PA English Language Arts (ELA)

PA English Language Arts (ELA)

Welcome to Team 8-2 PA ELA with Mrs. Khan

Overview of 8th Grade PA ELA

Focuses on academic and thematic essential questions

• • Incorporates multiple modes of writing and literary genres

  • Integrates grammar and vocabulary

  • Reinforces the importance of research

  • Examines the use of technology for learning and communicating (sharing)

  • Assesses student mastery of essential skills through Written Tasks and District Common Assessments

Unit 1: Unique Perspectives Fuel Creativity

• This unit examines text as the creative expression of an artist. Just as graphic artists use different mediums and tools than ceramic artists, fiction and non-fiction authors use different techniques to craft their works. Students will learn the names and purposes of literary techniques used in both types of communication. In addition, they will create both types of text with deliberate attention to using irony, suspense, diction, and structure.

Unit 2: Perspective Influences Truth

• In this unit of study students will examine the ways in which one's perspective influences what is "true" especially in situations that involve personal revenge. Lessons include critical examination of both fiction and non-fiction texts for evidence of bias/perspective with a focus on diction. In addition, students will craft pieces of text from multiple perspectives while remaining "true."

Unit 3: Power Changes Perspective

• This unit invites students to consider ethical and unethical ways writers use language to influence others by studying rhetoric and propaganda. We will examine fable, allegory, and satire as tools of persuasion along with traditional rhetorical patterns found in many political speeches. After close readings of various texts, students will write and deliver a classic rhetorical speech.

Unit 4: Different Perspectives Cause Conflict

• This unit focuses on how we communicate about controversial topics during troubled times. Diversity can cause conflict in addition to enriching the quality of life. Students will study texts that model positive ways to impact conflict with words. Also, they will participate in historical conflicts via literature in order to evaluate the effectiveness of selected writings. Finally, they will research a modern day controversy and report on the conflicts resulting from the issue as well as possible solutions.

Resources

• • • Glencoe Course 4 Literature Book

    • Glencoe Writer's Choice Grammar and Composition Textbook

    • Everyday Words from Classic Origins (vocab textbook)

    • Non-fiction, fiction, poetry, art, music, novel study books, and multimedia from a wide variety of resources

General Information:

ELA Common Core State Standards guide the curriculum:

• • Demonstrate independence

  • Build a strong foundation for knowledge

  • Communicate as well as critique

  • Value evidence

  • Use technology capably

  • Understand other perspectives and cultures

Class Materials:

• • Literature Textbook

  • Grammar Textbook

  • Vocabulary Textbook

  • 3 Subject Spiral Notebook

  • Composition Book