Mrs. Drewes

1st Quarter Curriculum
In eighth grade literature, students will review the basic elements of literature through their study of Greek Mythology. We will compare the myths of the Ancient Greeks with the mythologies of other ancient peoples, working with the reading skills of understanding purpose, symbolism, and the use of literary techniques such as foreshadowing. In order to strengthen vocabulary and comprehension skills, students will continue their study of Sadlier’s Vocabulary Workshop. . Students will begin work on their year-long independent (SQUIRT) reading, as well as the projects  associated with it.
 
 2nd Quarter Curriculum
In the second grading period, students will work on establishing a connection to history through their reading of historical fiction focusing on the American Revolution. We will also read classic American literature from authors such as Edgar Allan Poe and Washington Irving. Students will practice a variety of skills and strategies in order to better understand a written text. Vocabulary study will continue as well.
 
3rd Quarter Curriculum
As we begin the second semester, most student will be planning to take the entrance exams for various Catholic and private high schools. We will be reviewing and practicing reading skills through the end of January so that students are well-prepared for their high school testing. The second semester is also spent exploring the topic of social justice. During our study of this issue, we will be reading a variety of poetry, essays, and short stories about related incidents from our literature book. Possible examples of these pieces include “Brown vs. the Board of Education,” an informative essay; excerpts from “Flowers for Algernon,” dealing with manipulation of intelligence; and The Diary of Anne Frank and The Pearl in an effort to understand the basic nature of prejudice. Students will also continue their independent reading outside of class and their study of vocabulary.
 
4th Quarter Curriculum
During the fourth quarter of eighth grade literature, we will read the book Night and complete our study of the Holocaust, as seen through the eyes of Elie Wiesel, a concentration camp survivor and author. Students are completing their independent reading in this quarter as well, and they will complete novel projects as they complete their individual books.