8th Grade Language Arts

Eldorado K-8/Ecton

Areas of Emphasis

 

Reading

Resources/Texts:

á          Prentice Hall Literature Anthology

á          Daybook of Critical Thinking

á          Various District Approved U.S. Historical Fiction Titles

* Reading for detail  * Rephrasing questions into answers  * Looking for the main idea in a reading passage

* Using symbols for meaning  * Inferring and interpreting  * Identifying figurative language (similes, metaphors, personification) and stylistic devices (alliteration, onomatopoeia)  * Recognizing fact vs. opinion  * Recognizing vocabulary through context  * Identifying topic sentences in paragraphs  * Predicting  * Employing character analysis  * Reading timelines  * Understanding factual readings (content area reading)  * Interpreting pictures, captions, charts, and graphs  * Paraphrasing  * Identifying point of view  * Knowing the use of various resources and their component parts (index, glossary, table of contents, etc.)  * Understanding informative literature (brochures, pamphlets, etc.)  * Identifying main idea and subordinate ideas  * Interpreting poetry and understanding its structure  *Summarizing  *Identifying implied messages  * Determining the reliability of resources  *Understanding bibliographic/Works Cited listing and dictionary listings  * Understanding chronological order  * Understanding graphic organizers

Writing

Resources/Texts:

á          WriterÕs Inc.

á          Six Trait Method of Writing

á        First Steps Method of Writing

* Understanding and utilizing all phases of the writing process with emphasis on revision  * Using various methods of prewriting through graphic organizers (excluding the use of webs)  * Using introductory and concluding paragraphs  * Practicing expository, persuasive, descriptive, and narrative writing forms  *Reviewing business and friendly letter writing forms   * Identifying strong, effective topic sentences  *Developing paragraph support for a topic sentence  * Knowing the difference between fact and opinion in supporting details  * Eliminating unnecessary detail (sentences/ideas needing omission)  * Developing expository answers using detailed support from a passage    *Understanding expository paragraph development (facts, examples, reasons, incidents)   *Understanding the logical order of information  * Using sentence fluency and variety  *Understanding and using revision checklists in the writing process including those for audience/purpose, organization,  ideas/content,  sentence variety, word choice, and conventions  * Understanding multiple meanings for words through regular vocabulary study