Becoming
Becoming critical thinkers
Students already are and are becoming critical, metacognitive, skeptical, and creative thinkers. Research shows that project-based learning is an important and effective way to allow students choice and stretch their thinking.
“If students learn to take responsibility for their own learning, they will form the basis for the way they will work with others in their adult lives.”
Edutopia, 2007
Expressing
Students increase their capacity to express ideas, wonderings, and reactions to text both in different modes of writing and speaking:
| Writing | Speaking |
| Quick writes / journal prompts | Class discussion, pair-sharing |
| Message boards / chalk talks | Socratic seminar |
| Formal analytical/research essays | Presentations, skits, speeches |
Increasing vocabulary is a powerful means of clarifying meaning and finding an authentic and unique author’s voice.
Appreciating
Appreciating diversity
in literature and in others
Students will appreciate difference in themselves, in each other, and in a diverse selection of texts.
They will appreciate and understand the difference between informative, persuasive, and narrative texts: each have their place and are important.
They will appreciate the value of literary fiction in making us better, more empathetic people.
8th grade English @ CVLCC 