BELLE VERNON AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

GENERAL SYLLABUS OUTLINE

**This syllabus is subject to change**

Course Name:

Reading/Literature

Grade:

8

1.)

Course Description:

This course will focus on helping students to develop skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

Using a literature based approach students will read, interpret, and analyze a variety of age appropriate

genre including fiction, non-fiction, poems, and informational articles.  Vocabulary will be studied and

taught in the context of reading.  The ultimate goal is to develop students that can function as

independent learners in all curriculum areas.

2.)

Learning Standards:

1.1

Learning to Read Independently

1.2

Reading Critically in all Content Areas

1.3

Reading, Analyzing, & Interpreting Literature

3.)

Student Objectives:

1.1.8     Learning to Read Independently

v

[Before Reading] [l] Locate appropriate texts (literature, information, documents) for an

assigned purpose before reading.

v

Identify and use common organizational structures and graphic features to comprehend

information.

v

[During Reading] [u] Use knowledge of root words as well as context clues and glossaries

to understand specialized vocabulary in the content areas during reading.  Use these

words accurately in speaking and writing.

v

Identify basic facts and ideas in text using specific strategies [such as] (e.g., recall genre

characteristics, set a purpose for reading, generate essential questions as aids to

comprehension and clarify understanding through rereading and discussion).

v

Expand a reading vocabulary by identifying and correctly using idioms and words with

literal and figurative meanings.  Use a dictionary or related reference.

v

Understand the meaning of and apply key vocabulary across the various subject areas.

v

[After Reading] [d] Demonstrate after reading understanding and interpretation of both

fiction and nonfiction text, including public documents.

v

Demonstrate fluency and comprehension in reading.

1.2.8     Reading Critically in All Content Areas

v

Read and understand essential content of informational texts and documents in all

academic areas.

v

Use and understand a variety of media and evaluate the quality of material produced.

v

Produce work in at least one literary genre that follow the conventions of the genre.

1.3.8     Reading, Analyzing, and Interpreting Literature

v

Read and understand works of literature.

v

Analyze the use of literary elements by an author including characterization, setting, plot,

theme, point of view, tone[,] and style.

v

Analyze the effect of various literary devices.

v

Identify poetic forms (e.g., ballad, sonnet, couplet).

v

Analyze drama to determine the reasons for a character's actions[,] taking into account

the situation and basic motivation of the character.

v

Read and respond to nonfiction and fiction[,] including poetry and drama.

4.)

Course Text:

v  Scott Foresman--Literature and Integrated Studies, Grades 6-8

v  Scott Foresman's Home Page http://www.scottforesman.com

5.)

Major Units or Themes:  (Include the following)

Unit I      Change

a.  What is this happening to me

b.  The many faces of change

Unit II     Challenges

a.  Searching for the real you

b.  Outside forces

Unit III     Conflict

a.  Moments of Truth

b.  Things are not as they seem

Unit V     Justice

a.  Life's not always fair

b.  The triumph of the sprit

6.)

Teaching Methods:

v     Direct Instruction

v     Lecture/Discussion

v     Cooperative Learning

v     Guided Practice

v     Oral Presentation/Optional

v     Demonstration

v     Role Playing

7.)

Assessment:

v     Selection Test

v     Unit Theme Test

v     Notebooks/Optional

v     Essays

v     Accelerated Reader