Unit 1: Reaching Out

Time Frame:  9 Weeks

 

 

ELA > Grade 8 > Unit 1

Unit Description

This unit focuses on reading, comprehending, interpreting, responding, and writing nonfiction, focusing on biography, autobiography, and the personal essay.  Biography and autobiography will be analyzed for defining characteristics and writing techniques. Through literature, writing, and a research / presentation performance task, students will explore the value of “reaching beyond themselves” to understand and help others.  Writing and presenting an autobiography provides an opportunity for student application of the writing process. Researching biographies/autobiographies and writing reports/essays provide opportunities for students’ acquisition of informational, technological, and problem-solving skills. Vocabulary development and grammar instruction occur within the context of the literature and student writing.

Enduring Understandings

·       Judgments should not be based on appearance or actions alone.

·       Reaching out beyond myself can bridge differences and enrich my life.

·       Sometimes it takes courage to stand up for what I believe.

·       Knowing the ways I learn best help me become a better student.

 

Essential Questions

·       Why should we, “walk in the shoes of another”?

·       How can I reach out beyond myself?

·       What are the differences just one person can make? How can social or peer pressure prevent me from being courageous?

·       How can I learn to be a better student?

GLEs:  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46

Content Questions

·         What are the characteristics of a biography or an autobiography?

·         What is the difference between subjective and objective writing?

·         What are some ways to use technology for research and presentations?

·         What is the process for writing a personal narrative?

Assessments

·       Performance Task

·       Performance Task Rubric

·       Unit Assessment – LCC