8th Grade English and Literature Semester 2
In this 13-week class, students will read "Peak," by Roland Smith and various poems. Students will also work step-by-step through a research essay.
Erica Sirratt
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(281)
What's included
13 live meetings
10 hrs 50 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. 1-2 per weekGrading
Students will receive feedback on assignments as needed. I will also provide a final grade upon request.Class Experience
US Grade 8
** This is the second semester of a year-long class. However, semester one is NOT a prerequisite** In 8th grade, the focus of English shifts from spelling words and grammar and moves into bigger things like analyzing literature and writing essays. This class is part two of a year-long course, but it is not required to take part one in order to take part two. Throughout the semester, we'll be reading the novel "Peak," by Roland Smith, creating a character analysis, and completing a research essay. Students will also complete projects that go along with our class studies. This class utilizes Google Docs to provide accountability, and also to encourage students to complete each step of the essay writing process. For each essay, students receive a Google Doc to complete class activities and essays. This allows for real-time updates on revisions, edits, and feedback. It also allows guardians to check on student progress in real-time. Students will receive in-depth feedback on all essays.
Learning Goals
Students will review parts of grammar.Students will improve reading comprehension skills while reading fiction and non-fiction.
Syllabus
3 Units
13 Lessons
over 13 WeeksUnit 1: Poetry
Lesson 1:
Figurative Language
Warm-up activity
Introduction
Figurative language: idioms, simile, metaphor, etc...
Figurative language game
HOMEWORK: Read “Trees” by Joyce Kilmer and look for figurative language. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Emily Dickinson
Warm-up activity
Who was Emily Dickinson?
Read poems by Emily Dickinson and analyze
Important parts of poetry: stanzas, couplets, verse, etc...
Class activity: Texting couplets
Enrichment: Read a poem and answer the questions.
HOMEWORK: Couplet poems 50 mins online live lesson
2 assignments
Lesson 3:
Shel Silverstein
Warm-up activity
Who was Shel Silverstein?
Read poems by Shel Silverstein and analyze
Class activity: Parody poetry
Enrichment: Read a poem and answer the questions.
HOMEWORK: Write a parody poem 50 mins online live lesson
2 assignments
Unit 2: Peak
Lesson 4:
Introduce the story
Introduce interactive notebook
Introduce the book "Peak," by Roland Smith
All about hooking the reader for an essay
Enrichment: Vocabulary activity
HOMEWORK: Read pages 1-51 in "Peak" and complete corresponding interactive notebook activities. 50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Peak includes information about the struggles of climbing Mount Everest, including sickness and death. The parents in the story are divorced.
Supply List
Students will need a copy of the book "Peak," by Roland Smith.
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined May, 2020
4.8
281reviews
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.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$15
weekly1x per week, 13 weeks
50 min
Completed by 32 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-15
3-8 learners per class
