Grade 8
Language Arts
Reading
Standard 3

LITERARY RESPONSE AND ANALYSIS


 
Resources
Lesson Plans
Assessments
Summer of My German Soldier, by Betty Green; 

Red Cap, by G. Clifton Wisler; 

The Diary of Anne Frank (found on pg. 346-408 in Elements of Literature Second Course.


 
1.) After students read two literary pieces, such as Summer of My German Soldier and The Diary of a Young Girl, have them compare and contrast (clarify) the theme of man's inhumanity to man by plotting their ideas on a Venn Diagram. Have students plan their presentation, defending either similarities or differences:
  • Topic sentence
  • Three similarities or three differences with supporting evidence
  • Conclusion
    Based on the peer group's feedback, have each group revise their plan as necessary. Upon revision and practice, groups will deliver a polished presentation.
    • 1.) The first piece of assessment is a formative one, involving peer group response to another group's presentation plan, focusing on the content and the structure of the presentation.
    2.) The second assessment is the actual presentation, noting the elements of the presentation's content, structure, and delivery, including each member's participation.
    3.) The third assessment piece is a summative one, requiring each student to apply what they have learned regarding the studied theme. They should be able to discuss three examples of the theme as evidenced in today's society and how they are similar to and/ or different from the same theme in the literary works studied.