Month 2: Introduction and Baseline Assessments
Day 1:
- Introduce Reading (RL.8.1, RL.8.2)
- Introduce key concepts of theme and textual evidence; discuss examples from selected texts.
- Read a short passage; identify themes and support with specific textual evidence.
Day 2:
- Introduce RL.8.1 (Citing textual evidence) and RL. 8.2 (Theme)
- Practice finding and citing textual evidence from the passage read on Day 1
- In-class activity: Highlight evidence in the text that supports the theme.
Day 3:
- Writing (W.8.1 a-c)
- Introduce the structure of an argumentative paragraph; discuss claim, evidence, and reasoning.
- Write a paragraph with a topic sentence, supporting details, and conclusion statement that supports the student's analysis of the text.
Day 4:
- Peer review session: Students exchange paragraphs and provide feedback based on a rubric
- Revise paragraphs based on peer feedback
- Discuss the importance of revision in the writing process
Day 5:
- Continue basic grammar concepts (L.8.1, L.8.2)
- Focus on subject-verb agreement and sentence structure
- Begin capitalization and punctuation exercises with examples from the reading.
- Grammar practice worksheet
Day 1:
- Focus on Reading (RL.8.1, RL.8.2)
- Analyze a second passage.
- Practice citing evidence to support theme analysis through group activities.
Day 2:
- Practice identifying themes in from previous day's text by focusing on identifying sub-themes and the author's purpose.
- Group discussion on how themes are developed through characters and events.
- In-class activity: Write a paragraph identifying a theme and supporting it with evidence from the text
Day 3:
- Introduction to formal writing styles (W.8.1e)
- Draft a full argumentative paragraph, ensuring clear organization and logical flow.
- Peer review paragraphs with a focus on clarity of claims and use of evidence.
Day 4:
- Continue practice with formal writing
- Peer review session: Exchange paragraphs and provide feedback
- Establish classroom rules for respectful dialogue and feedback during discussions.
Day 5:
- Focus on conventions of standard English (L.8.1, L.8.2)
- Grammar and punctuation exercises
- Engage in spelling practice with words related to the reading and writing topics.
Day 1:
- Reading (RL.8.1, RL.8.2)
- Read a longer text or excerpt; identify and discuss multiple themes within the work.
- Conduct small group discussions where students present their findings using textual evidence.
Day 2:
- Practice analyzing specific parts of the text
- In-class activity: Write a paragraph explaining how a particular event or dialogue influences the story's theme.
Day 3:
- Focus on Writing (W.8.1 a-c)
- Introduce essay organize and format
- Introduce counterarguments; practice writing rebuttals to strengthen positions.
Day 4:
- Speaking and Listening (SL.8.1 a-b)
- Students participate in a fishbowl discussion, alternating roles as speakers and listeners.
- Emphasize following discussion norms and asking clarifying questions.
Day 5:
- Language (L.8.1, L.8.2)
- Review and practice complex sentences; focus on using punctuation correctly.
- Conduct spelling tests incorporating vocabulary from the readings and themes discussed.
Day 1:
- Reading (RL.8.1, RL.8.2)
- Read a longer text or excerpt; identify and discuss multiple themes within the work.
Day 2:
- Facilitate Small group discussions where students present their findings using textual evidence.
- Conduct a cumulative review of themes across all texts read; discuss connections between them.
Day 3:
- Writing (W.8.1 a-c)
- Write a final argumentative piece that synthesizes themes from the readings; include counterarguments.
- Share and discuss final pieces in small groups, focusing on constructive criticism.
Day 4:
- Speaking and Listening (SL.8.1 a-b)
- Present thematic analysis in small groups, encouraging each member to contribute to the discussion.
- Activity: Structured individual responses to a discussion prompt & group discussion.
Day 5:
- Language (L.8.1, L.8.2)
- Finalize grammar and punctuation workbook exercises; prepare for a unit assessment.
- Review spelling and language skills through interactive games and quizzes.
Materials Needed:
- Printed texts (short stories, articles)
- Notebooks and writing materials
- Grammar worksheets and exercises
- Poster paper and markers for visual aids
- Feedback forms for peer review sessions
- Weekly Behavior Sheet
Objectives:
- Establish a strong foundation in citing textual evidence, understanding themes, and constructing arguments
- Assess and address individual student levels in reading, writing, and grammar
- Foster skills in individual responses
- Build confidence in using formal academic language and conventions