8th Grade ELAMrs. Kuchek's Basic Guidelines, all classes All in all, English Language and Literature is meant to explore the power of human communication - our own, and others'. Eighth grade students are expected to read novels of various complexities and genres, both teacher-selected and free choice. Writing will include to inform, to persuade and to entertain, and will continue improving mechanics, grammar and spelling. Timed and free-writes will demonstrate a growing comfort with communicating ideas completely and efficiently. Oral recitation of text will include memorization of small verses, debate, and dramatic reading. Other speaking and listening skills will be demonstrated during individual and group presentations or cooperative learning groups. |
Grading Policy: Literature and Writing Grades are noted separately. The assignments generally correlate thematically with each other, and may also tie in with social studies lessons. Literature grades are on a cumulative point value, mixing with reading logs, individual assignments and literature circle group work. |
1st Period• Summer Reading - follow the link for the options
* Short Story Unit, esp. Elements of Fiction * Temple Theater field trip "Encore!!" • Narrative Writing & America & Me Essay Link for "Sleepy Hollow" www.eastoftheweb.com/short-stories/UBooks/LegSle.shtml http://www.gutenberg.org/files/41/41-h/41-h.htm |
2nd Period J• Contemporary Fiction, Nothing but the Truth, by Avi
• Persuasive Essay on Civil Rights Issue • Social Action Letter / March for Life *A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - compare novella with movie versions |
3rd Period* Nonfiction Reading of Individual Choice
*Book Review & Connections in Text Writing Piece • Opinion/Argument Writing |
4th PeriodAutobiography of Mother Teresa, or other choice memoir
• Expository Writing & Memoir • Letter to Future Self |
Video links for A Christmas Carol:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=92befrZYBLE&t=2705s 1984 Version - color, with George C. Scott
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT0Rzy5Op2Q 1977 BBC version
www.youtube.com/watch?v=92befrZYBLE&t=2705s 1984 Version - color, with George C. Scott
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT0Rzy5Op2Q 1977 BBC version