Unit 1 - ELA

What are we learning?

The unit theme is A Turning Point: Civil Unrest.  In this theme eighth graders will examine the causes of societal unrest.  Students will explore language and vocabulary specific to this theme. Classes will be reading The Giver by Lois Lowry and Animal Farm by George Orwell (advanced class). 

What to expect in this unit?

Students can expect to answer comprehension questions related to literature and engage in rich discussion both whole and small group. Key literary concepts include satire, irony, and symbolism. On a regular basis, students will also practice extended written responses. 

Why does this unit matter?

This unit matters because it sets the foundations of understanding for students as they will work toward independently asking and answering questions related to literature. 

Unit 2 - ELA

What are we learning?

The unit theme is Coming of Age: Immigration. Students will evaluate the immigrant experience past, present, and future.

What to expect in this unit?

Students will explore a number of nonfiction and informational text resources. They will read a literature circle novel covering this theme and respond to high level questions. They will write a creative short story.

Why does this unit matter?

This unit matters because students develop analysis skills related to reading literature and information. They will develop organizational and creative writing skills.

Unit 3 - ELA

What are we learning?

The unit theme is Urbanization. Students will examine the development and creation of cities answering three essential questions: (1) What has been the impact of urbanization throughout time? (2) What is the long-term effect of urbanization on society? and (3) What are the advantages and disadvantages of this rapidly changing, urban life at present? Also, students will be working on argumentative skill building. Students will read several informational articles that cover a similar topic and offer varying perspectives.

What to expect in this unit?

Students will read a literature circle novel that has an urban or rural setting and develop high level questions and answers. They will use their questions to begin literature discussions with their peers. They will review figurative language and engage in an author study of the Chicago poet Carl Sandburg and some of his poetry. They will be expected to develop a written argument that supports a given side and addresses the opposing claims. They will engage in a class debate on this topic.

Why does this unit matter?

This unit matters because students develop questioning skills related to reading literature. They will develop organizational and analytical writing and speaking skills. This unit also matters because students will closely read and evaluate varying viewpoints as they support their own opinion(s) with reliable sources.

Unit 4 - ELA

What are we learning?

This unit theme is And Justice for All. The essential questions for this unit include: (1) What's fair and what's not? (2) What does the term 'justice' mean? (3) Who judges the idea of justice? (4) Who defines and decides punishment and/or mercy? 

What to expect in this unit?

Students will read novels that address questions of justice and fairness. They will develop discussion questions, identify vocabulary, and analyze the development of theme as they discuss their novels in small groups. They will also read and learn about major Supreme Court cases and deliver an expository writing presentation on a case of their choosing.

Why does this unit matter?

This unit matters because it helps students read literature critically, thinking about the big idea of a novel and how themes develop over the course of a text. It also helps students read information critically, considering multiple perspectives.

Unit 5 - ELA

What are we learning?

The unit theme is Crimes Against Humanity. Students will learn about major crimes against humanity committed in the past and present day. As they explore this difficult yet important topic, we will examine the consequences of such crimes on society.

What to expect in this unit?

Students will read novels that explore a crime against humanity and discuss questions related to their novels with their peers. We will be conducting a read aloud of The Diary of Anne Frank as a class, and students will be completing a written journal in reflection of Anne Frank's experience. They will also write an original poem that is inspired from Fern Schumer Chapman's Stumbling on History.

Why does this unit matter?

This unit matters because students will ask and answer questions related to their novels as they extend skills practiced earlier in the year. They will apply knowledge of history and present day to creatively write and present information.

Unit 6 - ELA

What are we learning?

The unit theme is Dramatically Speaking. Students in advanced classes will be reading sonnets and Act I from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Students in regular classes will be reading Crossover by Kwame Alexander and Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson. Portions of each text will be read aloud and discussed in class. They will also choose a debatable topic and work with a team to engage in a formal debate in May.

What to expect in this unit?

Students can expect to answer comprehension questions related to literature and engage in rich discussion both whole and small group. A key literary concept is character development. On a regular basis, students will also practice extended written responses. Students will conduct independent research on a debatable topic of their choice as they prepare for a formal debate between their team and an opposing team.

Why does this unit matter?

This unit matters because students apply all the skills and standards learned throughout the year including reading literature, reading information, writing, speaking, and listening.