8th Grade English and Literature Semester 1
In this 14-week class, students will read "Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl," "The Monkey's Paw," and "King Thrushbeard." Students will write a biographical narrative essay and a literary analysis.
Erica Sirratt
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(268)
What's included
14 live meetings
11 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursHomework
Two different types of homework will be assigned. The first type of homework is considered enrichment. It won’t be required, but it will help students reinforce concepts taught in class. The second type of homework will be necessary to get the most out of class (and receive a grade). Homework will be clearly labeled as enrichment or required.Grading
Students will receive an itemized grade sheet that contains a breakdown of each assignment. Unless otherwise requested, students will receive this grade at the end of the semester.Class Experience
US Grade 8
In 8th grade English, the focus shifts away from the fundamentals and into more comprehensive skills, such as the analysis of literature and the creation of essays. My teaching approach is both interactive and structured, fostering open dialogue while still covering all necessary topics. Everyone will be invited to take part in the discussion, though not required to do so. When applicable, I will give students hands-on assistance with the different concepts we are working on. Two different types of homework will be assigned. The first type of homework is considered enrichment. It won’t be required, but it will help students reinforce concepts taught in class. The second type of homework will be necessary to get the most out of class (and receive a grade). Homework will be clearly labeled as enrichment or required. All assignments will be checked for completion. Writing assignments will receive feedback with 2-3 things the student did well on the essay. Then, I will share 3-4 ways they can revise their essay. Constructive feedback will include specific examples on how to improve their essay. For example, if I mention the thesis statement (topic sentence) could use a little adjustment, I will write possible examples of thesis statements for their essay. Students can submit essays for revision and editing as many times as they'd like. Final grades will be given at the end of the semester. *This class is the first part of a full-year course. The spring semester course will take place on the same day and time as the fall semester for continuity.* Concepts covered in this class: - Elements of literature - Annotating - Note-taking - Research - Analyzing literature - Literary Analysis - Types of conflict - Context clues - Autobiography, biography, and memoir - Character profiles - MLA format - Citations - Biographical narrative essay
Learning Goals
Learn annotating to analyze non-fiction textsPractice character analysis
Syllabus
3 Units
14 Lessons
over 14 WeeksUnit 1: The Diary of Anne Frank
Lesson 1:
Introduction to Anne Frank
We will discuss the elements of literature (plot, setting, point of view). Then, students will be introduced to the book, “Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl.” We will read the non-fiction text, “Courage in Denmark: Resistance to the Nazis in WWII.” We will also discuss the historical events leading up to the story. For enrichment, students will read the “Anti-Jewish Legislation in Pre-war Germany” and answer questions (PDF & Google Forms). For homework, students will start reading the book. 50 mins online live lesson
2 assignments
Lesson 2:
Types of Conflict
Students will begin with a writing warm-up. We will discuss the reading and the six types of conflict. Students will be introduced to active reading (annotating). For enrichment, students will practice annotating an article (PDF). For homework, students will continue reading and complete interactive notebook activities. 50 mins online live lesson
2 assignments
Lesson 3:
Context Clues
Students will begin with a writing warm-up. We will discuss the reading and explore context clues. For enrichment, students will define words using context clues (Google Forms). For homework, students will continue reading and complete interactive notebook activities. 50 mins online live lesson
2 assignments
Lesson 4:
Annotating
Students will begin with a writing warm-up. We will discuss the story and look over the unknown words from the text. We will read the non-fiction text, “Who was Anne Frank?” Then, we’ll practice annotating. For enrichment, students will read “Egg” by Linda Pastan and practice annotating (PDF). For homework, students will continue reading and complete interactive notebook activities. 50 mins online live lesson
2 assignments
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The stories in this class main contain some violence that may not be appropriate for sensitive students.
Supply List
Students will need to have a copy of the book, "Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl."
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined May, 2020
4.8
268reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree from University of Central Arkansas
I have a bachelor's degree in writing and journalism. I worked as a journalist for over five years and won several awards during my career. A large portion of my college years was spent studying creative and essay writing. I have self-published a few fiction books and I am currently working on another. Before changing my degree to writing, my study focus was on education. This change has given me knowledge of teaching and writing. I have been teaching ELA since 2014, and I have been teaching on Outschool since 2020.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$15
weekly or $209 for 14 classes1x per week, 14 weeks
50 min
Completed by 49 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-14
2-8 learners per class
