A lesson focused on analyzing character motivations and perceptions in the short story 'The Lure of Sheila Mant' by W.D. Wetherell. Students will explore how the narrator views the Mant family and Sheila herself through close reading and textual evidence.

A 30-minute introductory lesson where students learn to decode complex words using a list of 24 common morphemes.

Day 5 serves as a final comprehensive quick check. Students read a new passage independently and apply their analysis of character relationships and plot structure to demonstrate mastery of standards 5.8B and 5.8C.

An 8th-grade ELA lesson focused on Chapter 15 ('The Cigarette') of Persepolis, exploring themes of coming-of-age, rebellion, and oppression through analytical writing and collaborative discussion.

A lesson focused on helping students master the criteria for successful argumentative writing using a student-friendly checklist based on state-aligned rubrics.

Day 4 serves as a synthesis day using a mystery genre. Students apply their knowledge of character conflict and plot resolution to solve a 'narrative puzzle' and complete a comprehensive assessment.

Day 3 integrates both character and plot (5.8B/C) using traditional literature (a fable). Students examine how a character's traits and choices create the conflict and lead to the climax.

Day 2 focuses on plot elements (5.8C), specifically identifying the rising action, climax, and resolution in an adventure-themed text. Students map the 'Plot Peak' to understand story structure.

Day 1 focuses on analyzing character relationships and conflicts (5.8B) within a realistic fiction text. Students investigate how characters interact and the specific conflicts that drive their actions.

A 1-hour intensive review session focused on identifying central ideas and evaluating the evidence authors use to build strong arguments, utilizing passages from the NY Grade 7 ELA Interim Assessment.

An 8th-grade ELA lesson focusing on the symbolic power of the Oscar Holden record and other recurring objects in Jamie Ford's *Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet*. Students explore how physical items carry emotional weight and develop deeper themes within a narrative.

An 8th-grade ELA lesson focused on identifying and analyzing the purpose of flashbacks within a narrative structure, specifically examining how they reveal character history and advance the plot.

An introductory lesson on identifying and tracking literary themes like identity, prejudice, and memory, using a detective-style 'investigation' framework.

A weekly homework routine featuring a word search challenge and deep-dive vocabulary exercises for 10 target spelling words.

A 60-minute ELA lesson focused on analyzing author's diction and drawing logical inferences using excerpts from the Grade 7 Interim Assessment. Students will explore how specific word choices shape meaning and tone through guided and independent practice.

This lesson equips 8th-grade students with the tools to identify and analyze propaganda techniques in media, fostering critical thinking and media literacy. Students will explore common devices like bandwagon, testimonials, and glittering generalities through real-world examples.

A high-energy, 35-minute introduction to making inferences. Students act as detectives, combining text evidence with their own background knowledge to solve mini-mysteries.

An immersive exploration of narrative structure where 8th graders master the art of plot mapping, character development, and thematic analysis using nautical-themed blueprints and charts. Students transform into 'Plot Pilots' to navigate complex texts and construct their own compelling stories.

This lesson equips 8th-grade students with the tools to identify and analyze propaganda techniques across various media formats. Students will investigate the 'Big 7' propaganda devices, evaluate source credibility, and practice 'unmasking' persuasive rhetoric in real-world examples.