before They Were Free by Julia Alvarez, Of Mice & Men by John Steinbeck, and Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare among others.