8th Grade Language Arts Online
Throughout this course, students engage in literary analysis and close reading of short stories, poetry, drama, novels, and informational texts. The course focuses on interpretation of literary works, analysis of informational texts, and the development of oral and written communication skills in standard (formal) English. Students read "between the lines" to interpret literature and go beyond the text to discover how the culture in which a work of literature was created contributes to the theme and ideas it conveys. Analysis of the structure and elements of informational texts and media helps students develop the skills needed for academic success and navigating the world. Students continue to acquire knowledge and skills in grammar, usage, mechanics, and vocabulary. Setting goals, self-monitoring progress, and reflecting on successes and challenges help students become metacognitive learners. The course includes discussion activities that engage students in the curriculum while creating a sense of community.
Semester 1
Module 1: Life Stories
Life Stories
A Test of Courage
A New World
Expectations
Find Your Own Voice
A Writer's View
Your Memoir's Topic
Writing Dialogue
Show; Don't Just Tell
Polish Your Memoir
The Story of a Life
Growing Up a Slave
The Horrors of Slavery
A Lack of Humanity
A Turning Point
Differing Perspectives
Module Review
Module Exam
Module 2: Voices and Viewpoints
Voices and Viewpoints
Defining Oneself
Walls: Real and Symbolic
Poetic Forms
Rhetorical Devices
Influencing Viewpoints
A Powerful Dream
Planning a Speech
Gather the Evidence
Organize and Outline
Get Ready to Speak!
Deliver Your Speech
The Influence of Media
Creating a Viewpoint
Each of Us Has a Voice
Present a Viewpoint
Module Review
Module Exam
Module 3: Perspectives in History
Perspectives in History
Multiple Personalities
Fear and Uncertainty
Family Ties
Growing Up
New Experiences
Danger Breaks In
Hope for the Future
No Longer a Little Girl
Compare and Contrast
After the Capture
Fleeing Germany
War Comes to the U.S.
Fear and Prejudice
Aspects of World War II
Webquest
Module Review
Module Exam
Module 4: Story Time
Story Time
Literature Study
The Courage of Conviction
Man versus Nature
Different Approaches
A Life of Adventure?
The Importance of Belief
The Writer's Craft
Creating Horror
Everyone Likes a Lottery
Two Ways of Seeing
A Difficult Choice
Your Own Short Story
Details and Dialogue
Draft a Story
The Final Product
Module Review
Module Exam
Module 5: The Source of Information
The Source of Information
Follow the Procedure
Choose a Procedure
Get it Together
Create a Procedure
Show and Tell
The Final Touches
Technical Texts
A Serious Problem
Tricky Business
Brochures
Technical Writing
Writing Workshop
Expository Texts
It’s All in How You Say It
Business Letter
Module Review
Module Exam
Semester 2
Module 1: The Power of Poetry
The Power of Poetry
The Test of Time
Passionate Language
Do or Die
Ravages of War
You Are the Poet
Daring and Dauntless
Nevermore
Love Lost
Wandering
A Narrative Poem
Writing About Theme
Choose Your Poem
Draft Your Analysis
Voice and Tone
Create the Final Product
Module Review
Module Exam
Module 2: Purposeful Persuasion
Purposeful Persuasion
Global Issues
Persuasive Media
More Persuasive Media
Creative Genius
The Great Debate
What’s in a Speech?
What Is an Argument?
Choose a Topic
Gather More Information
Conduct an Interview
Rhetorical and Logical Fallacies
Planning and Organizing
Draft It
Revise and Finalize
Oral Presentation
Module Review
Module Exam
Module 3: What a Character
What a Character
Stranded
The Conflict Begins
The Beast
Order Breaks Down
Savagery
Confrontation
The Bitter End
How Did We Get Here?
Literary Essay
Unity and Coherence
Character Study
Gather Support
Organization Is Key
Bring It to a Close
The Final Version
Module Review
Module Exam
Module 4: Timeless Literature
Timeless Literature
Law of the Gods
Stormy Times
Father and Son
Responsibility
The Turning Point
The Structure of Drama
Compare Plays
Choose a Research Topic
Find What You Need
Gathering Information
Organizing Information
Write It Down
Come to a Conclusion
The Final Touches
Present Your Findings
Module Review
Module Exam
Module 5: Seasons of Life
Seasons of Life
Summertime
Autumn
Winter
Beauty
Nature
Wonders
Descriptive Language
Where Will You Describe?
Descriptive Essay
World Myths
Afterlife Myths
Timelessness of Mythology
Prepare to Write
Drafting the Essay
Mythology in Literature Essay
Module Exam