Eighth Grade Literacy Objectives

2011 - 2012

Vocabulary Strategies and Breadth of Vocabulary  (G.E. R8:5, R8:6)

1a. Vocabulary: Uses strategies to unlock meaning (e.g. common roots, word origins, and homonyms).

1b. Vocabulary: Identifies word origins, including words from other languages that have been adopted into our own language (ex: deja vu). Selects appropriate words or explains the use of words in context.

Independently Reads a Range of Texts (G.E. R8:17, R8:18)

2a. Range of Texts: Reads at least 3 different genres and 5 books in one trimester.

2b. Range of Texts: Reads at least 5 different authors and 5 books in one trimester.

2c. Range of Texts: Reads the equivalent of:

2 books by one author, OR

2 books about one subject, OR

2 books in one genre in one trimester, AND

5 books in one trimester.

Reading Comprehension (G.E. R8:12, G.E. R8: 7, G.E. R8:16, G.E. R8:13, R8: 10)

3a. Uses Text Features: Identifies and uses text features to improve understanding of grade level text, including titles, captions, headings, photos, graphics, bold words, side bars, and bulleted lists.

3b. Generates Questions: Asks literal, clarifying, and inferential questions.

3c. Takes Notes: Extracts pertinent information, takes notes in his/her own words, organizes notes, and begins to synthesize information.

3d. Fact and Opinion: Identifies conflicting information within and across text; draws a conclusion based on facts and opinions in grade level text; and identifies bias and propaganda.

3e. Predicts: Makes predictions based on the text, prior knowledge, and other resources.

3f. Makes Connections: text-to-text, text-to-self, text-to-world using citations or quotes from the text, and those connections lead to a deeper understanding of the text.

3g. Summarizes: Summarizes succinctly, including the main idea and key supporting details.

3h. Analyzes and Interprets Informational and Literary Text: Uses text, prior knowledge, and other resources to draw inferences and demonstrate a deeper understanding.      

3i. Literary Elements and Techniques: Identifies, explains, and interprets the use of literary elements and techniques:  plot, characterization, setting, imagery, theme, conflict, simile, metaphor, personification, point of view, rising action, climax, falling action, dialogue, alliteration, rhyme, figurative language, and symbols.

Writing (G.E. W8:1, W8:6, W8:7, W8:8, W8:10, W8:12, W8:11, W8:13, W8:15, W8:16, W8:17, W8:18)

     4a. Uses the Writing Process: Uses all steps appropriately in the writing process:  plan, draft, revise, proof, and publish for a variety of genres, i.e. narrative, procedure, persuasive essay, personal essay, report, and poetry.

4b. Focus/Purpose: Strong sense of purpose unifies writing; main idea is paraphrased in the conclusion, leading the reader to make thoughtful connections.

4c.  Organization:Introduction, body, and conclusion are clearly presented and flow seamlessly using appropriate transitions.

4d. Details/Elaborations: Includes accurate and relevant details that support the focus; references the text when appropriate and elaborates upon the details with insightful reflections.

4e. Voice (Personality) Tone (Discourse Style):Uses voice and tone appropriate to expository and narrative writing.

Grammar, Usage, Mechanics, and Spelling (GUMS) G.E. W8:2, W8:3, W8:4)

5a. Conventions: Demonstrates grade level control over conventions, especially formatting, punctuation (commas, dialogue, quotations), capitalization, and correct word usage (pronoun/antecedent agreement, etc.)

5b. Spelling: Correctly spells grade-level vocabulary words and frequently misspelled words.

Oral Discussions and Presentations (G.E. R8:19, National Common Core Standards: Speaking and Listening, Grade 8.4, 8.6)

            6a. Participates in classroom discussions by appropriately asking questions and making comments relevant to the topic.

            6b. Demonstrates appropriate eye contact, body language, pace, volume, tone, and word choice for speaking in discussions and presentations.