Literature Grade 8 Mrs. Saltonstall

By the end of Grade 8 Dorset students will use a variety of strategies to comprehend suitable grade level material. They will demonstrate understanding by using a repertoire of comprehension skills: summarizing, clarifying, inferring, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating. The emphasis will be on interpretation and analysis, going beyond the simple literal recall of the plot. Students will be able to analyze and interpret all types of literary genres by responding to what they have read in a variety of ways using specific references to text and in making personal connections.

I. Class Novels--direct instruction, whole class activity, class assignments which include oral reading, Reader’s Theater, vocabulary work, final tests which contain multiple choice and essays. A large percent of reading done in class with homework assessing comprehension of the written material done the same day.

The following novels will be read, but not necessarily in the order given. Also, other novels may be read instead.

A. The Light in the Forest

B. The Outsiders

C. The Giver

D. Animal Farm

E. Lord of the Flies

F. Romeo and Juliet

G. Inherit the Wind

H. The Girl Who Owned a City

II. Independent Reading Requirement- 25 books or their equivalent. This works out to be about 1 to 1.5 “Books” per month. Your child should read for one half hour per night.

III. Film--Video Literacy

A.Transfer of higher order critical reading skills to viewing sills with

emphasis on deductive reasoning and active viewing.

B.Twilight Zone Excursion

C. Videos of Novels when available

IV. Literary Circles--small groups which meet on a daily basis to discuss and process books. Usually towards end of year (within last half)

V. Preparation for New Standards Reference Exams--reading for a purpose within time limits. Analytical reasoning stressed through timed essays.

VI. Daybook of Critical Reading and Writing

Grading System: Classwork 30%Homework 20%,Tests/Quiz 35%

Independent Reading 15%