Grade Eight
Writing
Literacy/Integrated Language Arts
National Standard for English/Language Arts: (attached)
 Standard # 5
 Standard # 6
 Standard # 12
New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standard (NJCCCS):
(3.2 Writing)
All students will write in clear, concise, organized language that varies in content and form for different audiences
and purposes.
Diocesan Standard (Expectation):
All students will demonstrate proficiency in writing across the curriculum in all disciplines, with clarity, organization and structure
including the ability to address a wide variety of publics.
Expressive Language:
Includes pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing (grammar and spelling/vocabulary) publishing (handwriting), defining purpose, organizing
ideas, applying skills, oral communication, reflecting and accomplishing goals based on rubrics.
Content Outcome: Prewriting strategies
ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES
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INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES
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Conference with teacher and peers
Create a web, chart or graphs to present a writing plan
Dramatize a narrative poem
Share a written reflection based on a picture prompt
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Think, discuss and use meta-cognitive diction and form structure
Self-assess appropriate genre
Determine specific form of writing
Use a variety of sources to collect information
Journal based on a picture prompt
Respond to a writing prompt
Create an innovative book review
Writing Grade 8
Content Outcome: Drafting strategies
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ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES
Critique first draft editing and revision
Create a new ending for a familiar book, story or movie
Show a rubric that reveals strengths and weaknesses as a writer
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INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES
Visit a library to do authentic research
Model drafting strategies
Use key points to review supporting detail
Exchange oral recitation with a partner identifying areas of
strength and weakness
Use webbing and other patterns to organize ideas
Practice summarizing and ending techniques
Content Outcome: Revision strategies
ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES
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INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES
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Highlight five places in rough draft to increase effectiveness
Revise a piece of writing based on a rubric
Peer edit
Demonstrate understanding of the editing process.
Engage in teacher and peer collaboration
Discuss intent and purpose of a writing piece
Check if vocabulary matches ideas
Examine time order and sequence
Revise sentence length and delete unnecessary information
Create second draft using paraphrasing and improvement of
language usage
Content Outcome: Editing strategies
ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES
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INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES
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Peer edit or self edit a writing sample
Conference with the teacher
Explain meaning of proofreading marks in a cartoon or chart
115
Check consistent viewpoint
Review proofreading marks
Incorporate technology aids
Writing Grade 8
Content Outcome: Publishing strategies
ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES
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INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES
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Submit an essay to a local newspaper for possible publication
Display an original work in a clever way
Share a published work with students and other classes
Self-evaluate based on initial guidelines and rubrics
Explain why a writing sample will live on in history
Model legible, focused, clear writing
Share and exhibit different writing styles
Create an original idea for displaying published works
OVERALL OUTCOME: Process Expand the writing process across all subject areas.
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ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES
Use a multiple intelligence approach to present the results of
research
Explain how changes in the wording of a problem can affect
the way the problem can be solved
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INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES
Write for specific purposes in various subjects
Discuss the wording of multi-step word problems in math
Expand research skills
OVERALL OUTCOME: Assessment Critique the application of the writing process through self-assessment.
ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES
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INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES
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Present a soliloquy about a belief, concern or conviction
Demonstrate the value of a rubric
Share original poetry that reveals self
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Discuss the benefits of a rubric to students
Write a reflection about self as a writer
Create poetry about topics that express beliefs or convictions
Writing Grade 8
OVERALL OUTCOME: Affective Development Develop and maintain a positive environment which inspires students to express individuality
through writing
ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES
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INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES
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Contribute to a literary magazine or school newspaper
Be a famous character from a book or history and express a
viewpoint on a modern trend or idea
Create questions that lead to an informative discussion
Prepare writing samples for the school newspaper or magazine
Engage in a class discussion based on class concerns
Share spontaneous humorous ideas randomly selected
Review ways to express opinions
OVERALL OUTCOME: Technology Literacy Evaluate information to use in the writing process.
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ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES
Conduct a PowerPoint presentation for the school PTA or a
special event
Explain the choice of additions to a PowerPoint presentation
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INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES
Improve PowerPoint techniques
Present innovative uses for PowerPoint
OVERALL OUTCOME: Ethnic Diversity Research and document the ethnic factors which are present in today’s society backgrounds.
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ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES
Send a letter to an editor about a cultural event or concern
Deliver a speech about your beliefs about people of all cultures
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INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES
Share newspaper editorials
Discuss the set up of different neighborhoods
Interview people of different cultures and compare data
Write about what you believe
Writing Grade 8