Eighth Grade Language Arts Curriculum

Literacy has always been a collection of cultural and
communicative practices shared among members of
particular groups. As society and technology change, so
does literacy. Because technology has increased the
intensity and complexity of literate environments, the
Twenty-First Century demands that a literate person
possess a wide range of abilities and competencies, many
literacies. These literacies—from reading online
newspapers to participating in virtual classrooms—are
multiple, dynamic, and malleable. As in the past, they are
inextricably linked with particular histories, life possibilities,
and social trajectories of individuals and groups. Twentyfirst century readers and writers need to:
Grade 8
• Develop proficiency with the tools of technology
• Build relationships with others to pose and solve problems
collaboratively and cross-culturally
• Design and share information for global communities to
meet a variety of purposes
• Manage, analyze, and synthesize multiple streams of
simultaneous information
• Create, critique, analyze, and evaluate multimedia texts
• Attend to the ethical responsibilities required by these
complex environment
Adopted by the NCTE Executive Committee, February 15, 2008
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Portrait of Students Who are College andCareer Ready in Reading, Writing, Speaking, Viewing, Listening, and Media Literacy and Language
The descriptions that follow are not standards themselves but instead offer a portrait of students who meet the standards of South Washington County. As students advance through the grades and
master the standards in reading, writing, speaking, viewing, listening, and media literacy and language, they are able to exhibit these capacities of the literate individual.
They demonstrate independence.
Students can, without significant scaffolding, comprehend and evaluate complex texts across a range of types and disciplines, and they can construct effective arguments and convey intricate or
multifaceted information. Likewise, students are able independently to discern a speaker’s key points, request clarification, and ask relevant questions. They build on others’ ideas, articulate their own
ideas, and confirm they have been understood. Without prompting, they demonstrate command of standard English and acquire and use a wide-ranging vocabulary. More broadly, they become selfdirected learners, effectively seeking out and using resources to assist them, including teachers, peers, and print and digital reference materials.
They build strong content knowledge.
Students establish a base of knowledge across a wide range of subject matter by engaging with works of quality and substance. They become proficient in new areas through research and study. They
read purposefully and listen attentively to gain both general knowledge and discipline-specific expertise. They refine and share their knowledge through writing and speaking.
They respond to the varying demands of audience, task, purpose, and discipline.
Students adapt their communication in relation to audience, task, purpose, and discipline. They set and adjust purpose for reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language use as warranted by the
task. They appreciate nuances, such as how the composition of an audience should affect tone when speaking and how the connotations of words affect meaning. They also know that different
disciplines call for different types of evidence (e.g., documentary evidence in history, experimental evidence in science).
They comprehend as well as critique.
Students are engaged and open-minded—but discerning—readers, listeners and viewers. They work diligently to understand precisely what an author or speaker is saying, but they also question an
author’s or speaker’s assumptions and premises and assess the veracity of claims and the soundness of reasoning.
They value evidence.
Students cite specific evidence when offering an oral or written interpretation of a text. They use relevant evidence when supporting their own points in writing and speaking, making their reasoning
clear to the reader or listener, and they constructively evaluate others’ use of evidence.
They use technology and digital media strategically and capably.
Students employ technology thoughtfully to enhance their reading, writing, speaking, viewing, listening, and media literacy and language use. They tailor their searches online to acquire useful
information efficiently, and they integrate what they learn using technology with what they learn offline. They are familiar with the strengths and limitations of various technological tools and
mediums and can select and use those best suited to their communication goals.
They come to understand other perspectives and cultures.
Students appreciate that the twenty-first-century classroom and workplace are settings in which people from often widely divergent cultures and who represent diverse experiences and perspectives
must learn and work together. Students actively seek to understand other perspectives and cultures through reading and listening, and they are able to communicate effectively with people of varied
backgrounds. They evaluate other points of view critically and constructively. Through reading great classic and contemporary works of literature representative of a variety of periods, cultures, and
worldviews, students can vicariously inhabit worlds and have experiences much different than their own
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Table of Contents
Portrait of Students Who are College andCareer Ready in Reading, Writing, Speaking, Viewing, Listening, and Media Literacy and Language………………………
Page 2
These are derived from the College and Career Readiness standards and are the expectations for graduating seniors in South Washington County Schools.
Language Arts Instructional Continuum/Instructional Framework……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Page 4-5
These pages outline the instructional format for all ELA classrooms. This type of structure allows us to personalize instruction for students.
What is Curriculum…………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Page 6
This page outlines District 833 definition of curriculum along with notes on Lexile and NAEP reading and writing guidelines.
Curricular Framework/Year Long View………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Page 7
This page outlines the entire curricular year. It includes the essential questions for Language Arts as well as essential questions that make connections to social studies and Science. It is
organized with a narrative focus in the fall, expository focus in the winter and poetry, drama and persuasion focus in the spring. It’s important for teachers to remember that Language
Arts require a spiral approach and skills should be revisited often.
Learning Targets ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Page 8- 15
The learning targets were created based on the State Standards and Benchmarks. Sometimes these are rewritten word for word, and other times they have a South Washington County
twist. Either way, these are the learning targets that must be taught at this grade level.
Common Writing Assessments…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Page 16-17
Included in this section are the common writing assessments that are expected at this grade level.
District 833 Elements – Reading Fiction (narrative), Reading Nonfiction (informational), Persuasive, Speech, Writing, other ………………………………………………… Page 18-36
These sections are reference pages for teachers when teaching the different literary elements. These pages will be in continuous improvement as we continue to have discussions around
alignment by grade level.
Word Study…………………………………..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Page 37
Word Analysis/Vocabulary and Spelling Patterns are outlined by grade level in this section. These are exit skills required for this grade level.
The Big 6 Research Model…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Page 38
The Big6 is the inquiry based research model for students in Grades 3-12.
Depth of Knowledge ……………….………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Page 39-40
Use this framework as you develop lessons. Understand that ALL students benefit from higher order questioning techniques.
Marzano’s Strategies Proved to Raise Student Achievement…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Page 41
Richard Marzano has done extensive research on what strategies have been proven to raise student achievement. As teachers write lessons, it’s advisable to find ways to include these
into your daily lessons.
How to Help Your Readers…Even Your Struggling Readers…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Page 42
This section outlines some specific strategies teachers can use to help their struggling readers.
How to Help Your Readers…Even Your Talented Readers…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Page 43-44
The SEM-R (School Wide Enrichment Model – Reading) was developed to increase reading challenge and enjoyment in all students, but one important goal of this approach is to
challenge talented readers. This section outlines some specific strategies teachers can use to help their talented readers.
Differentiation Checklist…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Page 45
The Differentiation Checklist was included to help teachers self assess themselves on the level of Differentiation understanding.
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In the fall of 2009, all South Washington County middle schools introduced the Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop methodology into all language arts classrooms.
This approach puts every child at the center and provides an education for every child that is tailored to each child’s learning needs at any given moment. It
promotes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Personalized instruction
Student centered instruction – encourages choice and engagement
Data driven decision making based on on-going formative assessments
Explicit teaching of skills, strategies and concepts
Independence
Language Arts Instructional Continuum
Traditional Model
Workshop Model
Teacher decides pacing of curriculum
Data driven instructional decisions – move at a personalized, rigorous pace
Students practice skills and memorize facts
Students actively construct concepts and meanings
Content is broken down into discrete, sequential skills
Content is presented as a whole (through essential questions)
Products are of primary importance (answers on tests, etc.)
Process is valued as a means to acceptable outcomes
Avoiding mistakes is important
Taking risks is a sign of learning
Performance on tests is valued highly
Meaningful tasks are emphasized
Teachers do the evaluating and grading
Students learn to assess their own progress by goal setting
Learning is expected to be uniform
Focuses attention on what to learn
Learning is personalized and unique. Evaluation is orientated toward
growth
Focuses attention on how to learn
Promotes genre and skill-based teaching
Promotes concept-based or interdisciplinary teaching
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South Washington County
E-8 Literacy Instructional Framework:
Read aloud
Teacher reads aloud from multiple texts for a variety of purposes to support learning. Read aloud provides students with a model of how fluent readers
sound and proficient readers think, exposes students to a variety of different genre, builds vocabulary, and helps support curriculum in a whole group
setting.
Mini lesson/Shared Reading/Focus Lesson
Teacher provides interactive, whole group, explicit instruction at grade level. These lessons present essential grade level reading and writing skills to all
learners.
Guided Practice (Reading and Writing):
Reading:
The teacher uses a Gradual Release model to guide students’ use of appropriate reading strategies and skills.
The teacher uses a variety of grouping strategies and/or one-on-one conferencing to provide support as students develop critical
thinking skills. Students are reading books at their instructional level and learning strategies to navigate through challenging text.
Writing:
The teacher uses a Gradual Release model to guide students through the writing process while asking students to write for a variety of
audiences and purposes.
Independent Practice (Reading and Writing):
Reading:
Students read a variety of different genres for a variety of different purposes. Students read on their own or with
partners and read for pleasure or practice the skills learned. Students read books at their independent level and are offered selfselected and/or teacher-guided choice.
Writing:
Students write a variety of different genres for a variety of different purposes. Students write on their own or
with partners and write for pleasure or practice the skills learned. Students are offered self-selected and/or teacher-guided choice.
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What is Curriculum?
Curriculum is defined in the South Washington County School District as an instructional framework guided by the Minnesota state standards and benchmarks while creating critical readers,
writers, speakers, listeners and thinkers. Curriculum is everything that impacts learning - stated or unstated, within our school community. You can
find the MN State Standards document here:
http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/Academic_Excellence/Academic_Standards/Language_Arts/index.html
Lexile levels Consideration
Students in the first year(s) of a given
band are expected by the end of the year
to read and comprehend proficiently
within the band, with scaffolding as
needed at the high end of the range.
Students in the last year of a band are
expected by the end of the year to read
and comprehend independently and
proficiently within the band. (Taken from
Curriculum in the South Washington County School District includes:
Standards and District 833 Essential Questions and Outcomes
Content/ Instructional resources that support the instructional agenda of the school community
Classroom and school environment
Life experiences
Inclusive relationships between families, teachers, students and community that respect all individuals
Instructional strategies proven to raise student achievement
Common Core standards, appendix A, p. 8)
K-1
N/A
2-3
450-790
4-5
780-980
6-8
955-1155
9-10
1080-1305
11-12
1215-1355
Notes:
The reading benchmarks that are assessed using the MCA lll test are highlighted, bolded and underlined in the following pages. You can find more details for each of
the assessed standards in the MCA lll Test Specifications located at http://education.state.mn.us/mdeprod/groups/Assessment/documents/Report/021517.pdf
To measure students’ growth toward college and career readiness, assessments aligned with the standard should adhere to the distribution of texts across grades as
cited in the NAEP framework:
Distribution of Literary and Informational
Passages by Grade (NAEP Guidelines)
Distribution of Communicative Purposes by Grade
(NAEP Guidelines)
Grade
Literary
Informational
4
50%
50%
8
45%
55%
12
30%
70%
Grade
To
Persuade
To
Explain
To Convey
Experience
4
30%
35%
35%
8
35%
35%
30%
12
40%
40%
20%
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Curricular Framework:
In an effort to ensure all learners’ proficiency in the language arts, a Curriculum Framework was created to align curriculum, instruction and assessment and provide a comprehensive structure for Language Arts. This
framework serves as a guide; individual schools should align these standards based on the needs of their community of learners. This Framework includes a connection among interdisciplinary concepts and provides a means
for all content areas to make connections to student learning across each grade level. While teaching all learning targets, teachers should structure their classroom to include at least two literature circles and three Inquirybased lessons from our Junior Great Books collection in conjunction with weekly independent reading.
EU
Literacies are
continuously
evolving
windows to
humanity
and vehicles
for
constructing
knowledge,
acquiring
skills, and
developing
habits of
mind.
Interdisciplinary
Concept
Social Studies
Connection
Language Arts Content Questions
Possible Resources
Responsibility to Self
Citizenship
Reading and Literature
Essential Questions
What inspires motivation?
What are the implications
of personal growth?
What is integrity?
Unit Questions
What is your responsibility
to the global community?
How can I be a responsible
local, national and global
citizen?
The Late Homecomer (NA)
JGB – The Watch – Series 8 – Page 57
JGB – Rules of the Game – Page 23
Get Real - What kind of a world are you buying?
Responsibility to
Community
Economics
Essential Questions
How do groups manage
power?
Unit Questions
How do economics impact
America and the relationship
with the global community?
What are some ways that
nations rely on each other in
order to develop?
What motivates personal
sacrifice?
What is civic responsibility?
Geography
Responsibility to Society
Comparative Societies
How do authors organize fiction and nonfiction text?
How can the use of effective reading strategies promote higher level thinking?
How does a work of literature endure through time?
Writing and Language
How do writers use voice to reveal meaning?
How do writers effectively structure fiction and nonfiction writing?
st
21 Century Literacies
How does learning about different patterns of organization help me
understand media?
Reading and Literature
What can we learn about reading and writing from studying the same
event/era through multiple author’s perspectives?
How do authors use figurative language to affect meaning?
How can learning prefixes, suffixes, and roots help people enlarge
vocabularies?
Writing and Language
How can one improve one’s writing through the study of grammar and usage?
What constitutes an analytical response?
st
21 Century Literacies
How can one critically evaluate the quality and relevance of informational
media?
What kinds of writing will be part of the 21st century workplace?
Reading and Literature
How does an author convey ideas or beliefs through text?
Essential Questions
How is individual identity
impacted by societal
expectations?
How do individual
decisions affect the global
society?
Unit Questions
How have humans impacted
their environment
throughout the world?
How do people use belief
systems to justify a behavior
or action?
How have movements and
social conditions changed
the lives of minorities?
Writing and Language
How can one plan and present an effective persuasive argument?
What are the qualities of a persuasive paper?
st
21 Century Literacies
How does one recognize bias?
What skills are necessary to give and seek information in conversations, in
group discussions, and in oral presentations?
Be Good to Eddie Lee – Picture Book
Cracker
Trash
Fallen Angels
Siddhartha
Breadwinner
Pavana’s Journey
Girl of Cosovo
Possible Resources
Chu Ju’s House
JGB – At Her Father’s and
her Mother’s Place –
Series 7 – page 20
JGB Anthologies
Citizens of the World –
Readings in Human
Rights
What on Earth?
Time of Change
And Justice for All
Keeping Things Whole –
Readings in
Environmental Science
Paper Crane– Picture Book
Mississippi Morning– Picture Book
Patrol– Picture Book
Kite Runner
One Thousand Splended Suns
Now is the Time for Running
This I Believe l and ll
Our Living Earth
Get Real: What Kind of World Are
You Buying?
Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind
Guests of the Shaeik
Sunrise Over Fullujah
In the Time of the Butterflies
Possible Resources
Look for poetry that fits Comparative Societies
The Last Book in the Universe (740L)
Animal Farm (1170L)
The Giver(760L)
Uglies (770L)
Among the Hidden(800L)
House of Scorpian (660L)
Flowers for Algernon (910L)
Hunger Games (810L)
Trash
Now is a Time for Running
Miracle Worker (NP)
Flowers for Algernon (910L)
Twelve Angry Men (NP)
JGB – The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse – Series 8 – Page
14
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Learning Targets by Trimester
Below are the learning targets separated by trimester (or by Fall, Winter, Spring) that align with the essential questions. As teachers consider creating formative assessments,
they should be created based off of learning targets. The pacing that is expected each trimester consists of Narrative elements in the Fall, Informative elements in the Winter
and Persuasion, Poetry and Drama elements in the Spring. However, as always, a good ELA is spiraled.
Essential Question
Learning Target
Benchmark
Reading and Literature
Fall – Tri 1
How can the use of
effective reading strategies
promote higher level
thinking?
Students will work toward reading 20 or more books by the end of the school year, at the 6-8 text
complexity band, interest level, or subject specific, across a variety of genres and from multiple
perspectives and authors (This includes books used for independent reading, literature circles,
content area classes, read aloud, etc.)
By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature and other texts including
stories, dramas, and poems, in the grades 6–8 text complexity band proficiently and
independently with appropriate scaffolding for texts at the high end of the range.
(8.4.10.10)
a.
b.
How do authors organize
fiction and nonfiction text?
These shall include:
Fiction
Nonfiction
Poetry
Drama
Students will independently read in class, for a sustained period of time, at least 3-5 days per week,
self selecting text for personal enjoyment, interest or academic tasks.
Students will cite examples from the text to support their ideas and opinions.
Students will analyze how story elements, or dialogue in a story, affect the action, characters, or
direction of the text or provoke a decision.
Students will compare how form or structure affects meaning in two or more texts and analyze how
each contributes to its meaning and style.
Students will analyze how individuals, events, and ideas compare to one another in a text while
reading text in the 6-8 text complexity band.
Students will examine how specific form or structure of a paragraph or sentence develops a
concept.
Students will critique how different points of view affect a story and create such effects as suspense
or humor while reading text in the 6-8 text complexity bands.
How does a work of
literature endure through
time?
Students will analyze the differences between a written text and a performance of the same text
analyzing why a director or actor made certain decisions.
Students will analyze how a modern work of fiction draws on themes, patterns of events, or
character types from myths, traditional stories, or religious works such as the Bible, including
describing how the material is rendered new.
Self select text for personal enjoyment and other purposes.
Read widely to understand multiple perspectives and pluralistic viewpoints.
Cite the textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text
says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. (8.4.1.1)
See Page 53 of Test Specifications
Analyze how particular lines of dialogue or incidents in a story or drama propel the
action, reveal aspects of a character, or provoke a decision. (8.4.3.3)
See Page 55-56 of Test Specifications
Compare and contrast the structure of two or more texts and analyze how the
differing structure of each text contributes to its meaning and style. (8.4.5.5)
See Page 57-58 of Test Specifications
Analyze how a text makes connections among and distinctions between individuals,
ideas, or events (e.g., through comparisons, analogies, or categories). (8.5.3.3)
See Page 55-56 of Test Specifications
Analyze in detail the structure of a specific paragraph in a text, including the role of
particular sentences in developing and refining a key concept. (8.5.5.5)
See Page 57-58 of Test Specifications
Analyze how differences in the points of view of the characters and the audience or
reader (e.g., created through the use of dramatic irony) create such effects as
suspense or humor. (8.4.6.6)
See Page 58-59 of Test Specifications
Analyze the extent to which a filmed or live production of a story or drama stays
faithful to or departs from the text or script, evaluating the choices made by the
director or actors. (8.4.7.7)
Analyze how a modern work of fiction draws on themes, patterns of events, or
character types from myths, traditional stories, or religious works such as the Bible,
including describing how the material is rendered new. (8.4.9.9)
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Essential Question
Learning Target
Benchmark
Writing and Language
Fall - Tri 1
How do writers use voice to
reveal meaning?
Students will write narratives and other creative texts to develop real or imagined experiences or
events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well structure event sequences.
Write Narratives and other creative texts to develop real or imagined experiences or
events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well structure event
sequences. (8.7.3.3)
Engage and orient the reader by establishing a context and point of view and introducing
a narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally and
logically.
Use literary and narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, description, rhythm,
repetition, rhyme, and reflection to develop experiences, events, and/or characters.
Use a variety of transition words, phrases, and clauses to convey sequence, signal shifts
from on e time frame or setting to another, and show the relationships among
experiences and events.
Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, figurative and sensory
language to capture the action and convey experiences and events.
Provide a conclusion (when appropriate to the genre) that follows from the narrated
experiences or events.
Students will follow the District 833 district wide common rubric and demonstrate the use of the
following elements when creating and enhancing pieces of writing. These include:
How do writers effectively
structure fiction and
nonfiction writing?
21st Century Literacies
Fall – Tri 1
How does learning about
different patterns of
organization help me
understand media?
Ideas
Organization
Voice
Word Choice
Sentence Fluency
Conventions
Students will write coherent fiction or nonfiction text which clearly addresses task, purpose and
audience.
a. Engage and orient the reader by establishing a context and point of view and
introducing a narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds
naturally and logically.
b. Use literary and narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, description,
rhythm, repetition, rhyme, and reflection to develop experiences, events, and/or
characters.
c. Use a variety of transition words, phrases, and clauses to convey sequence, signal
shifts from on e time frame or setting to another, and show the relationships
among experiences and events.
d. Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, figurative and sensory
language to capture the action and convey experiences and events.
e. Provide a conclusion (when appropriate to the genre) that follows from the
narrated experiences or events.
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style
are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific expectations for
writing types are defined in standards 1–3.) (8.7.4.4)
Students will explore how certain words and phrases are used (including figurative and connotative
language) to impact the meaning in a FICTIONAL piece of text and analyze how word choice affects
the tone of the text.
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including
figurative and connotative; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning
and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts. (8.4.4.4)
See Page 56-57 of Test Specifications
Students will analyze information presented in alternative forms of media for purpose and motive.
Analyze the purpose of information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g.,
visually, quantitatively, orally) and evaluate the motives (e.g., social, commercial,
political) behind its presentation. (8.9.2.2)
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Essential Question
Learning Target
Benchmark
Reading and Literature
Winter – Tri 2
What can we learn about
reading and writing from
studying the same
event/era through multiple
authors’ perspectives?
Students will evaluate how multiple texts present the conflicting information using different
evidence or interpretations and identify where the text differs in fact or interpretation, while
reading text in the 6-8 text complexity.
Analyze a case in which two or more texts provide conflicting information on the same
topic and identify where the texts disagree on matters of fact or interpretation.
(8.5.9.9)
Students will self select and read nonfiction books throughout the school year for independent
reading time.
Students will read and comprehend at least three pieces of nonfiction text at the 6-8 text
complexity band.
How do authors use
figurative language to affect
meaning?
Students will demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in
word meanings.
Interpret figures of speech (e.g. verbal irony, puns) in context.
Use the relationship between particular words to better understand each of the words.
Distinguish among the connotations (associations) of words with similar denotations
(definitions) (e.g., bullheaded, willful, firm, persistent, resolute).
Students will identify words and phrases in text (including figurative , connotative and technical
language) and analyze the impact those words and phrases, including analogies or allusions, have
on the text.
How can learning prefixes,
suffixes, and roots help
people enlarge
vocabularies?
Clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words or phrases from a range of strategies.
(8.11.4.4)
Use context as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase.
Use common, grade-appropriate Greek or Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a
word.
Consult both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its
meaning and/or its part of speech.
Infer the meaning of a word or phrase and verify its meaning in context or in a dictionary
By the end of the year, read and comprehend literary nonfiction at the high end of
the grades 6–8 text complexity band independently and proficiently. (8.5.10.10)
a. Self-select texts for personal enjoyment, interest, and academic
tasks.
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in
word meanings to extend word consciousness. (8.11.5.5)
a. Interpret figures of speech (e.g. verbal irony, puns) in context.
b. Use the relationship between particular words to better understand each of the
words.
c. Distinguish among the connotations (associations) of words with similar
denotations (definitions) (e.g., bullheaded, willful, firm, persistent, resolute).
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including
figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the impact of specific word
choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts.
(8.5.4.4)
See Page 56-57 of Test Specifications
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words or phrases
based on grade 8 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.
(8.11.4.4)
a.
Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence or paragraph; a word’s
position or function in a sentence) as a clue to the meaning of a word or
phrase.
b. Use common, grade-appropriate Greek or Latin affixes and roots as clues to
the meaning of a word (e.g., precede, recede, secede).
c.
Consult general and specialized reference materials (e.g., dictionaries,
glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of
a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning or its part of speech.
d. Verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of a word or phrase
(e.g., by checking the inferred meaning in context or in a dictionary).
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Essential Question
Writing and Language
Winter – Tri 2
How can one improve one’s
writing through the study of
grammar and usage?
Learning Target
Benchmark
Students will demonstrate conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or
speaking.
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage
when writing or speaking. (8.11.1.1)
Explain the function of verbals (gerunds, participles, infinitives) and their use of
particular sentences.
Form and use verbs in the active vs passive voice.
Form and use verbs in the indicative, imperative, interrogative, conditional, and
subjunctive mood.
Recognize and correct inappropriate shifts in verb tense and mood.*
When writing, students will demonstrate conventions of standard English (capitalization,
punctuation, and spelling) by:
Using punctuation (comma, ellipsis, dash) to indicate a pause or break.
Using an ellipsis to indicate an omission.
Spelling correctly.
When writing, students will use knowledge of language and its conventions when by:
Using verbs in the active and passive voice and in the conditional and subjunctive mood
to achieve particular effects (e.g., emphasizing the actor or the action; expressing
uncertainty or describing a state contrary to fact).
What constitutes an
analytical response?
a. Explain the function of verbals (gerunds, participles, infinitives) in general and their
function in particular sentences.
b. Form and use verbs in the active and passive voice.
c. Form and use verbs in the indicative, imperative, interrogative, conditional, and
subjunctive mood.
d. Recognize and correct inappropriate shifts in verb voice and mood.*
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization,
punctuation, and spelling when writing. (8.11.2.2)
a.
b.
c.
Use punctuation (comma, ellipsis, dash) to indicate a pause or break.
Use an ellipsis to indicate an omission.
Spell correctly.
Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or
listening. (8.11.3.3)
a. Use verbs in the active and passive voice and in the conditional and subjunctive
mood to achieve particular effects (e.g., emphasizing the actor or the action;
expressing uncertainty or describing a state contrary to fact).
Students will determine the importance and relevancy of evidence and evaluate the arguments
presented in a text for sound reasoning, relevance, and sufficiency.
Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether
the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; recognize when
irrelevant evidence is introduced. (8.5.8.8)
See Page 59-60 of Test Specifications
Students will determine the importance and relevancy of claims and examine and evaluate the
arguments presented in a speech or other media for sound reasoning, relevance, and sufficiency.
Delineate and respond to a speaker’s argument, specific claim, and intended audience,
evaluating the soundness of the reasoning and relevance and sufficiency of the
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evidence and identifying when irrelevant evidence is introduced. (8.9.3.3)
21st Century Literacies
Winter – Tri 2
How can one critically
evaluate the quality and
relevance of informational
media?
Essential Question
Students will use the “The Big 6” Research and Problem Solving Model to conduct short research
that:
Draws on several sources and refocuses on inquiry when appropriate.
(Work collaboratively with your Media Specialist on research questions).
When doing research, student will gather relevant information from multiple print and digital
sources while:
Assessing the credibility and accuracy of each soured
Quoting or paraphrasing the data and conclusions of others
Avoiding plagiarism
Following a standard format for citation (APA style)
Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated
question), drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused
questions that allow for multiple avenues of exploration. (8.7.7.7)
Learning Target
Benchmark
Understand, analyze, and use different types of print and electronic media. (8.9.7.7)
Understand, analyze, and use different types of print and electronic media. (8.9.7.7)
Evaluate mass media with regard to quality of production, accuracy of information, bias,
purpose, message and target audience (e.g., film, television, radio, video, games,
advertisements).
Critically analyze the messages and points of view employed in different media (e.g.,
advertising, news programs, web sites, documentaries).
Analyze design elements of various kinds of media productions to observe that media
messages are constructed for a specific purpose.
Recognize ethical standards and safe practices in social and personal media
communications.
What kinds of writing will
be part of the 21st century
workplace?
While collaborating with others, students will use technology, including the internet, to effectively
publish writing and share the information efficiently with others.
Students will organize informative texts appropriately and effectively, including an introduction and
conclusion.
While writing, students will:
Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and
information into broader categories, include formatting (e.g. headings, graphics (e.g.
charts, tables), and multimedia when useful on aiding comprehension.
Develop the topic with relevant, well-known facts, definitions, concrete details,
quotations or other information and examples.
Use appropriate and varied transitions to clarify the relationships among ideas and
concepts.
Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform or explain the topic.
Establish and maintain a formal style
Provide a concluding statement or sections that follows from the information or
explanation presented.
Students will follow the District 833 district wide common rubric and demonstrate the use of the
following elements when creating and enhancing pieces of writing. These include:
Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search
terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or
paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following
a standard format for citation. (8.7.8.8)
a. Evaluate mass media with regard to quality of production, accuracy of
information, bias, purpose, message and target audience (e.g., film, television,
radio, video, games, advertisements).
b. Critically analyze the messages and points of view employed in different media
(e.g., advertising, news programs, web sites, documentaries).
c. Analyze design elements of various kinds of media productions to observe that
media messages are constructed for a specific purpose.
d. Recognize ethical standards and safe practices in social and personal media
communications.
Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and present the
relationships between information and ideas efficiently as well as to interact and
collaborate with others. (8.7.6.6)
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts,
and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
(8.7.2.2)
a. Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts,
and information into broader categories, include formatting (e.g. headings,
graphics (e.g. charts, tables), and multimedia when useful on aiding
comprehension.
b. Develop the topic with relevant, well-known facts, definitions, concrete details,
quotations or other information and examples.
c. Use appropriate and varied transitions to clarify the relationships among ideas and
concepts.
d. Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain
the topic.
e. Establish and maintain a formal style
f. Provide a concluding statement or sections that follows from the information or
explanation presented.
Ideas
Organization
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Voice
Word Choice
Sentence Fluency
Conventions
Students will write effectively for specific tasks, purposes and audiences.
Students will independently write in class, for a sustained period of time, at least 3-5 days per week,
self selecting formats for personal enjoyment, interest or academic tasks.
Essential Question
Reading and Literature
Spring – Tri 3
How does an author convey
ideas or beliefs through
text?
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style
are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific expectations for
writing types are defined in standards 1–3.) (8.7.4.4)
Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision)
and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of disciplinespecific tasks, purposes, and audiences. (8.7.10.10)
Learning Target
Benchmark
Students will identify a theme and trace how it is developed through characters, setting, plot,
including stories by and about Minnesota American Indians and summarize the test objectively.
Determine a theme or central idea of a text, including those by and about Minnesota
American Indians, and analyze it’s development over the course of the test,
including its relationship to the characters, setting, and plot; provide an objective
summary of the text. (8.4.2.2)
See Page 54 of Test Specifications
Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of
the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective
summary of the text. (8.5.2.2)
See Page 54-55 of Test Specifications
Cite the textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text
says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. (8.5.1.1)
See Page 53-54 of Test Specifications
By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature and other texts including
stories, dramas, and poems, in the grades 6–8 text complexity band proficiently and
independently with appropriate scaffolding for texts at the high end of the range.
(8.4.10.10)
Students will identify multiple themes and ideas and trace how they are developed over the course
of the text and will summarize a text objectively.
Students will meet with teacher to discuss plan for summer reading. Discussion items include:
Number of books to read independently
Time spent reading
Specific genre/title/or choice
a.
b.
Writing and Language
Spring – Tri 3
How can one plan and
present an effective
persuasive argument?
While focusing on purpose and audience, students will improve their writing product while using
the writing process throughout the year:
Plan
Draft
Revise
Edit
Rewrite
Students will create an informative multimedia work or a piece of digital communication or
Self select text for personal enjoyment and other purposes.
Read widely to understand multiple perspectives and pluralistic viewpoints.
With some guidance and support from peers and adults, use a writing process to
develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, drafting, revising, editing,
rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose and audience have
been addressed. (Editing for conventions should demonstrate command of Language
standards 1–3 up to and including grade 8.) (8.7.5.5)
As an individual or in collaboration, create a persuasive multimedia work or a piece
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contribute to an online collaboration for a specific purpose by:
Demonstrating a developmentally appropriate understanding of copyright, attribution,
principles of Fair Use, Creative Commons licenses and the effect of genre on
conventions of attribution and citation.
Publishing the work and share with an audience.
of digital communication or contribute to an online collaboration for a specific
purpose. (8.9.8.8)
a. Demonstrate a developmentally appropriate understanding of copyright,
attribution, principles of Fair Use, Creative Commons licenses and the effect of
genre on conventions of attribution and citation.
b. Publish the work and share with an audience.
Essential Question
Learning Target
Benchmark
What are the qualities of a
persuasive paper?
While writing an argumentative piece, students will:
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence. (8.7.1.1)
Introduce claim (s), acknowledge and distinguish the claim from alternate or opposing
claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.
Support claim (s) with logical reasons and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible
sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.
Use words, phrases, and clauses to clarify the relationships among claim (s),
counterclaims, reasons and evidence.
Establish and maintain a formal style,
Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from the argument presented.
Students will follow the District 833 district wide common rubric and demonstrate the use of the
following elements when creating and enhancing pieces of writing. These include:
Ideas
Organization
Voice
Word Choice
Sentence Fluency
Conventions
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
21st Century Literacies
Spring – Tri 3
How does one recognize
bias?
a.
Introduce claim (s), acknowledge and distinguish the claim from alternate
or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.
b. Support claim (s) with logical reasons and relevant evidence, using
accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the
topic or text.
c.
Use words, phrases, and clauses to clarify the relationships among claim
(s), counterclaims, reasons and evidence.
d. Establish and maintain a formal style,
e. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from the argument
presented.
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and
research. (8.7.9.9)
a. Apply grade 8 Reading standards to literature (e.g., “Analyze how a modern work of
fiction draws on themes, patterns of events, or character types from myths, traditional
stories, including stories, poems, and historical novels of Minnesota American Indians,
or religious works such as the Bible, including describing how the material is rendered
new”).
b. Apply grade 8 Reading standards to literary nonfiction (e.g., “Delineate and
evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is
sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; recognize when irrelevant evidence
is introduced”).
Students will evaluate the author’s point of view and purpose and analyze how the author balances
different points of view.
Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how the
author acknowledges and responds to conflicting evidence or viewpoints. (8.5.6.6)
Students will compare the effectiveness of different media in presenting information.
See Page 58-59 of Test Specifications
Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using different mediums (e.g., print or
digital text, video, multimedia) to present a particular topic or idea. (8.5.7.7)
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What skills are necessary to
give and seek information
in conversations, in group
discussions, and in oral
presentations?
Students will engage in collaborative discussions by:
Come to discussions prepared having read or researched material under study, explicitly
drawing on that preparation by referring to evidence on the topic, text, or issue to probe
and reflect on ideas under discussion.
Follow rules for collegial discussions and decision-making, track progress toward specific
goals and deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.
Pose questions that connect the ideas of several speakers and respond to others’
questions and comments with relevant evidence, observations, and ideas.
Acknowledge new information expressed by others, and, when warranted, qualify or
justify their own views in light of the evidence presented.
Cooperate, mediate, and problem solve to make decisions or build consensus as
appropriate for productive group discussion.
Students will participate in an oral presentation in which they present claims and findings, respect
intellectual properties, emphasize salient points in a focused, coherent manner with pertinent
descriptions, facts, details, and examples; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear
pronunciation.
Students will integrate media to clarify information, strengthen claims, and add interest.
Students will prepare an oral presentation in which they consider the context, audience, and
purpose for communicating, and adjust their speech, language, and other forms of expression
appropriately.
Students will learn and apply new vocabulary terms and domain-specific vocabulary effectively in
an oral presentation.
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and
teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 8 topics, texts, and issues, building on
others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly. (8.9.1.1)
a.
Come to discussions prepared having read or researched material under study,
explicitly drawing on that preparation by referring to evidence on the topic, text,
or issue to probe and reflect on ideas under discussion.
b. Follow rules for collegial discussions and decision-making, track progress toward
specific goals and deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.
c.
Pose questions that connect the ideas of several speakers and respond to others’
questions and comments with relevant evidence, observations, and ideas.
d. Acknowledge new information expressed by others, and, when warranted,
qualify or justify their own views in light of the evidence presented.
e. Cooperate, mediate, and problem solve to make decisions or build consensus as
appropriate for productive group discussion.
Present claims and findings, respect intellectual properties emphasize salient points in
a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence, sound valid reasoning, and wellchosen details; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear
pronunciation. (8.9.4.4)
Integrate multimedia and visual displays into presentations to clarify information,
strengthen claims and evidence, and add interest. (8.9.5.5)
Adapt speech to a variety of contexts, audience, tasks, and feedback from self and
others, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
(See grade 8 Language standards 1 and 3 for specific expectations.) (8.9.6.6)
Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific
words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase
important to comprehension or expression. (8.11.6.6)
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District-Wide Common Assessments with Digital Enhancements
Grade 8 students will write:
Narrative – Omniscient
See “District Wide Common
Assessment Rubric” on
Sharepoint
Informational – Cause
and Effect
Description
Possible Digital format
Benchmark
After final paper is completed,
student may present this paper in a
digital format.
PowerPoint that includes multimedia video clips,
sounds and design tools.
Write Narratives and other creative texts to develop real or imagined experiences or
events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well structured event
sequences. (8.7.3.3)
After final paper is completed,
students may present this paper in a
digital format.
Students might create a documentary outlining
and sequencing events
See “District Wide Common
Assessment Rubric” on
Sharepoint
a. Engage and orient the reader by establishing a context and point of view and
introducing a narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds
naturally and logically.
b. Use literary and narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, description, rhythm,
repetition, rhyme, and reflection to develop experiences, events, and/or characters.
c. Use a variety of transition words, phrases, and clauses to convey sequence, signal shifts
from on e time frame or setting to another, and show the relationships among
experiences and events.
d. Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, figurative and sensory
language to capture the action and convey experiences and events.
e. Provide a conclusion (when appropriate to the genre) that follows from the narrated
experiences or events.
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and
information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content. (8.7.2.2)
a. Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and
information into broader categories, include formatting (e.g. headings, graphics (e.g.
charts, tables), and multimedia when useful on aiding comprehension.
b. Develop the topic with relevant, well-known facts, definitions, concrete details,
quotations or other information and examples.
c. Use appropriate and varied transitions to clarify the relationships among ideas and
concepts.
d. Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the
tooic
e. Establish and maintain a formal style
f. Provide a concluding statement or sections that follows from the information or
explanation presented.
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Persuasive
See “District Wide Common
Assessment Rubric” on
Sharepoint
On Demand – writing to a
prompt – 50
minutes
After final paper is completed,
student may present this letter in a
digital format.
Podcast exchanges between an author or other
students about book read
Students write a response to
prompt and then may present this
writing in a digital format.
Students make web pages of the writing,
hyperlinking key words in the paper to
photographs, illustrations, explanations, or other
texts that enhance or explain the meaning.
Students select three of their classmates’
websites to link to on their site. Each link has a
brief review of the page explaining why it was
linked to.
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence. (8.7.1.1)
a.
Introduce claim (s), acknowledge and distinguish the claim from alternate or
opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.
b. Support claim (s) with logical reasons and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible
sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.
c. Use words, phrases, and clauses to clarify the relationships among claim (s),
counterclaims, reasons and evidence.
d. Establish and maintain a formal style,
e. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from the argument
presented.
Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and
shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks,
purposes, and audiences. (8.7.10.10)
Possible 21st Century Tools
Webpage
Films
Ipods
E-Books
Webcasts from
live sites
www.bigskylearning.
com
Email exchanges
Moodle
Wordle
Webquest
Online Courses
Web simulators
E-games
Online journals
Other…
E-Interviews
Web-design tools
Electronic Field
trips
Documentaries
Video podcasts
Photoshop
Blogs
Email accounts
Digital musical
compositions
Laptops
Webcams
Wikipedia
Podcasts
Screenplays
Flip cameras
Skype
Digital cameras
Video Conferencing
Twitter
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Reading Fiction: Narrative Elements
th
5th
6
Character
Major characters
Minor characters
th
Character
8th
9th
Character
Character
Character
Protagonist
Antagonist
Major characters
Minor characters
Characterization
Analyze Character Traits
Compare/contrast
characters
Interactions between
characters
Characterization
Plot
Plot
Rising action
Climax
Problem
Falling action
Resolution
7
Characterization
Author Description
Plot
Point of View
Setting
Where? When?
How is setting important to
the story?
Setting
st
1 person
rd
3 person
o Omniscient
Inciting Incident
Turning point
Subplot
Point of View
st
1 person
rd
3 person
o limited
Character revelation
How the character matches
and perceives the setting
Foil
Nemesis
Archetype
Caricature
Characterization
Other character’s actions,
thoughts and deeds
o Direct
o Indirect
o Anthropomorphis
m
o Persona
Plot
Setting
Descriptive
revelation/narration
use sensory details
show vs tell
Characterization
Characters actions, thoughts
and deeds
Stereotype
Rising action
Climax
Falling action
Resolution
Point of View
st
1 person
rd
3 person
* Omniscient
Round character
Flat character
Dynamic character
Static character
Indirect characterization
methods
Narrator description
Character’s
words/thoughts
Character’s actions
Other characters’
words, thoughts, and
actions
Plot
Identify conflict in texts
independently
Resolution (Denouement)
Climax
Suspense
Point of View
nd
2 person
rd
3 person
Limited
Objective
Omniscient
Omniscient narrator
Setting
As developed in drama’s
elements
Context
Explain relationship
between conflict and other
plot elements
Point of View
----
Setting
Introduction of culture as
an element of setting
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Reading Fiction: Narrative Elements
th
5th
6
7
8th
9th
Symbol
Symbol
Symbol
Symbol
th
Symbol
Object, mark, action or
sign that stands for
another object or an idea
Object, mark, action or sign
that stands for another
object or an idea
Conventional (i.e. heart,
colors, weather, etc)
Personal (student-identified
symbols)
----
Literary Lenses
Literary Lenses
Literary Lenses
Literary Lenses
Literary Lenses
---
---
-----
-----
Application of historical and
biographical lenses
Conflict
Conflict
Conflict
person vs person
person vs nature
person vs society
person vs him/ herself
Theme
Conflict
External
Internal
Message/theme
Conflict
Character vs. self
Character vs. nature
Character vs. character
Theme/Central Message
Character vs. society
Character vs. supernatural
Theme
Theme
Moral
Moral
Tone
Tone
Tone
Definition of…
Examples of…
Mood
Feeling/Mood
Definition of…
Examples of…
Author’s purpose
Inform
Persuade
Entertain
Perception
Definition of…
Examples of…
Author’s purpose
Explain
Inform
Persuade
Entertain
Stated
Implied
Universal
Tone
Playful-Humorous
Sincere
Serious
Mood/Atmosphere
Definition of…
Examples of…
Author’s Purpose
Character portrayal
Creative license
Analyze common themes in
works
Develop thematic
statements
Tone
Ironic
Sarcastic
Mood
Identify in texts
independently
Mood
Sensory detail
Application to literature and
writing
Author’s purpose
Explain
Inform
Persuade
Entertain
Identify in texts
independently
Explain relationship
between tone and mood
Author’s purpose
Identify author’s purpose in
writing
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Reading Fiction: Narrative Elements
th
5th
6
7
8th
9th
Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing
th
Foreshadowing
---
Definition of…
Making predictions
In read-aloud
Flashback
---
Flashback
Flashback
Definition of…
Making predictions
In read-aloud
Elements of Narrative
Building the paragraph
Develops the character
Develops the setting
Show vs. Tell
Dialogue
Writes with voice
Creates mood
Figurative language
Multiple events
leading to problem
and/or resolution
Interesting lead
Adjectives
Vigorous verbs
Simile
Metaphor
Personification
Conclusion
(5-6 paragraphs)
In short story
In novel
In short story
In drama
In novel
Flashback
In short story
In novel
----
Flashback
Used for exposition and
theme development
In short story
In drama
In novel
----
Elements of Narrative
Elements of Narrative
Elements of Narrative
Elements of Narrative
Represents a 3 on the District wide
common rubric:
Represents a 4 on the District wide
common rubric:
Represents a 5 on the District wide
common rubric:
---
Point of view: Is clear and consistent
throughout the story.
Point of view: Is well-suited to the
plotline; is clear and consistent
throughout the story.
Setting: Engages and orients the
reader; effective.
Point of view: Is seamlessly crafted in
the story; is clear and consistent
throughout the story.
Setting: Adequately situates the
reader in time and place.
Setting: Engages and orients the
reader; fascinating.
Plot: Develops and resolves a conflict Plot: Conflict is carefully developed and
while following a plot line.
Plot: Plotline and conflict are riveting
engages reader in plotline and
and emotionally engaging to reader.
resolution.
Characterization: Main characters
are developed but need complexity. Characterization: Main characters are
Characterization: Main characters are
dynamic, complex and well-developed.
well-developed.
Dialogue: Develops story events.
Dialogue: Advances the plot and
Dialogue: Develops depth in both
Theme: Has a clear message.
enriches characterization.
character and story events.
Theme: Has an insightful message.
Theme: Has one or more compelling
messages.
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Reading Fiction: Narrative Elements
th
5th
6
7
8th
9th
Elements of Poetry
Elements of Poetry
Elements of Poetry
Elements of Poetry
th
Elements of Poetry
Rhythm
Rhyme
Stanza
Repetition
Rhythm
Rhyme
Stanza
Repetition
Styles of Poetry
Styles of Poetry
Free verse
Cinquain
Limericks
Diamante
Figurative Language
Haiku
Cinquain
Quatrain
Narrative poem
Figurative Language
Alliteration
Metaphor
Simile
Onomatopoeia
Personification
Hyperbole
Oxymoron
Idioms
Style
----
Alliteration
Metaphor
Simile
Onomatopoeia
Style
----
Free Verse
Rhyme scheme
Voice
Symbol
Styles of Poetry
Iamb
Iambic pentameter
Blank verse
Meter
Style
Styles of Poetry
Tanka
Ballad
Narrative poem
Figurative Language
Styles of Poetry
Lyric
Ode
Figurative Language
Hyperbole
Understatement
Paradox
Oxymoron
Style
----
Identify sound devices (e.g.
alliteration)
Epic
Sonnet
Figurative Language
Irony
Pun
Style
----
Verbal, situational, and
dramatic irony
Style
Identify different styles of
writing
My documents/K-8 literacy/district/curriculum/secondary curriculum work/MS with Common Core 8th
Page 22
Reading Fiction: Narrative Elements
th
5th
6
7
8th
9th
Play/Drama
Play/Drama
Drama
Drama Devices
th
Play/Drama
Narrator
Act
Scene
Dialogue
Tone/Mood
Stage Directions
Act
Scene
Dialogue
Shakespeare
Shakespeare
---
---
Diction
Monologue
Identification of (teacher-driven):
tragedy
comedy
monologue
dialogue
soliloquy
aside
characterization
stage directions
symbolism
theme
conflict
rhyme
comic relief
tone
Shakespeare
Shakespeare
Shakespeare
Introduce Shakespeare
elements of a
Shakespearean tragedy
biography
importance
allusions
My documents/K-8 literacy/district/curriculum/secondary curriculum work/MS with Common Core 8th
Page 23
Reading Nonfiction – Informational/Expository Elements
th
5th
6
Describe Overall Text Structure
Organizational Structures
in two texts
Chronology
Cause/Effect
Comparison
Problem/Solution
th
7
8th
9th
Organizational Structures
Organizational Structures
Organizational Structures
----
Main Idea/Details
Central Ideas – 2 or more
Explain which reasons and
evidence support which
point
Summarize text
Fact/opinion (provide
evidence to support
conclusions)
Problem/solution
Cause/effect
Main Idea/Details
Central Ideas – analyze
Explain which reasons and
evidence support which
point
Summarize text
Research
Research
Research
Sequence
Description
Cause/effect
Compare/contrast (from
multiple sources
Main Idea/Details
Main Idea – 2 or more
Key Details
Explain which reasons and
evidence support which
point
Summarize text
Research
Main Idea/Details
Central Idea
Key Details
Explain which reasons and
evidence support which
point
Summarize text
Research
American History
People, places, events,
landmarks
Biographies
American History
Inventors
Media/Digital Media
Paraphrase
Topic
Bibliography
Viewpoint
Main Idea
Source
Media/Digital Media
Media/Digital Media
Media/Digital Media
Make informed judgments
about messages:
Film
TV
Radio
Magazines
Advertisements
Newspapers
Digital sources:
Make informed judgments about
messages:
Film
TV
Radio
Magazines
Advertisements
Newspapers
Digital sources:
Evaluate Accuracy of
digital sources
Evaluate Credibility of
digital sources
Make informed judgments about
messages:
Film
TV
Radio
Magazines
Advertisements
Newspapers
Digital sources:
Evaluate Accuracy of digital
sources
Evaluate Credibility of digital
sources
Make informed judgments about
messages:
Film
TV
Radio
Magazines
Advertisements
Newspapers
Digital sources:
Evaluate Accuracy of digital
sources
Evaluate Credibility of digital
sources
Evaluate Accuracy of digital
sources
Evaluate Credibility of
digital sources
Thesis
Footnote
Assertion
Outline
Lead
Main Idea/Details
----
Thesis/Antithesis
Internal citation
Parallel Structure
Rhetorical devices
Inversion
Media / Digital Media
Credibility of evidence
Research located and cited
Digital sources:
My documents/K-8 literacy/district/curriculum/secondary curriculum work/MS with Common Core 8th
Page 24
Reading Nonfiction – Informational/Expository Elements
th
5th
6
Online Safety:
Online Safety:
Recognize ethical standards
and safe practices in social
and personal media
communications
Informative
Sticks to topic
Uses multiple sources
Uses topic sentences
Groups related information
logically; include formatting
(e.g. headings),
illustrations, and
multimedia when useful to
aiding comprehension
Provide a concluding
paragraph
Sounds like the student
Appropriate for audience
Factual information (no
opinion)
Uses rich and interesting
language
Vocabulary appropriate to
content
Develop the topic with
facts, definitions, details,
quotations, or other
information related to the
topic
Uses transitions and links
ideas correctly
Provides a list of sources
(bibliography)
th
7
8th
9th
Online Safety:
Online Safety:
Online Safety:
Recognize ethical
standards and safe
practices in social and
personal media
communications
Informative
Recognize ethical standards
and safe practices in social
and personal media
communications
Recognize ethical standards
and safe practices in social
and personal media
communications
Informative
Informative
Represents a 3 on the District Wide
Common Rubric:
Represents a 4 on the District-Wide
Common Assessment
Represents a 5 on the District-Wide
Common Assessment
Text Structure: Student clearly
demonstrates knowledge of the
assigned text structure.
Text Structure: Student clearly
demonstrates proficiency and
experiments with sophisticated use of
assigned text structure.
Text Structure: Student adopts and
employs a sophisticated version of the
assigned text structure as his/her own.
Informative
---
My documents/K-8 literacy/district/curriculum/secondary curriculum work/MS with Common Core 8th
Page 25
Persuasion
5th
6
7
8th
9th
Persuasion
Persuasion
Persuasion
Persuasion
Persuasion/Rhetorical Appeals
5 paragraph letter
Audience
Neutral statement
Position statement
Strong/weak argument
Fact/opinion
Transitions
Strong language
Bandwagon
Restatement of position in
the conclusion
Emotional plea
Opposing view and answer
th
th
Bias
Loaded words
Fact/opinion
Objectivity
Persuasion techniques
o
Bandwagon
o
Name Calling
o
Glittering
Generalities
Refute
Rebuttal
Inductive Reasoning
Deductive Reasoning
Persuasion techniques
o Appeal to ignorance
o Testimonials
o Plain Folks
o Card Stacking
Refute
Rebuttal
Represents a 3 on the District Wide
Common Assessment:
Represents a 4 on the District Wide
Common Assessment:
Persuasive technique: Student
effectively employs one persuasive
technique.
Persuasive technique: Student
effectively employs one persuasive
technique to create an engaging
argument.
Opposing view: Acknowledges and
refutes opposing view.
Support: uses clear reasons and
relevant evidence
Sources: uses source(s) that are
accurate and credible.
Opposing view: Demonstrates
proficiency while acknowledging more
than one opposing position and
skillfully refutes them.
Support: uses logical reasoning and
relevant evidence to create cohesion
and clarify relationships
Sources: uses source(s) that are
accurate, credible and timely.
Persuasion techniques
o Transfer
o Circular Thinking
Ethos
Logos (Fallacies)
Pathos
Refute
Rebuttal
Understand authors use
appeals to make arguments
Understand that authors
use evidence to strengthen
argument
Introduce the impact of
personal bias when writing
and reading
Represents a 5 on the District Wide
Common Assessment:
Persuasive technique: Student
successfully chooses an effective
persuasive technique for an engaging
argument.
Opposing view: Demonstrates
proficiency while acknowledging
multiple opposing positions and
skillfully refutes them all.
Support: Engages the reader with
logical reasoning and relevant evidence
to create cohesion and clarify
relationships.
Sources: uses source(s) that are
accurate, credible, timely and
unbiased.
My documents/K-8 literacy/district/curriculum/secondary curriculum work/MS with Common Core 8th
Page 26
Speech Elements
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th
Speech/Audience Awareness
Speech/Audience Awareness
Speech/Audience Awareness
Speech/Audience Awareness
Speech/Audience Awareness
Speech/Interpersonal Comm..
Target Audience
Introduction
Speech/Interpersonal Comm.
Speech/Interpersonal Comm.
Speech/Interpersonal Comm..
Speech/Interpersonal Comm..
Group Social Roles
Effective Listening Skills:
Introduction
Speech/Intrapersonal Comm.
Speech/Nonverbal Comm.
Formal Speeches
Speech/Intrapersonal Comm.
Speech/Nonverbal Comm.
Formal Speeches
Speech/Intrapersonal Comm.
Speech/Nonverbal Comm.
Formal Speeches
Speech/Intrapersonal Comm.
Speech/Intrapersonal Comm.
Speech/Nonverbal Comm.
Introduce behavior selfreflection
Speech/Nonverbal Comm.
Formal Speeches
Introduction to good formal
speech nonverbal
communication
Formal Speeches
Oral Interpretation (e.g.
Children’s Literature or
Mythology)
Impromptu
My documents/K-8 literacy/district/curriculum/secondary curriculum work/MS with Common Core 8th
Page 27
Writing Elements
5th
6
7
8th
9th
Citation
Citation
Citation
Citation
Citation
th
th
Differentiate between
paraphrasing and direct
quotations
MLA
Use of Sources
Organization





Uses pre-write effectively
Develops a B/M/E
Uses logical sequence
Uses transitions correctly
5+ paragraphs with two
events, problems and
resolution (conclusion)
developed
Voice
 Writes with voice (writer’s
personality is evident)
 Uses effective dialogue to
develop characters traits and
describe events
 Creates mood (is it humorous,
scary, serious, light, lively, etc.)
Sentence Fluency
 Uses a variety of sentence
structures
 Varies sentence beginnings
MLA
Use of Sources
Organization
Organization - routine
introduction and conclusion;
logical sequencing; adequate
flow
Voice
Voice – sounds like the student;
pleasing yet safe; occasionally
engaging; appropriate for
audience
Sentence Fluency
Sentence Fluency - attempts
compound and complex
sentences; adequate transitions
; some sentence variety
MLA
Use of Sources
Organization
Organization - routine
introduction and conclusion;
logical sequencing; adequate flow
Voice
Voice – sounds like the student;
pleasing yet safe; occasionally
engaging; appropriate for
audience
Sentence Fluency
Sentence Fluency - attempts
compound and complex
sentences; adequate transitions ;
some sentence variety
MLA
MLA
Use of Sources
Introduce purpose of works cited
page
Use of Sources
Organization
Understand source credibility
Organization
Organization - routine
introduction and conclusion;
logical sequencing; adequate flow
Voice
Voice – sounds like the student;
pleasing yet safe; occasionally
engaging; appropriate for
audience
Sentence Fluency
Sentence Fluency - attempts
compound and complex sentences;
adequate transitions ; some
sentence variety
5 Paragraph Essay
introduction
body
conclusion
thesis statements
Voice
Introduce writers to various
perspectives, styles, formalness,
etc.
Sentence Fluency
Sentence correctness
My documents/K-8 literacy/district/curriculum/secondary curriculum work/MS with Common Core 8th
Page 28
Writing Elements
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th
Word Choice
Word Choice
Word Choice
Word Choice
Word Choice
 Uses synonyms for word
variety
 Uses rich adjectives
 Uses strong verbs
 Uses other words for said
 Maintains consistent point of
view
 Describes actions, thoughts
and feelings to develop
experiences and events
 Uses figurative language
 Creates sensory imagery
Writing Process
Writing Process
Writing Process
Writing Process
Writing Process
Prewriting: utilize given outline;
draft, revise, proofread, and pub
Grammar/Usage
Prewriting: utilize given outline;
draft, revise, proofread, and publish
Grammar/Usage
Prewriting: utilize given outline; draft,
revise, proofread, and publish
Grammar/Usage
Prewriting: utilize given outline; draft,
revise, proofread, and publish
Grammar/Usage
Prewriting: utilize given outline; draft,
revise, proofread, and publish
Grammar/Usage
Explain function of:
Conjunctions
Prepositions
Interjections
Pronouns:
Phrases and Clauses:
Verbs:
Mastery of Parts of Speech
Form and use:
The perfect verb tense (I
had walked, I have walked, I
will have walked)
Verb tense to convey
various times, sequences,
states, and conditions and
recognize and correct
inappropriate shifts in verb
tense.
Correlative conjunctions
(either./or, neither/nor)
Word Choice – some lively,
figurative language;
experiments with meaningful
words; uses vocabulary
appropriate to content
Ensure that pronouns are in
the proper case (subjective,
objective, possessive).
Use intensive pronouns (e.g.,
myself, ourselves).
Recognize and correct
inappropriate shifts in pronoun
number and person.*
Recognize and correct vague
pronouns (i.e., ones with
unclear or ambiguous
antecedents).*
Recognize variations from
standard English in their own
and others' writing and
speaking, and identify and use
strategies to improve
expression in conventional
language.
Word Choice – some lively,
figurative language;
experiments with meaningful
words; uses vocabulary
appropriate to content
Explain the function of phrases
and clauses in general and
their function in specific
sentences.
Choose among simple,
compound, complex, and
compound-complex sentences
to signal differing relationships
among ideas.
Place phrases and clauses
within a sentence, recognizing
and correcting misplaced and
dangling modifiers.*
Word Choice – some lively,
figurative language;
experiments with meaningful
words; uses vocabulary
appropriate to content
Explain the function of verbals
(gerunds, participles,
infinitives) in general and their
function in particular
sentences.
Form and use verbs in the
active and passive voice.
Form and use verbs in the
indicative, imperative,
interrogative, conditional, and
subjunctive mood.
Recognize and correct
inappropriate shifts in verb
voice and mood.*
Build vocabulary
Connotative meaning
Denotative meaning
Sentence Parts and Patterns,
including:
subject
predicate
verbs (linking, helping,
action)
complements (direct
object, indirect object,
predicate adjective,
predicate nominative)
My documents/K-8 literacy/district/curriculum/secondary curriculum work/MS with Common Core 8th
Page 29
Writing Elements
5th
6th
7th
8th
Grammar/Usage (continued)
Grammar/Usage (continued)
Grammar/Usage (continued)
Use conjunctive adverbs or
phrases to show time
relationships in simple
narrative essays (e.g. then, this
time).
Grammar/Usage (continued)
Expand, combine, and
reduce sentences for
meaning, reader/listener
interest, and style.
Use conjunctions or
punctuation to join simple
clauses
Grammar/Usage (continued)
Vary sentence patterns for
meaning, reader/listener
interest, and style.*
Use conjunctive adverbs or
phrases to express straightforward
logical relationships
Solve basic grammatical problems
as how to form the past and past
participle of irregular but
commonly used verbs and how to
form comparative and superlative
adjectives
Grammar/Usage (continued)
Choose language that expresses
ideas precisely and concisely,
recognizing and eliminating
wordiness and redundancy.*
Maintain consistency in style
and tone.*
9th
Identify the basic purpose or
role of a specified phrase or
sentence (adverbial, etc.)
Determine the clearest and
most logical conjunction to link
clauses
Grammar/Usage (continued)
Use verbs in the active and
passive voice and in the
conditional and subjunctive mood
to achieve particular effects (e.g.,
emphasizing the actor or the
action; expressing uncertainty or
describing a state contrary to
fact).
Grammar/Usage (continued)
Common usage errors
My documents/K-8 literacy/district/curriculum/secondary curriculum work/MS with Common Core 8th
Page 30
Writing Elements
5th
6th
7th
8th
Grammar/Usage (continued)
Grammar/Usage (continued)
Grammar/Usage (continued)
Revise sentences to correct
awkward and confusing
arrangements of sentence
elements
Revise shifts in verb tense
between simple clauses in a
sentence or between simple
adjoining sentences
Add a sentence that introduces
a simple paragraph
Ensure that a pronoun agrees
with its antecedent when the
two occur in separate clauses or
sentences
Recognize and use the
appropriate word in frequently
confused pairs such as there and
their, past and passed, and led
and lead.
Identify the central idea or main
topic of a straightforward piece
of writing
Delete redundant material when
information is repeated in
different parts of speech (e.g.
“alarmingly startled”)
Ensure that a verb agrees with its
subject when there is some text
between the two
Ensure that a verb agrees with its
subject when a phrase or clause
between the two suggests a
different number for the verb.
Add a sentence to accomplish a
fairly straightforward purpose such
as illustrating a given statement
Delete material primarily because
it disturbs the flow and
development of the paragraph
Delete obviously synonymous and
wordy material in a sentence
Correctly use reflexive pronouns,
the possessive pronouns its and
your, and the relative pronouns
who and whom
9th
Delete redundant material that
involved subtle concepts or that is
redundant in terms of the
paragraph as a whole
Ensure that a verb agrees with its
subject in unusual situations (e.g.
when the subject-verb order is
inverted or when the subject is an
indefinite pronoun).
Maintain consistent verb tense
and pronoun person on the basis
of the preceding clause or
sentence
Add a sentence to introduce or
conclude the essay or to provide a
transition between paragraphs
when the essay is fairly
straightforward.
Identify and correct ambiguous
pronoun references
Delete a clause or sentence
because it is obviously irrelevant
to the essay
Use the word or phrase most
appropriate in terms of the
content of the sentence and tone
of the essay (loaded words)
Revise vague nouns and pronouns
that create obvious logic problems
My documents/K-8 literacy/district/curriculum/secondary curriculum work/MS with Common Core 8th
Page 31
Writing Elements
5th
Mechanics
Use punctuation to separate
items in a series.
Use commas to separate an
introductory element from the
rest of the sentence.
Use a comma to set off the
words yes and no (e.g., Yes,
thank you), to set off a tag
question from the rest of the
sentence (e.g., It’s true, isn’t
it?), and to indicate direct
address (e.g., Is that you,
Steve?).
Spell grade-appropriate words
correctly, consulting references
as needed.
Use underlining, quotation
marks, or italics to indicate
titles of works.
Compare and contrast the
varieties of English (e.g.,
dialects, registers) used in
stories, dramas, or poems
6th
Mechanics
Use punctuation (commas,
parentheses, dashes) to set
off nonrestrictive/
parenthetical elements.*
Spell correctly.
7th
8th
9th
Mechanics
Mechanics
Mechanics
Use a comma to separate
coordinate adjectives (e.g., It
was a fascinating, enjoyable
movie but not He wore an old
(green shirt).
Spell correctly.
Use punctuation (comma,
ellipsis, dash) to indicate a pause
or break.
Use an ellipsis to indicate an
omission
Spell correctly.
capitalization
commas
dialogue
Spell correctly.
My documents/K-8 literacy/district/curriculum/secondary curriculum work/MS with Common Core 8th
Page 32
Other
5th
th
Genre Exposure
Realistic Fiction
Historical fiction
Science Fiction
Graphic Novel
Nonfiction
Fantasy
Fables
Folktales
Mythology
Legends
Biography
Periodicals
Poetry
Genre Study
Historical Fiction
Reading Strategies
Visualizing
Summarizing
Questioning (literal,
inferential, interpretive,
evaluative,
Inferring/Draw
Conclusions
Connections
Determining Importance
Monitor comprehension
Compare and contrast stories in the
same genre (e.g. mysteries and
adventure stories) on their approach
to similar themes and topics
th
6
7
8th
Genre
Genre
Genre
Definition of…
Perception that there are
different genres
Fiction review
Biography/ Autobiography
Photography
Travel Writing
Identifying elements of a
genre
Documentaries
Histories
Journalism
Poetry
Prose
9th
Genre
Evaluating elements of a
genre
Essays
Scientific papers
Technical Documents
----
Genre Study/Theme
Genre Study/Theme
Genre Study/Theme
Genre Study/Theme
Tri 1 – Survival
Tri 2 – Bravery
Tri 3 – Exploring Differences
Tri 1 – Discovery
Tri 2 – Choices and Consequences
Tri 3 - Communication
Tri 1 – Responsibility to Self
Tri 2 – Responsibility to Community
Tri 3 – Responsibility to Society
----
Reading Strategies
Reading Strategies
Reading Strategies
Reading Strategies
Use strategies to deepen
understanding of text.
Compare and contrast stories in
different forms or genres including those
by and about Minnesota American
Indians in terms of their approaches to
similar themes and topics.
Use strategies to deepen
understanding of text.
Compare and contrast a fictional portrayal,
including those in stories, poems, and
historical novels of Minnesota American
Indians, of a time, place, or character and a
historical account of the same period as a
means of understanding how authors of
fiction use or alter history.
Use strategies to deepen
understanding of text.
Analyze how a modern work of fiction
draws on themes, patterns of events or
character types from myths, traditional
stories, including stories, poems and
historical novels of Minnesota American
Indians, or religious works such as the
Bible, including describing how the material
is rendered new.
Use strategies to deepen
understanding of text.
Analyze how an author draws on and
transforms source material in a
specific work (i.e. Minnesota
American Indian author uses oral
tradition to create works of
literature).
My documents/K-8 literacy/district/curriculum/secondary curriculum work/MS with Common Core 8th
Page 33
District 833
Reading and Literature – Reference Page
Use the following general processing strategies when comprehending text:
Set a purpose for reading
Recognizing attributes
Determining reality and fantasy
Make Predictions
Identifying Characteristics
Judging essential and incidental evidence
Monitor Comprehension
Ranking, prioritizing, and sequencing
Identifying missing information
Main Idea
Supporting Details
Questioning – generate and answer
Judging the accuracy of information
Visualizing
Making Observations
Make Connections
Discriminating between similarities and differences
Seeing relationships
Making analogies
Inferencing
Drawing conclusions
Identifying exaggeration
Recognizing assumptions
Determining Importance
Identifying fact and opinion
Determining the strength of an argument
Determining bias
Trace the development of an argument
Synthesizing/Summarizing Information
Problem solving
Generalizing
Finding patterns
Paraphrasing
Categorizing and Classifying
Identify the following Patterns of Organization (text structures) and summarize content area texts
Within the INFORMATIVE pattern, there are an additional SIX patterns that authors tend to use:
Cause/Effect
Compare and Contrast
Topical
Chronological
Technical
Sequence
With the PERSUASIVE pattern, there are an additional three patterns:
Problem/Solution
Thesis/Proof
Opinion/Reason
My documents/K-8 literacy/district/curriculum/secondary curriculum work/MS with Common Core 8th
Page 34
District 833
Writing and Language – Reference Page
Create informative, expressive and persuasive writing.
Engage in the writing process - attention to context, organization, focus, quality of ideas and purpose
Apply standard English conventions when writing
Write legibly and demonstrate effective keyboarding skills.
The learner will:
Create pieces, while considering audience, in the following forms: expressive, informative and persuasive (II.A.1), including: poetry, stories, essays, editorials, letters, directions and research
reports.
Conduct peer conferences for editing and reactionary purposes.
Share original writings with others
Demonstrate the ability to communicate in writing in ways inclusive to all groups and cultures.
Understand the importance attached to writing skills and understand its importance in preparing for societal and career demands and obligations.
Understand the difference between revising and editing
Use word processing programs and present information in a readable format, integrating graphics, bullets, illustrations, diagrams, and definition of terms
Understand that writing is a process - thinking, planning, and becoming ready to write are part of the process and in order to generate writing topics good writers write about
topics with which they are familiar.
Descriptive writing
Narrative writing
On Demand writing
Persuasive writing
Expository writing
Summary writing
Poetry
Learn process writing through application of the writing process
Prewriting/Gathering information
Writing/Drafting
Responding
Revising
Editing
Publishing
My documents/K-8 literacy/district/curriculum/secondary curriculum work/MS with Common Core 8th
Page 35
Write selections (using legible handwriting) that demonstrate the
following effective uses of:
Idea Development
Focus and development of theme
Point of view
Clear ideas
Conflict development
Character development
Setting
Word Choice
Precise and rich vocabulary with a focus on verb,
adjectives and adverbs suited to the audience and
purpose
Nominative/reflexive/objective/possessive pronouns
Adjectives and adverbs
Provide definition of terms
Conventions
Capitalization of proper nouns
Punctuation –
(apostrophes, semicolon, commas, quotation marks
(dialogue) quotes, abbreviations)
Use of dialogue
Correct spelling
Complete sentences
Subjunctive mood
Sentence Fluency
Sentence construction
Subject/verb agreement with simple and compound
subjects
Subject/ verb agreement interrupted by a phrase
Pronoun/antecedent agreement
Variation in sentence structure and length
Voice
Consistent voice
Active/passive voice
Organization
Consistent verb tense
Paragraph construction
Appropriate shifts in time and place
Transitional words and phrases
Introductions/Engaging Openings
Conclusions/Satisfying Endings
Details and descriptions
Use of diagrams
The right amount of detail
Paragraph and multi-paragraph formation
My documents/K-8 literacy/district/curriculum/secondary curriculum work/MS with Common Core 8th
Page 36
District 833
Speaking and Listening – Reference Page
The learner will:
Listen for a speaker’s verifiable facts and opinions, comprehend messages and analyze credibility of presentation
Perform expressive oral readings using correct pronunciation and inflection
Work in groups and practice conversations in small group and large group discussions using agreed upon pronunciation and inflection
Participate in and follow agreed-upon rules for conversation and formal discussions in large and small groups
Apply self-assessment criteria to prepare and give oral presentations
Participate effectively in group meetings
Follow a speaker’s presentation and represent it in notes
Orally communicate information, opinions and ideas effectively to different audiences, adjusting delivery and language for intended audience and purpose
Write one formal speech per year
Perform an oral presentation and be instructed to pay attention to:
Articulation
Word Choice
Eye Contact
Body Movement
Presence
My documents/K-8 literacy/district/curriculum/secondary curriculum work/MS with Common Core 8th
Page 37
District 833
Word Study Exit Skills
8th Grade Words Their Way Calendar - updated
Most units are allocated two weeks. It’s up to teachers to decide when that instruction will take place within that two week period.
Dates
Unit
Sort Lesson
September
15
Adding –ion and –ian, no spelling change
September
16
Adding –ion, E-drop, and spelling change
October
21
Adding Suffix –ity: Vowel alternation, schwa to short
October
22
Vowel Alternations: Long, Short, and Schwa
November
29
More Greek Roots: geo, therm, scope, meter, logy
November
32
Latin Roots: gress, rupt, tract, mot
December
35
Latin Roots: duc/duct, sequ/sec, flu, ver/vert
January
37
Greek and Latin Elements: Amounts, magni, min, poly, equ, omni
January
38
Greek and Latin Elements: Related to the Body, cap, corp, dent/dont, ped/pod
February
39
Greek and Latin Roots: terr, astr/aster, aer, hydra/hydro
February
43
Greek and Latin Roots: voc/voke, ling/lang, mem, psych
March
49
Predictable Spelling Changes in Word Roots: seiv/sep, tain/ten, nounce/nunc
April
54
Accent and Doubling
April
55
Words from French
May
57
Prefix Assimilation (com-)
May
58
Prefix Assimilation (sub-)
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The Big6™ Skills (Grades 3-12 Reference Page)
The Big6 is a process model of how people of all ages solve an information problem.
1. Task Definition
1.1 Define the information problem
1.2 Identify information needed (to solve the information problem)
What is my current task?
What are some topics or questions I need to answer?
What information will I need?
2. Information Seeking Strategies
2.1 Determine all possible sources (brainstorm)
2.2 Select the best sources
What are all the possible sources to check?
What are the best sources of information for this task?
3. Location and Access
3.1 Locate sources (intellectually and physically)
3.2 Find information within sources
Where can I find these sources?
Where can I find the information in the source?
4. Use of Information
4.1 Engage (e.g., read, hear, view, touch)
4.2 Extract relevant information
What information do I expect to find in this source?
What information from the source is useful?
5. Synthesis
5.1 Organize from multiple sources
5.2 Present the information
How will I organize my information
How should I present my information?
6. Evaluation
The "Big6™" is copyright © (1987) Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert
E. Berkowitz. For more information, visit: www.big6.com
Handout created by: Barbara J. Shoemaker, School Media Specialist,
Mill Road Elementary, K-2
Red Hook Central School District, Red Hook, NY
6.1 Judge the product (effectiveness)
6.2 Judge the process (efficiency)
Did I do what was required?
Did I complete each of the Big6 Stages efficiently
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What is DOK or
Depth of Knowledge?
Depth of Knowledge is the degree of depth or complexity of knowledge standards and assessments require; this criterion is met if the assessment is as
demanding cognitively as the expectations standards are set for students.
DOK is NOT.....
about verbs Verbs are not always used appropriately.
about "difficulty" - It is not about the student or level of difficulty for the student - it requires looking at the assessment item not student
work in order to determine the level. DOK is about the item/standard - not the student.
DOK is....
about what FOLLOWS the verb. What comes after the verb is more important than the verb itself.
about the complexity of mental processing that must occur to answer a question.
There are four levels of DOK...
DOK 1: (recall) Recall - Recall or recognition of a fact, information, concept, or procedure..
Identify : Who , What, When, Where,
Why
Use a variety of tools
Describe
Measure
Identify : Who , What, When, Where,
Why
Recall facts, terms, concepts, trends, generalizations and
theories
Recognize or identify specific information contained in graphics
Identify purposes
Illustrate
Recall facts, terms, concepts, trends, generalizations and
theories
Recall elements and details of story structure such as
sequence of events, character, plot and setting
Define
Label
Repeat, quote, recite, name, tell, match, state, use
Recall elements and details of story structure such as
sequence of events, character, plot and setting
DOK 2: (skill/concept) Basic application of Skills and Concepts - Use of information, conceptual knowledge, following or selecting appropriate procedures, two
or more steps with decision points along the way, routine problems, organizing/displaying data.
Graph
Cause/Effect
Observe,
Show
Use Context Clues
Classify, Organize, Categorize, Construct
Estimate
Interpret
Infer
Describe how or why
Separate
Compare
Distinguish
Relate
Give an example
DOK 3: (strategic thinking) Strategic Thinking - Requires reasoning, developing a plan or sequence of steps to approach a problem; requires some decision
making and justification; abstract and complex; often having more than one possible answer.
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Revise, critique, formulate, draw conclusions
Cite Evidence
Recognize and explain misconceptions
Revise, critique, formulate, draw conclusions
Cite Evidence
Investigate, construct
Assess
Investigate, construct
Assess
Hypothesize,
Make and support decisions
DOK 4: (extended thinking) Extended Thinking - An investigation or application to real work; requires time to research, think, and process multiple conditions
of the problem or task non-routine manipulations, across disciplines/content areas/multiple sources, requires complex reasoning, planning, developing most
usually over an extended period of time.
Design
Analyze
Apply and adapt information to real-world situations
Design
Complex reasoning with planning, investigating or developing a
product that will most likely require an extended period of timemust require applying significant conceptual understanding and
higher-order thinking
Synthesize
Create
Prove
Synthesize
Create
Critique
Prove
Analyze
Critique
Why is DOK important?
Teachers can no longer rely solely on "tell-me-what-I told-you" assessments; new assessments must be created requiring students to demonstrate and apply what they have
learned.
Should DOK change the way I teach?
Instruction, assignments, and classroom assessment must incorporate the same expectations. DOK levels for a targeted objective must mirror the DOK level for the assessment.
Teachers need to examine if their required student work and activities are keeping students engaged in activity or engaged in learning. Not all activities help students learn.
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Researched Based Instructional Strategies – Reference
Based on the book, Classroom Instruction that Works by Robert J. Marzano, Debra J. Pickering, Jane E. Pollock, and decades of research, the following strategies have been
proven to raise student achievement and should be considered when developing lessons.
Identifying Similarities and Differences - This strategy focuses on the mental processes that students can use to restructure and understand information. Classroom
activities that ask students to identify similarities and differences include comparison tasks, classifying tasks, and the use of metaphors and analogies. These strategies result in
understanding content at a deeper level (proven to raise student achievement by 45%).
Summarizing and Note taking - Summarizing is restating the essence of text or an experience in as few words as possible in a new, yet concise form. Summarizing and note
taking requires the ability to synthesize information. Students must be able to analyze information and organize it in a way that captures the main ideas and supporting details
that is stated in their own words. Students can summarize information in different ways, including deleting information that isn't important to the overall meaning of the text,
substituting some information, and keeping some information. As students practice these strategies, it enhances their ability to understand specific content for learning (proven
to raise student achievement by 34%).
Reinforcing Effort and providing recognition - These strategies address students' attitudes and beliefs. Most students are not aware of the importance of believing that
their level of effort is related to their achievement. When students are rewarded or praised for achieving specific goals, their level of achievement is higher (proven to raise
student achievement by 29%).
Homework and practice - Homework and practice both provide opportunities for students practice, review, and apply knowledge. It also enhances a student's ability to reach
a level of expected proficiency for a skill or concept. Research referenced in Marzano, Pickering, and Pollock's book indicated students need to practice a skill 24 times to reach
80% competency, with the first four practices yielding the greatest effect (proven to raise student achievement by 28%).
Cooperative Learning - When students are provided with opportunities to interact with each other in a variety of ways their learning is enhanced. These activities support the
ideas that there should be a variety of criteria to group students; that there should be formal, informal and base groups and that the size of learning groups should be
continually monitored (proven to raise student achievement by 27%).
Nonlinguistic representations - This strategy can enhance a student's ability to represent and elaborate on knowledge using mental images. When students elaborate on
knowledge, they are able to understand it in greater depth and be more successful at recalling it. Nonlinguistic representations can include graphic representations, mental
pictures, physical models, drawings, and kinesthetic activities. New knowledge is usually presented in a linguistic form. When students are also able to use imagery, the effects
on achievement can be significant (proven to raise student achievement by 27%).
Setting Objectives and Providing Feedback- Setting objectives establishes a direction for learning. Once students understand the parameters of an objective, they should
brainstorm to determine what they know and what they want to learn. Specific, timely, and regular feedback to students enhances their learning. Also, feedback should include
an explanation of why an item is correct or incorrect and be criterion referenced. In other words, students should understand where they stand relative to a specific target of
knowledge or skill (proven to raise student achievement by 23%).
Generating and Testing Hypotheses - The strategy of generating and testing hypotheses includes several processes including systems analysis, invention, experimental
inquiry, decision making, and problem solving. Students should be asked "what if?" as they plan and conduct simple investigations (e.g., formulate a testable question, make
systematic observations, and develop logical conclusions (proven to raise student achievement by 23%).
Cues, Questions and Advanced Organizers - Giving students a preview of what they are about to learn or experience helps them activate prior knowledge. This strategy
gives students the opportunity to connect what they already know to what they need to know. Questions should focus on what is central and most important. Advance
organizers are most useful for information that is not easily presented in a well-organized manner. For example, creating an advance organizer for a field trip can provide
students with information about what they are about to see and do (proven to raise student achievement by 22%)
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Helping Struggling Readers be Successful
Are your students learning what you are asking them to learn?
Teachers should be following the SWC Framework provided by the district for Core Instruction. This includes a structure where students move between read aloud,
whole group, small group and independent reading and writing.
How do you know they’re learning it?
Formative assessments will help answer this question and is done continuously throughout the lesson.
What will you do if they aren’t learning it?
Regular Progress Monitoring is required for students who are not making adequate progress. Interventions include, but are not limited to: More time spent
reading, more explicit instruction on targeted skills, different teaching approach, small group instruction, etc. In addition,
Analyze your teaching. Are you providing consistent daily small group instruction? Have you emphasized one aspect of reading more than others?
Consult with your Literacy Coach.
Analyze your student assessments. As you analyze the data, describe on paper what your student does well, and the skills the student ignores.
Ask a colleague (another teacher or the Literacy Coach) to observe the student in the classroom and record observations.
(See Next Steps in Guided Reading, by Jan Richardson, chapter 7, for specific behaviors to observe with struggling readers.)
What will you do if they exceed your expectations? See next page
Monitoring Flowchart
Benchmark Assessment
Outcome
Assessment
Progress Monitoring
At Risk
Diagnose and provide
intensive Intervention based
on need
Benchmark
screening
At or
Above
Continue high quality
differentiated instruction
asplanned
NO
Is this student
making the
progress you
expect?
If student is progressing,
continue with intervention, if
not, re-diagnose, and change
intervention.
On Target!
YES
Continue high quality
differentiated instruction
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Helping Talented Readers Be Successful
Current research indicates that many talented readers have already mastered the majority of comprehension skills but are often required to study them again as part of the regular
curriculum. The SEM-R (School Wide Enrichment Model – Reading) was developed to increase reading challenge and enjoyment in all students, but one important goal of this
approach is to challenge talented readers. For more information, go to http://www.gifted.uconn.edu/SEMR/about/talented-readers.html
Characteristics of Talented Readers
As a group, talented readers are characterized by
reading earlier than their peers,
spending more time reading,
reading a greater variety of literature, even into adulthood (Collins & Kortner, 1995; Halsted, 1990).
reading at least two grade levels above their chronological grade placement,
demonstrating advanced understanding of language,
having an expansive vocabulary,
perceiving relationships between and among characters,
grasping complex ideas (Catron & Wingenbach, 1986; Dooley, 1993; Levande, 1999)
having skills are advanced in relation to their peers,
possibly not profiting from conventional instruction in reading (Levande, 1999)
benefiting from diagnostically based instruction to ensure that their skills continually improve.
Needs of Talented Readers
Researchers who have examined practices for talented readers agree that regular reading instruction is often too easy for talented readers (Collins & Aiex, 1995; Dole & Adams,
1983; Reis & Renzulli, 1989; Shrenker, 1997) and that talented readers need different reading instruction. The appropriate match between a learner's abilities and the difficulty of
the instructional work must be sought, and the optimal match should be instruction that is slightly above the learner's current level of functioning. As Chall and Conrad (1991)
state, when the match is optimal, learning is enhanced; however, "if the match is not optimal [i.e., the match is below or above the child's level of understanding and knowledge],
learning is less efficient and development may be halted" (p. 19).
Talented readers have responded well to
high interest literature geared toward the students' reading levels rather than age (Renzulli, 1977),
instruction geared toward the students' strengths (Renzulli & Reis, 1985; 1997)
focus on developing higher level comprehension skills (Collins & Kortner, 1995)
use of higher level questioning and opportunities to incorporate prior knowledge in reading experiences
book discussions can also provide talented readers with the opportunity to interact with intellectual peers and to discuss their ideas in greater depth
reading conferences facilitated by a teacher and focused on themes and ideas rather than on facts and plot summaries (Halsted, 1990).
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Unfortunately, using textbooks, basal readers, or even self-selected reading material that may be several years below students' reading level may create both halted development as
well as motivational problems for talented readers. Some of your most talented readers may have learned to be lazy readers and may not react well to your attempts to challenge
them to read at higher levels. The emphasis in school, however, must be on finding books that challenge and help talented readers to make continuous progress.
The following strategies can be used to challenge talented readers in your reading classroom and are an
integral part of SEM-R:
Modification of the regular curriculum to eliminate skills and work that talented readers have already mastered
Acceleration of content
Substitution of regular reading material with more advanced trade books
Use of technology and the web
More complex assigned reading and writing
Challenging group novels assigned for discussion to two or more talented readers
Independent reading and writing choices
Reading on-line from some of the advanced choices provided in the SEM-R intervention
Independent study opportunities in an area of interest
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Differentiation Practices and Strategies - Reference
1= never/almost
Consider where you are on this checklist of Differentiation Practices. Continue to grow along with your students.
2 = seldom
3=sometimes
4= frequently/consistently
Differentiation Practices
Curriculum
1. I review my state’s academic standards before I determine a curriculum unit’s goals or goals for a lesson.
2. I determine the assessments that I will use before I plan my unit activities so that there is alignment between curriculum, assessment,
and instruction.
3. I ensure that all student tasks and products focus on clearly stated learning goals.
Instructional Planning
4. I pre-assess students to determine their readiness for each new unit or series of lessons.
5. I use ongoing (formative) assessment to adjust my instructional plans to respond to differing learning needs.
6. I use assessment data provided by my state or school to inform my instructional planning.
7. I gather information about my students’ interests in curriculum topics.
8. I know my students’ learning preferences (Multiple Intelligences)
Flexible Instruction
9. I use a variety of instructional strategies in my teaching.
10. I engage all my students in challenging learning experiences based on their specific needs.
11. I adjust the pace of instruction to students’ learning needs, not everyone is doing the same thing on the same day, every day.
12. I provide additional time, instructions, and support (e.g. scaffolding) to students based on their specific needs.
13. I adjust curricular topics and learning tasks to best meet my students’ needs and ensure a challenging learning experience.
14. I match resources to my students’ reading-readiness levels (e.g. Lexile scores).
15. I match resources to my students’ level of knowledge about a curricular topic.
16. I use choice in topics, processes, or products to motivate my students.
17. I use a variety of formats with my students including such activities as tic-tac-toe boards/menus, cubing, and RAFTS
(Role/Audience/Format/Topics)
18. I use tiered assignments to match students with “just right, right now” tasks based on their learning needs.
19. I offer tasks reflecting my students’ interests.
20. I design tasks based on student readiness; some students need more time, instruction, practice; others are “there” early.
21. I design tasks reflecting different learning preferences (Multiple Intelligences)
22. If I use centers or stations, I either assign particular students to particular centers or match students with particular activities in each
center based on their learning needs.
26. I plan and use flexible groupings in my classroom to organize students by their instructional needs.
27. I use a variety of ways to group my students (e.g. by interest, readiness, learning preference).
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Notes:
Draft three ready by August of 2011) – New Standards and new curriculum to be in place by August of 2012
Need to create an “easy friendly parent guide” for the skills taught at each level
Embed ELL Standards and differentiation
Continue to Align – once work is completed K-12, Framework committee will realign.
Ultimate goal is to show evidence of student work for each of the essential questions/learning targets.
Common wide assessments are in place for writing. Reading to come next.
o Formative writing assessments should be done along the way (using parts of the rubric). Entire Rubric should be used for summative assessment.
Suggestions for Refinement
Suggestions will be reviewed by the Framework committee throughout the year. Be sure to share with your literacy coach.
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