8th Grade Reading Comprehension Digital Resource: Growing Daily

8th Grade Reading Comprehension Digital Resource: Growing Daily

8th Grade Reading Comprehension Digital Resource: Growing Daily

Interactive Notebook “How To”

Vocabulary & Prediction

Annotation & Close Reading

Theme & Textual Evidence

Creative & Analytical Writing

Summative Writing

Record any questions that you may have at this point below:

Use these numbered “tabs” to quickly navigate back and forth through the sections of this notebook!

Interactive Notebook “How To”

Skill/Topic: Building Background Knowledge

Student-Friendly Objective:

I can utilize the features of this interactive notebook to practice and master the skills I need to succeed.

Vocabulary & Prediction

Skill/Topic: Building Background Knowledge

Student-Friendly Objective:

I can predict the focus of a story by analyzing its title and using new vocabulary to support my understanding.

RL.8.1: I will cite evidence to support my understanding.

Vocabulary & Prediction

Language 8.6

“The Forgotten Key”

Bonus (optional challenge):

What might the key symbolize?

Based on the title and the image, what do you think the story might be about based on the title? Why?

Explain your thinking:

Record your ideas here…

If possible, share your prediction with someone….

Just for Fun: Insert THREE images of other objects or things that might be a part of the story.

Language 8.6

Vocabulary & Prediction

Directions: Drag and drop the vocabulary words to match the definitions, then match the images.

Images:

Definitions:

Vocabulary Words:

trembled

daring

shadows

lavender

secrets

Check your progress here

flickered

Directions: Write a sentence for TWO separate vocabulary words predicting how it might be used in the story.

Sentences in Context

The key trembled in Lena’s hands as she approached the attic.

Example

Sentence 2:

Sentence 1:

Just for Fun: Which word do you think is most important to the story? Why?

“The Forgotten Key”

RL 8.1

Objective: Create curiosity and provide context for the story.

Bonus (optional challenge):

Based on what you know so far, write a two-sentence “opener” to the story below.

Step 1: Based on the three images above, how does these objects connect to the title? Explain.

Record your ideas here…

If possible, share your prediction with someone….

Step 2: List all of the emotions that come to mind after seeing these images below (ex. fear, greed). Insert a picture that represent two of the motions you listed.

RL 8.1

Guided Reading

Objective: Preview a short excerpt to build familiarity with text tone and vocabulary.

Excerpt for “The Forgotten Key” "Lena paused at the base of the iron staircase, clutching the small, brass key tightly in her hand. The attic door above her was barely visible through the dim, dusty light. Her grandmother’s house had always been full of secrets, and now, with her grandmother gone, Lena felt as though the house was daring her to uncover one last mystery."

Highlight any vocab or unfamiliar words

First Read: Go slow to understand

Summarize your understanding of the text

Read the comprehension questions

Go back to the text and UNDERLINE evidence

Include that evidence in your written response

Check off each item on the “to do” list above in order to master those reading comprehension skills.

Summarize here.

Write a quick summary of the excerpt:

Comprehension Question 2:Which words in the excerpt build suspense or mystery?

Comprehension Question 1:What emotions does Lena seem to feel as she stands at the staircase?

Respond here.

Respond here.

How are you doing? It’s time to check for understanding and monitor our progress!

1. Go to this Google Form to take a quick assessment on your vocabulary and reading comprehension. Make sure you see what grade you received at the end!

1. Click here to begin recording your progress on Progress Tracker.

Annotation & Close Reading

Skill/Topic: Annotating for Key Details

Student-Friendly Objective:

I can highlight and annotate sensory details and character emotions to better understand the text.

RL.8.1: I will find and explain evidence from the text. RL.8.3: I will analyze how the story develops through details.

Sensory Details

Annotation & Close Reading

Objective: Build student awareness of sensory details.

“The attic smelled like old books and lavender, with shadows curling along the walls.”

How does this detail make the setting feel mysterious?

Which of the five senses does this description engage?

Objective: Closely read and annotate for details.

Guided Reading

Highlight any vocab or unfamiliar words

"Lena paused at the base of the iron staircase, clutching the small, brass key tightly in her hand. The attic door above her was barely visible through the dim, dusty light. Her grandmother’s house had always been full of secrets, and now, with her grandmother gone, Lena felt as though the house was daring her to uncover one last mystery."

Text: Revisit the excerpt:

First Read: Go slow to understand

Summarize your understanding of the text

Read the comprehension questions

Go back to the text and UNDERLINE evidence

Include that evidence in your written response

How does the author use details to create suspense? Give one example from the text.

Respond here.

Highlight any vocab or unfamiliar words

First Read: Go slow to understand

Summarize your understanding of the text

Read the comprehension questions

Go back to the text and UNDERLINE evidence

Include that evidence in your written response

Sensory Details

Annotation & Close Reading

Objective: Build student awareness of sensory details.

Step 1: Create a list of Lena’s emotions (e.g., curious, nervous, determined).

Step 2: Pick an emotion from your list and use this sentence frame: In the line “Lena paused at the base of the staircase,” she feels __ because __.

Brain Break Time!

Respond here.

Head to planet jigsaw to put together a puzzle of Lena!

Next Steps: Identify Sensory Details:

• Look for words or phrases that describe what Lena sees, hears, smells, or feels.
• Highlight or note two sensory details in the text.

Analyze Sensory Details:

• In the margin or in a digital text box, explain how each sensory detail adds to the mood or atmosphere of the attic.
• Example: “Shadows curled along the walls” creates a mysterious and eerie feeling in the attic.

Identify Lena’s Emotions:

• Find a phrase that shows Lena’s emotions or physical reactions (e.g., “Her fingers trembled as she knelt in front of it.”).
• Write a short explanation of what this tells you about how she feels in this moment.

Step 3: Read the Text Closely Directions: CFirst, carefully read the paragraph below. Highlight or underline any words or phrases that stand out to you as descriptive or emotional.

Analyze Sensory Details:

"The attic was unlike any other place in the house. Shadows curled along the walls, and the air carried a faint smell of lavender and old books. Lena’s flashlight flickered as she scanned the room, catching sight of a small, locked chest in the far corner. Her fingers trembled as she knelt in front of it, the brass key fitting perfectly into the lock."

Identify Lena’s Emotions:

Theme & Textual Evidence

Skill/Topic: Identifying and Supporting a Theme

Student-Friendly Objective:

I can identify a theme and use multiple pieces of textual evidence to support my analysis.

RL.8.2: I will determine a theme of a text and analyze its development through details and events. RL.8.1: I will cite several pieces of textual evidence to support my analysis.

Theme & Textual Evidence

Skill/Topic: Identifying and Supporting a Theme

Student-Friendly Objective:

I can identify a theme and use multiple pieces of textual evidence to support my analysis.

RL.8.2: I will determine a theme of a text and analyze its development through details and events. RL.8.1: I will cite several pieces of textual evidence to support my analysis.

RL 8.1 & 8.2

Theme & Textual Evidence

Warm-Up: “What’s the Message?” Objective: Introduce the concept of theme and connect it to students’ experiences. Question: What is a lesson or message you’ve learned from a book, movie, or real-life experience? How did you learn it?

Mini-Lesson on Theme Objective: Define theme and provide a model for identifying it. Now, here is the deal. I know what you might be thinking… “I’ve been learning about them since the second grade….ugh…” But things are a changing at this grade level! Now, you don’t only have to be able to IDENTIFY IT… but you have to be an expert on how it was developed throughout a story! Whew… that’s a lot! Let’s break it down… Here’s a little gift as we get started:

Respond here.

Task: Explore the infographic on the right.

Respond here.

Can you think of any other “common” themes?

Respond here.

Write a few sentences about a time where you had to learn a lesson. What was the theme in the experience?

RL 8.1 & 8.2

Theme & Textual Evidence

If every story has a THEME, then we have to be able to identify it...

Watch the Disney Short to the left.

Write down your initial ideas for the theme.

Summarize your understanding of the text

Identify two details from the short that support their theme.

Example for “Piper”: “The little bird overcomes its fear of the waves.”

Write one sentence stating what you believe the theme of the short is. Repeat below for second short.

Show your thinking, findings and final statement in this area. Hint: The theme of “For the Birds” is….. because …….

Discussion Questions: Question 1: What lesson do you think the creators wanted us to learn? Question 2:How do the characters' actions support this lesson?

Show your thinking, findings and final statement in this area. Hiint: The theme of “Piper” is….. because …….

RL 8.1 & 8.2

Theme & Textual Evidence

Checking for Understanding: Theme Please test your understanding of theme and how to identify it by taking this short Google Form quiz. *Remember to view your score and record it in your Progress Monitor.

Personal Reflection:

Encourage students to connect the themes to their own lives or experiences.

Which short’s theme resonated with you the most? Why?

Respond here.

Respond here.

Compare/Contrast the themes between “For the Birds” and “Piper”using the Venn Diagram below.

“For the Birds”

“Piper”

Similarities

Vestibulum congue

Vestibulum congue

RL 8.1 & 8.2

Theme & Textual Evidence

Activity 1:Theme Application to the Anchor Text Objective:I can identify a theme in the text and explain how it is developed through details and events. Step 1: Reread the Anchor Text (Note: this is a more complex version of the text and it has more descriptive language, but it is indeed the same scene.)

"Lena hesitated at the threshold of the attic, the dim light from her flashlight revealing the jagged edges of forgotten furniture and cobweb-covered crates. The air was thick and heavy, carrying the faint scent of mildew and something sweetly familiar—lavender. She steeled herself and stepped forward, the floorboards groaning under her weight. In the corner, a small chest glinted in the beam of her light, its brass lock tarnished but unyielding. For a moment, Lena felt as though the room itself was watching her, daring her to uncover its secrets."

RL 8.1 & 8.2

Theme & Textual Evidence

Activity 2: Compare Across Mediums Objective:I can compare how themes are presented in different mediums.

Compare/Contrast the themes between “Piper”and “The Forgotten Key” using the Venn Diagram below.

“The Forgotten Key”

“Piper”

Similarities

Vestibulum congue

Vestibulum congue

Personal Reflection:

Do you think the theme is easier to identify in the Disney short or the written text? Why?

How does each medium help develop the theme?

Respond here.

Respond here.

RL 8.1 & 8.2

Theme & Textual Evidence

Activity 3: Independent Writing – Theme Analysis Prompt: Write one paragraph explaining a theme from the text and how it is developed through details and events. Use at least two pieces of textual evidence to support your explanation.

Let’s look at a student example first: One theme in "The Forgotten Key" is that facing fears can lead to important discoveries. This is shown when Lena hesitates at the threshold of the attic but decides to move forward anyway. The description of the room “watching her” builds suspense, showing her nervousness. However, by stepping into the attic, she demonstrates courage and curiosity, which allow her to uncover its secrets.

Consider these questions about the sample before you begin writing?

What score would you have given the student? Why? "What part of the student sample do you think is most effective in analyzing the theme? Why?"

Type your paragraph here.

Vocabulary & Prediction

Language 8.6

“The Forgotten Key”

Bonus (optional challenge):

What might the key symbolize? The key might symbolize hidden knowledge or secrets because it is something that unlocks something else. Since Lena found it in her grandmother’s belongings, it could be connected to a family mystery.

Based on the title and the image, what do you think the story might be about based on the title? Why?

Explain your thinking:

I think the story is about a character finding an old key that unlocks something important, like a hidden room or a family secret. The word "forgotten" makes it sound like the key hasn’t been used in a long time.

If possible, share your prediction with someone….

Just for Fun: Insert THREE images of other objects or things that might be a part of the story.

Language 8.6

Vocabulary & Prediction

Directions: Drag and drop the vocabulary words to match the definitions, then match the images.

Images:

Definitions:

Vocabulary Words:

trembled

flickered

daring

shadows

secrets

lavender

Check your progress here

Directions: Write a sentence for TWO separate vocabulary words predicting how it might be used in the story.

Sentences in Context

The key trembled in Lena’s hands as she approached the attic.

Example

Sentence 2: Flickered: The flashlight flickered in the dark attic, casting strange shadows on the walls.

Sentence 1: Trembled: Lena’s hands trembled as she stood in front of the attic door, unsure of what she would find.

Just for Fun: Which word do you think is most important to the story? Why? I think the word "key" is the most important because it is the object that drives the entire story. Without the key, Lena wouldn’t have a reason to explore the attic or uncover her grandmother’s secrets.

“The Forgotten Key”

RL 8.1

Objective: Create curiosity and provide context for the story.

Bonus (optional challenge):

Based on what you know so far, write a two-sentence “opener” to the story below. The small, brass key felt heavy in Lena’s hand as she stood before the attic staircase. She couldn’t shake the feeling that whatever the key unlocked would change everything she thought she knew about her grandmother.

Step 1: Based on the three images above, how does these objects connect to the title? Explain.

The objects—an antique key, a treasure chest, and a flashlight—connect to the title “The Forgotten Key” because they represent parts of the mystery. The key is obviously central to the story because it unlocks something important. The chest could be what the key unlocks, revealing hidden secrets or memories. The flashlight suggests Lena is searching in a dark, mysterious place, like an attic, where she might find these objects.

If possible, share your prediction with someone….

Step 2: List all of the emotions that come to mind after seeing these images below (ex. fear, greed). Insert a picture that represent two of the motions you listed. Emotions:

1. Curiosity
2. Fear
3. Excitement
4. Suspense
5. Nostalgia

RL 8.1

Guided Reading

Objective: Preview a short excerpt to build familiarity with text tone and vocabulary.

Excerpt for “The Forgotten Key” "Lena paused at the base of the iron staircase, clutching the small, brass key tightly in her hand. The attic door above her was barely visible through the dim, dusty light. Her grandmother’s house had always been full of secrets, and now, with her grandmother gone, Lena felt as though the house was daring her to uncover one last mystery."

Highlight any vocab or unfamiliar words

First Read: Go slow to understand

Summarize your understanding of the text

Read the comprehension questions

Go back to the text and UNDERLINE evidence

Include that evidence in your written response

Check off each item on the “to do” list above in order to master those reading comprehension skills.

Lena stands at the staircase of her grandmother’s attic, holding a mysterious brass key. She feels like the house is daring her to uncover one last secret hidden within it.

Write a quick summary of the excerpt:

Comprehension Question 2:Which words in the excerpt build suspense or mystery?

Comprehension Question 1:What emotions does Lena seem to feel as she stands at the staircase?

Lena feels nervous and curious. She is unsure of what she might find, but she is determined to uncover the mystery.

Words like “dim, dusty light,” “secrets,” and “daring her” build suspense. They make the attic feel like a mysterious and eerie place where something important might be hidden.

How are you doing? It’s time to check for understanding and monitor our progress!

1. Go to this Google Form to take a quick assessment on your vocabulary and reading comprehension. Make sure you see what grade you received at the end!

1. Click here to begin recording your progress on Progress Tracker.

Sensory Details

Annotation & Close Reading

Objective: Build student awareness of sensory details.

“The attic smelled like old books and lavender, with shadows curling along the walls.”

How does this detail make the setting feel mysterious? The detail makes the setting feel mysterious because it describes an attic that is dark and full of shadows, which creates an eerie atmosphere. The scent of lavender and old books adds to the sense that the attic holds secrets from the past.

Which of the five senses does this description engage? This description engages sight and smell. The phrases “dim, dusty light” and “shadows curling along the walls” appeal to sight, while “the faint smell of lavender and old books” engages smell.

Guided Reading

Objective: Closely read and annotate for details.

Highlight any vocab or unfamiliar words

"Lena paused at the base of the iron staircase, clutching the small, brass key tightly in her hand. The attic door above her was barely visible through the dim, dusty light. Her grandmother’s house had always been full of secrets, and now, with her grandmother gone, Lena felt as though the house was daring her to uncover one last mystery."

Text: Revisit the excerpt:

First Read: Go slow to understand

Summarize your understanding of the text

Read the comprehension questions

Go back to the text and UNDERLINE evidence

Include that evidence in your written response

How does the author use details to create suspense? Give one example from the text.

The author creates suspense by describing the setting with sensory details, like “dim, dusty light” and “secrets.” These details make the attic seem mysterious and dangerous, keeping the reader wondering what Lena will find.

Sensory Details

Annotation & Close Reading

Objective: Build student awareness of sensory details.

Step 1: Create a list of Lena’s emotions (e.g., curious, nervous, determined).

Nervous Curious Determined Excited

Step 2: Pick an emotion from your list and use this sentence frame: In the line “Lena paused at the base of the staircase,” she feels __ because __.

Brain Break Time!

In the line “Lena paused at the base of the staircase,” she feels nervous because she doesn’t know what the key will unlock or what she might find in the attic.

Head to planet jigsaw to put together a puzzle of Lena!

This detail engages the sense of sight and creates a mysterious and eerie mood in the attic. The shadows make the space feel alive and full of secrets.

Next Steps: Identify Sensory Details:

• Look for words or phrases that describe what Lena sees, hears, smells, or feels.
• Highlight or note two sensory details in the text.

Analyze Sensory Details:

• In the margin or in a digital text box, explain how each sensory detail adds to the mood or atmosphere of the attic.
• Example: “Shadows curled along the walls” creates a mysterious and eerie feeling in the attic.

Identify Lena’s Emotions:

• Find a phrase that shows Lena’s emotions or physical reactions (e.g., “Her fingers trembled as she knelt in front of it.”).
• Write a short explanation of what this tells you about how she feels in this moment.

Step 3: Read the Text Closely Directions: First, carefully read the paragraph below. Highlight or underline any words or phrases that stand out to you as descriptive or emotional.

Analyze Sensory Details:

This detail engages the sense of smell and adds a nostalgic and slightly calming atmosphere. It connects Lena to her grandmother and the history of the house.

"The attic was unlike any other place in the house. Shadows curled along the walls, and the air carried a faint smell of lavender and old books. Lena’s flashlight flickered as she scanned the room, catching sight of a small, locked chest in the far corner. Her fingers trembled as she knelt in front of it, the brass key fitting perfectly into the lock."

Identify Lena’s Emotions:

This shows that Lena feels nervous and excited. The trembling of her fingers suggests she is anticipating something important as she prepares to unlock the chest.

RL 8.1 & 8.2

Theme & Textual Evidence

Warm-Up: “What’s the Message?” Objective: Introduce the concept of theme and connect it to students’ experiences. Question: What is a lesson or message you’ve learned from a book, movie, or real-life experience? How did you learn it?

Mini-Lesson on Theme Objective: Define theme and provide a model for identifying it. Now, here is the deal. I know what you might be thinking… “I’ve been learning about them since the second grade….ugh…” But things are a changing at this grade level! Now, you don’t only have to be able to IDENTIFY IT… but you have to be an expert on how it was developed throughout a story! Whew… that’s a lot! Let’s break it down… Here’s a little gift as we get started:

A lesson I learned from the movie The Lion King is that running away from your problems doesn’t solve anything. Simba had to face his past and his responsibilities to truly grow as a leader. I learned this when he returned to Pride Rock and stood up to Scar, taking back his rightful place as king.

Task: Explore the infographic on the right.

Friendship is stronger than fear. Hard work leads to success. It’s important to be true to yourself.

Can you think of any other “common” themes?

Once, I failed a math test because I didn’t study enough, even though I thought I’d do fine. I learned the theme "effort and preparation are important to success." After that, I studied more and did better on future tests.

Write a few sentences about a time where you had to learn a lesson. What was the theme in the experience?

RL 8.1 & 8.2

Theme & Textual Evidence

If every story has a THEME, then we have to be able to identify it...

Watch the Disney Short to the left.

Write down your initial ideas for the theme.

Summarize your understanding of the text

Identify two details from the short that support their theme.

Example for “Piper”: “The little bird overcomes its fear of the waves.”

Write one sentence stating what you believe the theme of the short is. Repeat below for second short.

Theme: Overcoming fears leads to growth. Supporting Details:

• The baby bird is initially terrified of the waves and avoids them.
• After watching the other birds and learning to face the waves, it discovers how to find food on its own.

Hint: The theme of “For the Birds” is….. because …….

Discussion Questions: Question 1: What lesson do you think the creators wanted us to learn? think the creators of Piper wanted us to learn that facing challenges can help us grow stronger, while For the Birds teaches us to treat everyone with respect and kindness. Question 2:How do the characters' actions support this lesson? In Piper, the little bird overcomes its fear of the waves, which leads to its independence. In For the Birds, the smaller birds’ rude behavior causes them embarrassment and shows the negative consequences of treating others poorly.

• For the Birds:
• Theme: Treating others poorly can have consequences.
• Supporting Details:
• The smaller birds mock the larger bird and try to exclude it.
• In the end, their actions backfire when the larger bird causes them to lose their feathers.

Hiint: The theme of “Piper” is….. because …….

RL 8.1 & 8.2

Theme & Textual Evidence

Checking for Understanding: Theme Please test your understanding of theme and how to identify it by taking this short Google Form quiz. *Remember to view your score and record it in your Progress Monitor.

Personal Reflection:

Encourage students to connect the themes to their own lives or experiences.

Which short’s theme resonated with you the most? Why?

The theme of Piper resonated with me the most because I’ve experienced moments when I was scared to try something new. For example, when I learned how to swim, I was terrified of the water at first. But once I faced my fear, I realized swimming was fun and exciting. Like the little bird in Piper, I learned that overcoming fears can lead to growth and new opportunities.

The Disney shorts develop their themes through visuals and actions. In Piper, we see the little bird’s facial expressions and body language, which clearly show its fear of the waves and its excitement when it learns how to conquer them. In For the Birds, the humor and exaggerated reactions of the characters highlight the consequences of their unkind behavior. The written text develops its theme differently, using descriptive language and inner thoughts to build suspense and help us understand the character’s emotions.

Compare/Contrast the themes between “For the Birds” and “Piper”using the Venn Diagram below.

“For the Birds”

“Piper”

Similarities

1. Both shorts convey meaningful life lessons about personal growth or social behavior.
2. Both use humor and engaging visuals to communicate their themes.
3. Both involve characters learning important lessons through their experiences and actions.

1. Theme: Treating others poorly can have consequences.
2. Supporting Detail: The small birds mock and exclude the larger bird, showing unkind behavior.
3. Supporting Detail: Their actions backfire when the larger bird retaliates, leaving them embarrassed and featherless.

1. Theme: Overcoming fears leads to growth and independence.
2. Supporting Detail: The little bird faces its fear of waves to learn how to gather food.
3. Supporting Detail: By the end, the bird becomes confident and capable, enjoying the process of hunting.

Vestibulum congue

Vestibulum congue

RL 8.1 & 8.2

Theme & Textual Evidence

Activity 1:Theme Application to the Anchor Text Objective:I can identify a theme in the text and explain how it is developed through details and events. Step 1: Reread the Anchor Text (Note: this is a more complex version of the text and it has more descriptive language, but it is indeed the same scene.)

"Lena hesitated at the threshold of the attic, the dim light from her flashlight revealing the jagged edges of forgotten furniture and cobweb-covered crates. The air was thick and heavy, carrying the faint scent of mildew and something sweetly familiar—lavender. She steeled herself and stepped forward, the floorboards groaning under her weight. In the corner, a small chest glinted in the beam of her light, its brass lock tarnished but unyielding. For a moment, Lena felt as though the room itself was watching her, daring her to uncover its secrets."

RL 8.1 & 8.2

Theme & Textual Evidence

Activity 2: Compare Across Mediums Objective:I can compare how themes are presented in different mediums.

Compare/Contrast the themes between “Piper”and “The Forgotten Key” using the Venn Diagram below.

“The Forgotten Key”

“Piper”

Similarities

1. Both focus on the idea of overcoming fear as a pathway to growth or discovery.
2. Both characters demonstrate initial hesitation before taking action.
3. Both themes emphasize the rewards that come from confronting challenges.

1. Theme: Facing fears can lead to important discoveries.
2. Supporting Detail: Lena hesitates before entering the attic but overcomes her fear to explore.
3. Supporting Detail: The attic symbolizes her journey into the unknown, and her courage is rewarded by uncovering secrets.

1. Theme: Overcoming fears leads to independence and growth.
2. Supporting Detail: The baby bird faces its fear of waves and learns how to gather food.
3. Supporting Detail: It grows more confident and capable by confronting its challenges.

Vestibulum congue

Vestibulum congue

Personal Reflection:

Do you think the theme is easier to identify in the Disney short or the written text? Why?

How does each medium help develop the theme?

I think the theme is easier to identify in the Disney short because the visuals and character actions clearly show what the creators want us to understand. For example, in Piper, we can see the little bird’s fear of the waves and its joy when it learns to face them. The music and animation help emphasize the lesson that overcoming fears leads to growth. In contrast, the written text requires more interpretation because the theme is developed through descriptive language, like the “room watching her,” which makes it less obvious and more open to personal interpretation.

In Piper, the theme is developed through the bird’s actions and expressions, showing its fear and eventual triumph in a relatable and emotional way. In For the Birds, the theme is communicated through the humorous interactions between the birds, making the lesson about kindness clear and memorable. Both shorts use visuals and character actions to make the themes easy to understand and engaging for the audience.

RL 8.1 & 8.2

Theme & Textual Evidence

Activity 3: Independent Writing – Theme Analysis Prompt: Write one paragraph explaining a theme from the text and how it is developed through details and events. Use at least two pieces of textual evidence to support your explanation.

Let’s look at a student example first: One theme in "The Forgotten Key" is that facing fears can lead to important discoveries. This is shown when Lena hesitates at the threshold of the attic but decides to move forward anyway. The description of the room “watching her” builds suspense, showing her nervousness. However, by stepping into the attic, she demonstrates courage and curiosity, which allow her to uncover its secrets.

Consider these questions about the sample before you begin writing?

What score would you have given the student? Why? "What part of the student sample do you think is most effective in analyzing the theme? Why?"

Type your paragraph here.

Creative and Analytical Writing

Skill/Topic: Creative and Analytical Writing

Student-Friendly Objective:

I can respond creatively and critically to the text by extending the story’s narrative or defending a theme using textual evidence.

W.8.3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences using effective techniques and details. W.8.1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and evidence.

Progress Tracker- Student-Monitored

Assessment