Baltimore County Public Schools
Dr. S. Dallas Dance, Superintendent
Guide for Parents
Eighth Grade GT Language Arts
Curriculum Overview
Grade 8 Gifted and Talented English is an integrated course that emphasizes an accelerated and enriched program of reading,
writing, speaking, and listening. Students will explore these concepts by reading major works of literature, composing a variety
of compositions, keeping a sourcebook or journal, researching information about various topics, studying appropriate language
skills, and utilizing technology for both information gathering and product production and presentation. The hallmark of the
gifted and talented English program is the opportunity for students to demonstrate competence in their studies through a variety
of creative processes and products which encourage them to perform as professionals in the field of study.
Content
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Unit 1: The Orator’s Art
Concepts:
identity, stereotype, change, responsibility
Reading:
poetry, nonfiction, fiction, persuasion
Composing:
poetry, speech, fiction, exposition, research
Producing:
debate, seminar, syncon, speech, memoir, contrast/comparison essay, research,
explanatory essay, original presentation
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Unit 2: The Reader’s Art
Concepts:
perseverance, loyalty, justice
Reading:
poetry, exposition, narration, nonfiction, fiction, elements of romantic literature,
elements of tragedy, elements of satire
Composing:
short fiction, essay, research
Producing:
fiction, comparison/contrast essay, narration, criticism, original presentation
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Unit 3: The Writer’s Art
Concepts:
perspective, conflict, humanity (hubris)
Reading:
poetry, nonfiction, fiction, persuasion
Composing:
poetry, persuasive essay, research, fiction
Producing:
narration, poetry, debate, research, fiction, original presentation
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Unit 4: The Actor’s Art
Concepts:
power, identity, relationships, perception
Reading:
nonfiction, fiction, poetry, drama, persuasion
Composing:
poetry, essays, script, analysis, research
Producing:
seminar, syncon, research, poetry, contrast/comparison essay, direct and design,
persuasive essay, criticism, dramatic performance, original presentation
Skills: Teachers introduce, reinforce, and synthesize the following skills in the K-12 English language arts curriculum:
 Reading
 Usage
 Speaking
 Literary analysis
 Mechanics
 Listening
 Composing
 Spelling/vocabulary
 Research
 Grammar
 Word processing/technology
Composition Portfolio: Students will keep a composition portfolio throughout the year, which will include pieces such as the
following:
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Dialectic journal
Memoir journal
Poetry comparison essay
Original poems
Memoir soliloquy
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Persuasive speech for town
meeting
Comparison/contrast essay
Dickens and contemporary artist
Works Cited page
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Compression poem
Original short story
Stage interpretation essay:
Midsummer’s Night Dream
For a more detailed content outline and indicators for this program please see your child’s teacher.