8th Grade English

"Short stories are tiny windows into other worlds and other minds and other dreams. They are journeys you can make to the far side of the universe and still be back in time for dinner."

—Neil Gaiman

During this unit we will be working toward becoming proficient readers and analyzers of literary text, using short stories, and writers of clear, organized literary analysis paragraphs. The skills which students will learn and develop throughout the term will culminate in a literary analysis assessment at the end of the term.

"We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master."

—Ernest Hemingway

One of the most important skills you will ever learn is how to write well. In high school, in college/university, in your careers, and even in  your personal lives, outside of school and work, you will do an enormous amount of writing, and now is the time to start learning... trust me. 

During this unit we will be taking a close look at formulating ideas, establishing context, using exposition to its fullest, and sequencing events in a literary texts. Additionally, we will be taking a look at some of the more transferable writing techniques in word choice, sentence fluency, and, by far one of the most difficult things for a writer to “find” and/or develop, voice. The skills which students will learn and develop throughout the term will culminate in a 1,500-2,000 word narrative at the end of the term.

"Books are the plane, and the train, and the road. They are the destination and the journey. They are home."

—Anna Quindlen

This quarter, in Q2 Book Clubs, prepare to embark on a literary journey guided by this very idea. Get ready to unleash your inner bibliophile as you plunge into captivating stories, your discussions fueled by your own curiosity and diverse perspectives.

During this unit, you'll have autonomy in choosing your texts and shaping your book club experience. Dive deep into chosen worlds, ignite discussions sparked by your imaginative questions, and champion your interpretations with textual evidence. Sharpen your literary detective skills, become articulate advocates for your ideas, and prepare to really learn what it means to discuss literature. 

"Correct grammar is like good manners - you should employ it when necessary, but it should not get in the way of effective communication."

—Unknown

This unit is will help us to improve our understanding of the basic building blocks of language. By the end of this unit, we should have a solid foundation in grammar and usage, which will help us to communicate our ideas more effectively in writing and speaking. During this unit, we will explore various topics such as parts of speech, sentence structure, and punctuation, among others. Get ready to dive into the exciting world of grammar and improve your language skills!

"Nonfiction is the revelation of reality, and it is our job as writers and readers to seek the truth and hold it up for examination." 

—John Dufresne

In this unit, we will be honing our skills as critical readers by learning how to make accurate and thoughtful inferences, identify and cite relevant evidence, and determine central ideas and themes. We will also be exploring the relationships between events, ideas, and concepts in the texts we read and learning how to explain these connections using specific information from the text. By the end of this unit, you will be well-equipped to tackle any informational text that comes your way. So get ready to sharpen your skills and gain a deeper appreciation for the power of reading and understanding informational text!

"The aim of argument, or of discussion, should not be victory, but progress."

—Joseph Joubert

Welcome to the world of argument writing, where the power of persuasion is at your fingertips. However, it's important to remember that the goal of argumentation is not to simply "win" the argument, but to make progress and achieve a deeper understanding of the topic at hand. This quote by Joseph Joubert encapsulates the essence of what argument writing should be about: progressing towards a deeper understanding through healthy and productive discussion.

Throughout this unit, we will be exploring the art of argument writing and discovering the various techniques that will help you craft convincing and effective arguments. We will take a close look at crafting arguments from the ground up, the importance of research and analysis, and how to present your ideas in a clear, concise, and integrated manner.

But above all, we will be focusing on the mindset and attitude required for successful argumentation. The goal is not to shut down your opponents or come out on top, but rather to engage in meaningful conversation that leads to progress and mutual understanding.

So, let's begin our journey into the world of argument writing and discover how we can use the power of persuasion to make progress and achieve our goals.

(On Shakespeare) "He was not of an age, but for all time!"

—John Milton

That's why we study Shakespeare, to not only understand his influence on literature and culture, but also to appreciate his masterful use of language and the timeless themes that he explores. 

In this unit, we'll be diving into one of Shakespeare's most famous plays in Romeo and Juliet and exploring the complex themes of love, tragedy, and fate. By studying this play, we'll not only gain a deeper understanding of Shakespeare's work, but also improve our critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills.