ELA Curriculum

Month 1: Introduction and Baseline Assessments 
(Click Above for Detailed Lessons)

Reading

  • Introduce RL.8.1 (Citing textual evidence)
  • Baseline assessments on reading comprehension using printed texts

Writing

  • Introduce W.8.1 (Writing arguments)
  • Baseline assessments on writing skills using pen and paper

Speaking and Listening

  • Introduce SL.8.1 (Collaborative discussions)
  • Baseline assessments on speaking and listening skills through structured individual responses

Language

  • Introduce L.8.1 (Standard English grammar)
  • Baseline assessments on grammar and usage with worksheets
Month 2: Key Ideas and Evidence
(Click Above for Detailed Lessons)

Reading

  • Focus on RL.8.1, RL.8.2 (Theme and analysis)
  • Practice citing textual evidence and determining themes using printed materials and short reading passages

Writing

  • Focus on W.8.1 a-c (Organizing information and supporting claims)
  • Write short argumentative paragraphs using notebooks

Speaking and Listening

  • Focus on SL.8.1 a-b (Preparing for discussions and following rules)
  • Structured individual oral responses

Language

  • Focus on L.8.1 (Grammar) and L.8.2 (Capitalization, punctuation, spelling)
  • Grammar exercises and writing practice using workbooks
Month 3: Craft and Structure       (Click Above for Detailed Lessons)

Reading

  • Focus on RL.8.3, RL.8.4 (Dialogue, word choice, tone)
  • Analyze dialogues and specific word choices in texts with printed books and short stories

Writing

  • Focus on W.8.1 d-f (Creating cohesion and formal style)
  • Continue writing argumentative paragraphs with emphasis on style using notebooks

Speaking and Listening

  • Focus on SL.8.1 c-d (Connecting ideas and responding)
  • Structured individual responses in class

Language

  • Focus on L.8.3 (Knowledge of language)
  • Exercises on using verbs and moods effectively with handouts

Reading

  • Focus on RL.8.5, RL.8.6 (Comparing texts, perspectives)
  • Compare and contrast texts with different structures and perspectives using printed materials

Writing

  • Introduce W.8.2 (Informative/explanatory texts)
  • Write short informative paragraphs using notebooks

Speaking and Listening

  • Focus on SL.8.2 (Analyzing information in media)
  • Analyze printed media and visual aids individually

Language

  • Focus on L.8.4 (Vocabulary acquisition)
  • Vocabulary exercises and application in writing using worksheets

Reading

  • Focus on RL.8.7, RL.8.9 (Modern fiction, myths)
  • Analyze modern works and their connections to traditional stories using books and short stories

Writing

  • Focus on W.8.3 (Narrative writing)
  • Write short narratives based on myths or traditional stories using notebooks

Speaking and Listening

  • Focus on SL.8.3 (Evaluating arguments)
  • Analyze and evaluate printed arguments individually

Language

  • Focus on L.8.5 (Figurative language)
  • Exercises on interpreting and using figurative language with handouts

Reading

  • Review and reinforce previous reading standards using books and printed materials
  • Independent reading assignments with summaries

Writing

  • Focus on W.8.4-6 (Digital tools replaced with print resources, research)
  • Conduct short research projects using library resources and write summaries

Speaking and Listening

  • Focus on SL.8.4-5 (Presenting knowledge and integrating multimedia)
  • Create posters or visual aids for presentations

Language

  • Focus on L.8.6 (Academic vocabulary)
  • Vocabulary building activities and application in presentations

Reading

  • Focus on RI.8.1-3 (Informational texts)
  • Analyze central ideas and connections in informational texts using printed materials

Writing

  • Continue focus on W.8.2 (Informative/explanatory texts)
  • Write detailed informative paragraphs using notebooks

Speaking and Listening

  • Review and reinforce previous speaking and listening standards
  • Individual oral presentations

Language

  • Review and reinforce grammar, punctuation, and spelling skills
  • Writing workshops and peer review using printed materials

Reading

  • Focus on RI.8.4-6 (Text structure, point of view)
  • Analyze how text structure and point of view affect meaning using printed texts

Writing

  • Focus on W.8.1 g (Revising and editing)
  • Refine argumentative paragraphs through revision using printed feedback

Speaking and Listening

  • Review and reinforce collaborative discussion skills
  • Individual oral responses

Language

  • Focus on advanced grammar and usage
  • Exercises on verbals and sentence structure using handouts

Reading

  • Focus on RI.8.7-9 (Evaluating media, conflicting information)
  • Evaluate different mediums and analyze conflicting texts using printed resources

Writing

  • Continue focus on W.8.3 (Narrative writing)
  • Write and present short narratives using printed materials and visual aids

Speaking and Listening

  • Focus on SL.8.2-3 (Analyzing and evaluating information)
  • Critical analysis of printed media and speeches

Language

  • Focus on vocabulary acquisition and use
  • Exercises on connotations and precise word choice using printed materials

Reading

  • Review and synthesize all reading standards using printed texts
  • Independent reading assignments with written reflections

Writing

  • Review and synthesize all writing standards
  • Capstone writing assignments using notebooks and printed feedback

Speaking and Listening

  • Review and synthesize all speaking and listening standards
  • Individual presentations using printed materials

Language

  • Review and synthesize all language standards
  • Writing and grammar workshops using handouts

Reading

  • Final assessments on reading comprehension and analysis using printed tests
  • Independent reading assignments using library resources

Writing

  • Final assessments on writing skills using printed materials
  • Publish final writing assignments using handwritten booklets

Speaking and Listening

  • Final assessments on speaking and listening skills through individual presentations
  • Presentation of final assignments using visual aids

Language

  • Final assessments on grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary using printed tests
  • Writing and editing final assignments using peer review

Reading

  • Reflect on growth and set goals for future reading using reading journals
  • Book reviews and reading reflections using printed materials

Writing

  • Reflect on growth and set goals for future writing using writing journals
  • Writing portfolios and reflections using notebooks

Speaking and Listening

  • Reflect on growth and set goals for future speaking and listening through structured discussions
  • Individual discussions and feedback sessions using printed prompts

Language

  • Reflect on language skills and set goals for future learning using language journals
  • Language exercises and personal growth plans using printed materials