Geneva CUSD 304 Content-Area Curriculum Frameworks Grades 6-12 Language Arts Mission Statement Our mission is to develop effective communicators who discover a personal style, develop an ability to utilize processes, acquire, interpret, and use information from a variety of sources, and appreciate cultural differences and human universals. Course Sequence (Grades 6-12) Sixth Grade Language Arts or Sixth Grade Language Arts Accelerated Seventh Grade Language Arts or Seventh Grade Language Arts Accelerated Eighth Grade Language Arts or Eighth Grade Language Arts Accelerated Language Arts Grade 8 Accelerated Page 1 of 17
Eighth Grade Language Arts Accelerated Course Framework Course Title Grade Level Semesters Prerequisites Course Description District Approved Materials Eighth Grade Language Arts Accelerated Eight 2 Semesters Seventh Grade Language Arts Accelerated OR Matrix Qualification Eighth grade language arts is a balanced literacy course which integrates reading, writing, speaking, and listening into a two period block of time. Students will engage in at least four guided, shared, and independent reading workshops where the emphasis is placed on comprehension, vocabulary development, and reading fluency. All students will develop their writing skills by learning specific strategies and traits while writing for a variety of audiences and purposes. This course will also promote critical analysis and research skill development in connection with fiction and nonfiction texts. Holt, Rinehart, & Winston Elements of Literature, Second Course Holt, Rinehart, & Winston Elements of Language, Second Course Junior Great Books Language Arts Grade 8 Accelerated Page 2 of 17
Unit of Study Reading: Into the Unknown Resources: Holt Literature Collection One: Various Short Stories & Novel Choices 1.B.3a Preview reading materials, make predictions and relate reading to information from other sources. 1.B.3b Identify text structure and create a visual representation (e.g., graphic organizer, outline, drawing) to use while reading. 1.B.3c Continuously check and clarify for understanding (e.g., in addition to previous skills, draw comparisons to other readings). 1.C.3a Use information to form, explain and support questions and predictions. 1.C.3b Interpret and analyze entire narrative text using story elements, point of view and theme. 1.C.3d Summarize and make generalizations from content and relate them to the purpose of the material. 2.A.3b Describe how the development of theme, character, plot and setting contribute to the overall impact of a piece of literature. 2.B.3a Respond to literary material from personal, creative and critical points of view. Learner Outcomes Summarize a story s plot Understand plot structure: rising action, climax, & resolution Understand sequencing: chronological, spatial, climatic, cause/effect, etc. Analyze conflict: internal and external Analyze conflict: character vs. character, etc. Analyze subplots, parallel episodes, and story motifs Analyze foreshadowing, flashback, & suspense Make predictions (and adjust) Analyze main idea and support Analyze setting and its influence on mood and tone Draw inferences, conclusions, and make generalizations Visualize setting & identify sensory details Analyze role of setting and imagery Analyze tone & author s message End of Unit Summary Test, Projects, and/or Writing Language Arts Grade 8 Accelerated Page 3 of 17
Unit of Study Reading: Character Counts Resources: Holt Literature Collection Two: Various Short Stories & Novel Choices Learner Outcomes 1.B.3a Preview reading materials, make predictions and relate reading to information from other sources. 1.B.3b Identify text structure and create a visual representation (e.g., graphic organizer, outline, drawing) to use while reading. 1.B.3c Continuously check and clarify for understanding (e.g., in addition to previous skills, draw comparisons to other readings). 1.C.3a Use information to form, explain and support questions and predictions. 1.C.3b Interpret and analyze entire narrative text using story elements, point of view and theme. 1.C.3c Compare, contrast and evaluate ideas and information from various sources and genres. 2.A.3b Describe how the development of theme, character, plot and setting contribute to the overall impact of a piece of literature. 2.B.3a Respond to literary material from personal, creative and critical points of view. 2.B.3c Analyze how characters in literature deal with conflict, solve problems and relate to real-life situations. Identify types of characters: protagonist, antagonist, static, dynamic, flat, and round Understand characterization: direct & indirect Understand point of view: 1 st, 3 rd, omniscient Compare and contrast types of characterization Make inferences Understand allusions Analyze character motivation End of Unit Summary Test, Projects, and/or Writing Language Arts Grade 8 Accelerated Page 4 of 17
Unit of Study Reading: Through Your Eyes Resources: Holt Literature Collection Three: Various Short Stories & Novel Choices Learner Outcomes 1.B.3a Preview reading materials, make predictions and relate reading to information from other sources. 1.B.3b Identify text structure and create a visual representation (e.g., graphic organizer, outline, drawing) to use while reading. 1.B.3c Continuously check and clarify for understanding (e.g., in addition to previous skills, draw comparisons to other readings). 1.C.3a Use information to form, explain and support questions and predictions. 2.A.3a Identify and analyze a variety of literary techniques (e.g., figurative language, allusion, dialogue, description, word choice, dialect) within classical and contemporary works representing a variety of genres. 2.A.3b Describe how the development of theme, character, plot and setting contribute to the overall impact of a piece of literature. 2.B.3a Respond to literary material from personal, creative and critical points of view. Understand narrators & points of view (omniscient, first person, and third person limited) Analyze tone and voice Analyze first person narrator and voice Understand surprise ending Analyze unreliable narrator Draw conclusions Synthesize information from several sources End of Unit Summary Test, Projects, and/or Writing Language Arts Grade 8 Accelerated Page 5 of 17
Unit of Study Reading: Through and Through Resources: Holt Literature Collection Four: Various Short Stories & Novel Choices 1.B.3a Preview reading materials, make predictions and relate reading to information from other sources. 1.B.3c Continuously check and clarify for understanding (e.g., in addition to previous skills, draw comparisons to other readings). 1.C.3a Use information to form, explain and support questions and predictions. 1.C.3b Interpret and analyze entire narrative text using story elements, point of view and theme. 1.C.3d Summarize and make generalizations from content and relate them to the purpose of the material. 1.C.3e Compare how authors and illustrators use text and art across materials to express their ideas (e.g., foreshadowing, flashbacks, color, strong verbs, language that inspires). 2.A.3b Describe how the development of theme, character, plot and setting contribute to the overall impact of a piece of literature. 2.A.3c Identify characteristics and authors of various literary forms (e.g., short stories, novels, drama, fables, biographies, documentaries, poetry, science fiction). 2.A.3d Identify ways that an author uses language structure, word choice and style to convey the author s viewpoint. 2.B.3b Compare and contrast common literary themes across various societies and eras. Learner Outcomes Analyze recurring universal themes Analyze theme, character, and conflict Compare and contrast themes Make generalizations Synthesize ideas from different sources dealing with a single topic Compare and contrast themes across genres Analyze how a story s title relates to its theme Connect literature to the news End of Unit Summary Test, Projects, and/or Writing Language Arts Grade 8 Accelerated Page 6 of 17
Unit of Study Reading: Hard Choices Resources: Holt Literature Collection Five: Various Short Stories & Novel Choices 1.B.3a Preview reading materials, make predictions and relate reading to information from other sources. 1.B.3c Continuously check and clarify for understanding (e.g., in addition to previous skills, draw comparisons to other readings). 1.C.3a Use information to form, explain and support questions and predictions. 1.C.3c Compare, contrast and evaluate ideas and information from various sources and genres. 1.C.3d Summarize and make generalizations from content and relate them to the purpose of the material. 1.C.3e Compare how authors and illustrators use text and art across materials to express their ideas (e.g., foreshadowing, flashbacks, color, strong verbs, language that inspires). 2.A.3a Identify and analyze a variety of literary techniques (e.g., figurative language, allusion, dialogue, description, word choice, dialect) within classical and contemporary works representing a variety of genres. 2.A.3d Identify ways that an author uses language structure, word choice and style to convey the author s viewpoint. 2.B.3a Respond to literary material from personal, creative and critical points of view. 2.B.3b Compare and contrast common literary themes across various societies and eras. Learner Outcomes Understand irony (verbal, situational, and dramatic) Understand ambiguity Analyze irony and ambiguity Analyze situational irony and surprise endings Make inferences about character motivation Evaluate an author s argument and evidence Interpret contradictions End of Unit Summary Test, Projects, and/or Writing Language Arts Grade 8 Accelerated Page 7 of 17
Unit of Study Reading: Ties That Bind Resources: Holt Literature Collection Six: Various Short Stories & Novel Choices 1.B.3a Preview reading materials, make predictions and relate reading to information from other sources. 1.B.3c Continuously check and clarify for understanding (e.g., in addition to previous skills, draw comparisons to other readings). 1.C.3a Use information to form, explain and support questions and predictions. 1.C.3c Compare, contrast and evaluate ideas and information from various sources and genres. 1.C.3d Summarize and make generalizations from content and relate them to the purpose of the material. 1.C.3e Compare how authors and illustrators use text and art across materials to express their ideas (e.g., foreshadowing, flashbacks, color, strong verbs, language that inspires). 2.A.3a Identify and analyze a variety of literary techniques (e.g., figurative language, allusion, dialogue, description, word choice, dialect) within classical and contemporary works representing a variety of genres. 2.A.3d Identify ways that an author uses language structure, word choice and style to convey the author s viewpoint. 2.B.3a Respond to literary material from personal, creative and critical points of view. 2.B.3b Compare and contrast common literary themes across various societies and eras. 2.B.3c Analyze how characters in literature deal with conflict, solve problems and relate to real-life situations. Learner Outcomes Understand and analyze symbolism and allegory Make inferences from details Analyze symbols with multiple meanings Identify cause and effect Synthesize information from several sources Analyze texts for logic and coherence Analyze speaker Analyze author s background Compare and contrast stories End of Unit Summary Test, Projects, and/or Writing Language Arts Grade 8 Accelerated Page 8 of 17
Unit of Study Reading: On Your Own Resources: Holt Literature Collection Twelve: Various Short Stories 1.B.3a Preview reading materials, make predictions and relate reading to information from other sources. 1.B.3c Continuously check and clarify for understanding (e.g., in addition to previous skills, draw comparisons to other readings). 1.C.3a Use information to form, explain and support questions and predictions. 1.C.3c Compare, contrast and evaluate ideas and information from various sources and genres. 1.C.3d Summarize and make generalizations from content and relate them to the purpose of the material. 1.C.3f Interpret tables that display textual information and data in visual formats. 5.A.3b Design a project related to contemporary issues (e.g., real-world math, career development, community service) using multiple sources. 5.A.3a Identify appropriate resources to solve problems or answer questions through research. 5.B.3a Choose and analyze information sources for individual, academic and functional purposes. 5.B.3b Identify, evaluate and cite primary sources. Learner Outcomes Use specific strategies to read and analyze informational texts Analyze the structure, format, and logic of functional workplace documents Understand function of workplace documents, public documents, and consumer documents Evaluate evidence Analyze the following documents: an advertisement, a service agreement, instruction manual, & technical directions End of Unit Summary Test, Projects, and/or Writing Language Arts Grade 8 Accelerated Page 9 of 17
Unit of Study Reading & Writing Poetry Resources: Holt Literature Collection Seven & Various Other Sources 1.B.3a Preview reading materials, make predictions and relate reading to information from other sources. 1.B.3c Continuously check and clarify for understanding (e.g., in addition to previous skills, draw comparisons to other readings). 1.C.3a Use information to form, explain and support questions and predictions. 1.C.3d Summarize and make generalizations from content and relate them to the purpose of the material. 1.C.3e Compare how authors and illustrators use text and art across materials to express their ideas (e.g., foreshadowing, flashbacks, color, strong verbs, language that inspires). 2.A.3c Identify characteristics and authors of various literary forms (e.g., short stories, novels, drama, fables, biographies, documentaries, poetry, science fiction). 2.A.3d Identify ways that an author uses language structure, word choice and style to convey the author s viewpoint. 2.B.3a Respond to literary material from personal, creative and critical points of view. Learner Outcomes Use specific strategies to read and analyze poetry Make connections Analyze the following: lyric poem, narrative, ballad, haiku, epic, ode, sonnet, elegy, and free verse Analyze the following poetic devices: imagery, meter, rhyme scheme, couplet, rhythm, extended metaphors, tone, diction, onomatopoeia, & alliteration End of Unit Summary Test, and/or Poetry Portfolio Language Arts Grade 8 Accelerated Page 10 of 17
Unit of Study Vocabulary Development Resources: Short Stories, Novels, and WordMasters 1.A.3a Apply knowledge of word origins and derivations to comprehend words used in specific content areas (e.g., scientific, political, literary, mathematical). 1.A.3b Analyze the meaning of words and phrases in their context. Learner Outcomes Understand multiple meaning words Understand root words and derivations Verify words meanings by example or restatement Use context clues Understand word analogies Identify the origins and meanings of foreign words Analyze connotation and denotation Explain and analyze idioms Quizzes, Final Tests, and/or End of Unit Summary Tests Language Arts Grade 8 Accelerated Page 11 of 17
Unit of Study Writing: Narrative Resources: Holt Language Chapter Two or Holt Literature Chapter One 3.A.3 Write compositions that contain complete sentences and effective paragraphs using English conventions. 3.B.3a Produce documents that convey a clear understanding and interpretation of ideas and information and display focus, organization, elaboration and coherence. 3.B.3b Edit and revise for word choice, organization, consistent point of view and transitions among paragraphs using contemporary technology and formats suitable for submission and/or publication. 3.C.3a Compose narrative, informative, and persuasive writings (e.g., in addition to previous writings, literature reviews, instructions, news articles, correspondence) for a specified audience. 3.C.3b Using available technology, produce compositions and multimedia works for specified audiences. 5.B.3a Choose and analyze information sources for individual, academic and functional purposes. 5.C.3a Plan, compose, edit and revise documents that synthesize new meaning gleaned from multiple sources. Learner Outcomes Develop pieces of a formal personal narrative essay Introduction (hook and thesis) Body Paragraphs (transitions, topic sentence, & support) Conclusion (restated thesis & what you learned) Use of voice, details, description, & foreshadowing Use and punctuate dialogue Develop chronological sequencing Use English conventions correctly Display focus, organization, elaboration, and coherence in formal pieces of writing Edit and revise for the six traits of writing Develop writing style appropriate for specific audiences and purposes Quizzes, Final Drafts, and/or Portfolio Assessment Language Arts Grade 8 Accelerated Page 12 of 17
Unit of Study Writing: Persuasive Resources: Holt Language Chapter Seven or Holt Literature Chapter Five 3.A.3 Write compositions that contain complete sentences and effective paragraphs using English conventions. 3.B.3a Produce documents that convey a clear understanding and interpretation of ideas and information and display focus, organization, elaboration and coherence. 3.B.3b Edit and revise for word choice, organization, consistent point of view and transitions among paragraphs using contemporary technology and formats suitable for submission and/or publication. 3.C.3a Compose narrative, informative, and persuasive writings (e.g., in addition to previous writings, literature reviews, instructions, news articles, correspondence) for a specified audience. 3.C.3b Using available technology, produce compositions and multimedia works for specified audiences. 5.B.3a Choose and analyze information sources for individual, academic and functional purposes. 5.C.3a Plan, compose, edit and revise documents that synthesize new meaning gleaned from multiple sources. Learner Outcomes Develop pieces of a formal essay writing Introduction (hook and thesis) Body Paragraphs (transitions, topic sentence, & support) Conclusion (restated thesis and added thought) Identify types of appeals Use English conventions correctly Display focus, organization, elaboration, and coherence in formal pieces of writing Edit and revise for the six traits of writing Develop writing style appropriate for specific audiences and purposes Quizzes, Final Drafts, and/or Portfolio Assessment Language Arts Grade 8 Accelerated Page 13 of 17
Unit of Study Writing: Expository (Career Report) Resources: Library Holt Language Chapter Six or Holt Literature Chapter Nine 3.A.3 Write compositions that contain complete sentences and effective paragraphs using English conventions. 3.B.3a Produce documents that convey a clear understanding and interpretation of ideas and information and display focus, organization, elaboration and coherence. 3.B.3b Edit and revise for word choice, organization, consistent point of view and transitions among paragraphs using contemporary technology and formats suitable for submission and/or publication. 3.C.3a Compose narrative, informative, and persuasive writings (e.g., in addition to previous writings, literature reviews, instructions, news articles, correspondence) for a specified audience. 3.C.3b Using available technology, produce compositions and multimedia works for specified audiences. 5.A.3a Identify appropriate resources to solve problems or answer questions through research. 5.A.3b Design a project related to contemporary issues (e.g., real-world math, career development, community service) using multiple sources. 5.B.3a Choose and analyze information sources for individual, academic and functional purposes. 5.B.3b Identify, evaluate and cite primary sources. 5.C.3a Plan, compose, edit and revise documents that synthesize new meaning gleaned from multiple sources. 5.C.3c Take notes, conduct interviews, organize and report information in oral, visual and electronic formats. Learner Outcomes Identify paraphrasing vs. plagiarizing Develop note-taking and outlining strategies Using a variety of sources Cite sources (MLA format) Differentiate fact from opinion Use English conventions correctly Display focus, organization, elaboration, and coherence in formal pieces of writing Develop writing style appropriate for specific audiences and purposes Research, Expository Essay, Bibliography Language Arts Grade 8 Accelerated Page 14 of 17
Unit of Study Writing: Grammar Resources: Holt Language Chapters 12, 13, and 22-26 3.A.3 Write compositions that contain complete sentences and effective paragraphs using English conventions. Learner Outcomes Identify and use the following parts of speech: noun, pronoun, adjective, verb, adverb, preposition, conjunction, and interjection Identify different types of each of the eight parts of speech Understand and correctly use sentence structure including subject, predicate, compliments, phrases, clauses, and agreement Understand and correctly use punctuation marks: end marks, commas, semicolons, colons, quotation marks, & apostrophes Correct common errors Revisit English conventions and correct common errors, as needed Quizzes, Final Tests, and/or Formal within Writing Units Language Arts Grade 8 Accelerated Page 15 of 17
Unit of Study Speaking & Listening Resources: Holt Literature and Language Various Chapters Learner Outcomes 3.C.3b Using available technology, produce compositions and multimedia works for specified audiences. 4.A.3a Demonstrate ways (e.g., ask probing questions, provide feedback to a speaker, summarize and paraphrase complex spoken messages) that listening attentively can improve comprehension. 4.A.3b Compare a speaker s verbal and nonverbal messages. 4.A.3c Restate and carry out multistep oral instructions. 4.A.3d Demonstrate the ability to identify and manage barriers to listening (e.g., noise, speaker credibility, environmental distractions). 4.B.3a Deliver planned oral presentations, using language and vocabulary appropriate to the purpose, message and audience; provide details and supporting information that clarify main ideas; and use visual aids and contemporary technology as support. 4.B.3b Design and produce reports and multi-media compositions that represent group projects. 4.B.3c Develop strategies to manage or overcome communication anxiety and apprehension (e.g., sentence outlining, note cards). 4.B.3d Use verbal and nonverbal communication strategies to maintain communications and to resolve conflict. 5.C.3b Prepare and orally present original work (e.g., poems, monologues, reports, plays, stories) supported by research. 5.C.3c Take notes, conduct interviews, organize and report information in oral, visual and electronic formats. Develop an informational and/or persuasive speech Evaluate volume, timing, body language, eye contact, & articulation Follow multiple step directions Discern meaning from verbal message Formal Speech, Informal Discussions, and/or Presentations Language Arts Grade 8 Accelerated Page 16 of 17
Unit of Study Independent Reading Resources: Novels of Student s Choice and as Directed by Teacher Learner Outcomes 1.B.3d Read age-appropriate material with fluency and accuracy. 2.B.3a Respond to literary material from personal, creative and critical points of view. 2.B.3c Analyze how characters in literature deal with conflict, solve problems and relate to real-life situations. 3.C.3b Using available technology, produce compositions and multimedia works for specified audiences. Read for pleasure, understanding, and reflection Understand difference in genres Adjust reading rate according to purpose Develop strategies to help choose a book Writing Assignments, Reflections, and/or Projects Language Arts Grade 8 Accelerated Page 17 of 17