1. Welcome to 8th Grade Challenge English/ Language Arts
Mrs. Cautrell, Room 208

2. 8th Grade Curriculum
Common Core State Standards (Curricular Framework)
Differentiation (Instructional Framework)
Northshore Scope & Sequence (Alignment & Pacing)

Vigorous engagement
High expectations
Advanced skill development and application

3. Curriculum Overview Theme Essential Questions Concepts/Skills, Part 1
Theme
Essential Questions
Concepts/Skills, Part 1
Concepts/Skills, Part 2
Materials
Assessment
1st Quarter
Sept.6 - Nov. 3
The Challenge of Heroism
What defines a hero?
How does the hero’s journey archetype appear in stories throughout time?
Analysis of story elements
Details and figurative language used for effect
Literary archetype applied to text
Plot development using the Hero’s Journey archetype
Transitions to link events and signal shifts
Visual techniques to enhance illustrations
Command of conventions
A clear thesis and focus, with relevant supporting detail, evidence, and commentary
Strategies of definition
Logically sequenced ideas
Transitions & topic sentences to create coherence
Effective introductions and conclusions
Diction to create tone
Springboard Unit 1
House of the Scorpion
Aristotle’s W Diagram for plot development
The framework of the monomyth as described by Joseph Campbell
Varied poems stories, and media focused on the hero’s journey archetype.
Bell Work
Exit Tasks
Responses & Reflections
Reader/Writer Notebooks
Springboard Text Work
Quickwrites
Small Group Tasks
Classroom Discussions
Socratic Seminars
Embedded Assessments:
Archetypal Hero’s Journey
Definition Essay
2nd Quarter
Nov. 6-Jan. 26
The Challenge of Utopia
To what extent can a perfect society exist?
What makes an effective argument?
A clear thesis in a focused introduction
A thesis with relevant details, evidence, and explanations
Quotations embedded & cited
Ideas are sequenced logically using an appropriate organizational structure
Transitions create coherence
A relevant conclusion
Literary terms and precise language convey an academic tone
A clear claim supported with sufficient, relevant information synthesized from credible sources
Valid reasoning with counterclaims
Logical sequence of ideas
Transitions to create coherence
Focused introductions, conclusions
Appropriate tone and style to persuade a target audience
Effective presentation skills
Persuasive rhetorical appeals
Accurate, annotated bibliography
Springboard Unit 2
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Additional works by Bradbury, including:
“There Will Come Soft Rains”
“All Summer in a Day”
Varied poems, stories, and media, particularly in the science fiction genre.
Explanatory Essay
Argumentative Essay
3rd Quarter
Jan Apr. 6
The Challenge to Make a Difference
Why is it important to learn about the Holocaust?
How can one person make a difference?
Strategies of close reading used in the analysis of how literary elements develop theme
Variety of details and relevant elaboration
Collaboration and preparation dramatic interpretation of text
Logical, smooth organization
Precise academic language (formal, academic tone)
Command of conventions & style
Clear claim, counterclaim(s) with relevant reasoning and evidence from varied, accurate sources
Persuasive appeals
Logical organization, engaging introduction, smoothly sequenced ideas, concluding call to action
Collaboration and preparation
Appropriate diction and tone
Annotated bibliography
Springboard Unit 3
The Book Thief
Varied poems, stories, and media including:
Holocaust survivor narratives
Clips from Life is Beautiful
PSA examples
Discussions, presentations
Oral Presentation
Media Campaign
4th Quarter
Apr June 21
The Challenge of Comedy
How is humor used to convey truth?
What makes performances of Shakespearean comedies effective?
Literary analysis of the effect of elements of humor, using textual evidence and commentary
Effective organization with engaging introduction, transitions, that connect ideas, and a satisfying conclusion
Shakespeare’s use of humor
Effective performance elements
Collaborative planning, rehearsal of a group performance
Context in an introduction and a satisfying conclusion for audiences
Comic effect and meaning conveyed through skilled delivery
Conventions inform delivery in a performance
Springboard Unit 4
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Information on the life and times of William Shakespeare
Varied poems, stories, and media with examples of the elements of humor
Discussions, performance
Analysis of Humorous Text
Performing Shakespeare

4. Examples of Differentiation for Advanced Students
Pacing/Acceleration
Novelty
Complexity
Depth
Pre-Assessment
Mastery = Moving ahead, or advanced parallel tasks
Pacing adjustment
Springboard
Curriculum Compacting
Focus on advanced skills
Tiered assignments
Supplemental text
Advanced learning opportunities
Self-reflection and goal setting
Varied modality learning
Variation
Topics
Perspectives
Tasks
Genre
Grouping
Products
Interest-based choices
Divergent Thinking Activities:
Forced analogies & associations
Synectics/ Box Trains
Lateral thinking
Incorporate student choice
Modifications of tasks
Augmentation (e.g. media, art)
High level questioning
Synthesis
Problem solving
Evaluation
Kaplan’s Icon Filters – Complexity
Across disciplines
Changes over time
Different perspectives
Creative products to convey ideas
Open-ended discussions
High-level text
Multi-faceted tasks & projects
Cross-referencing
Extensions
Parallel tasks
Project=based learning
Research
Analysis
Close reading strategies
AP strategies
Metacognition
Connections
Reflection
Kaplan’s Icon Filters – Depth
Details
Patterns & trends
Unanswered questions
Rules & Ethics
Central ideas
Socratic Seminars
Presentation of ideas

5. Resources Core Curriculum: Springboard
Written Analysis: Writing Analytically
Vocabulary: Vocabulary for the High School Student
Literary Devices: Discovering Voice
Shared Inquiry/Literary Discussions: Great Books Roundtable,
Level 3, & varied works
Novel Studies:
House of the Scorpion
Fahrenheit 451
The Book Thief
Poetry Analysis: Works of Varied Authors
Play: A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare
Socratic Seminars: Varied works

6. Policies Learning is the goal. Therefore…
Late work submission, revision, test retakes are allowed
Students are encouraged to me whenever needed.
Academic Advisory = Small group, or one-to-one assistance
Engagement, & interaction with the material is vital.
Technology is used extensively, (alternatives are available).
Differentiation? YES!

7. Assessment Examples Bell Work Reader/Writer Notebook
Vocabulary & Other Skill Development Work
Writing: Essays, Timed Writes, Poetry, Analyses, Reflections,
Hero’s Journey narrative, Argumentation, Poetry…
Socratic Seminars
Presentations
Varied Group and Individual Projects

8. Assessment Scales
Grade/Score
Percent A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D+ D F
100-93
92-90
89-87
86-83
82-80
79-77
76-73
72-70
69-67
66-60
59-0
Standards
Based 4 3 2 1
No Credit ES S+ S S- NS LC NC
Informal
Credit
Partial Credit
Limited Credit
ES = Exceeds Standard S = Meets Standard NS = Nearing Standard PC – Partial Credit LC = Limited Credit NC = No Credit
Weighting: Formative (55%), Skill building (35%), Completion (10%)
Feedback & Reflection: Rubrics for Success – Comments
Self & Peer Assessment – Goal Setting (with action steps)

9. Homework
Homework is posted on my website, on the daily lesson slides, and on the dry-erase whiteboard.
Students should record assignments.
All instruction, directions, and due dates needed for the successful completion of homework, are provided in advance, in class.
*Parents are partners, not personal assistants, editors,
or mind readers.

10. Stay informed Learn together Prioritize Empower
How Can Parents Help?
Stay informed
Learn together
Prioritize
Empower

11. Website Contents

12. Communication http://wwwnew.nsd.org/Domain/3557
Website: TJH, English Department, Cautrell *
Twitter: TJH_208
Facebook: TJH 208
Phone:
Conferences, by appointment

13. Core Materials

15. Welcome to 8th Grade English/ Language Arts
Mrs. Cautrell, Room 208

16. 8th Grade Curriculum Common Core State Standards AP Strategies
Northshore Scope & Sequence

Vigorous engagement
High expectations
Skill development and application

17. Resources Core Curriculum: Springboard
Literary Devices: Discovering Voice
Shared Inquiry/Literary Discussions: Great Books Roundtable,
Level 3, & varied works
Novel Studies:
House of the Scorpion
*Ship Breaker
The Book Thief
Poetry Analysis: Works of Varied Authors
Play: A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare
Socratic Seminars: Varied works

18. Assessment Examples Bell Work
Vocabulary & Other Skill Development Work
Writing: Essay, Timed Write, Poetry, Analysis, Reflection,
The Archetypal Hero’s Journey narrative, Argument…
Socratic Seminars
Presentations: Speeches, Debates, Readers’ Theater, Media…
Varied Group and Individual Projects
Exit Tasks

19. Assessment Scales Weighting: Summative (50%) Formative (35%),
Skill building (15%), Extra Credit (1%)
Feedback & Reflection: Rubrics for Success – Comments –
Self & Peer Assessment – Goal Setting (with steps)

20. Policies Learning is the goal. Therefore…
Late work submission, revision, test retakes are allowed
Students are encouraged to me whenever needed.
Pack Time = Small group, or one-to-one assistance
Engagement, & interaction with the material is vital.
Technology is used extensively, (alternatives are available).
Differentiation? YES!

21. Homework
Homework is posted on my website calendar, on the electronic whiteboard, and on the dry-erase whiteboard.
Students should record assignments.
All instruction, directions, and due dates needed for the successful completion of homework, are provided in advance, in class.
*Parents are partners, not personal assistants, editors,
or mind readers.

22. Stay informed Learn together Prioritize Empower
How Can Parents Help?
Stay informed
Learn together
Prioritize
Empower

23. Website Contents

24. Communication http://wwwnew.nsd.org/Domain/3557
Website: TJH, English Department, Cautrell *
Twitter: TJH_208
Facebook: TJH 208
Phone:
Conferences, by appointment

25. Core Materials