8th Grade Literature Rubrics

Please check out the video preview for my line of Socratic Seminars!

This bundle includes every product in my Socratic Seminar Bundle line. Multiple novels and short stories are included for grades 6-12! My students LOVE Socratic Seminars, and I often use them as their final assessment grade. The can be used in small literature circle groups, or with a full class. Please ask if you have any questions!

This product bundles all of the products I have in my store for S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders. You'll get everything from characterization activities to a creative narrative writing assignment to an analysis of "Nothing Gold Can Stay" to a final assessment!
Please check out the individual products for the details. Thank you so much! Let me know if you have any questions!

Are you looking for an authentic, student-led final assessment for The Giver?

This file contains 2 different packets of Socratic Circle questions- packet A and packet B. Each packet contains 3 different questions that require students to answer and provide two quotes from the text to back up their answers. Students are also required to come up with 3 additional questions they will ask if there's time in their circle. Finally, the packet has a page where each student will monitor a partner in the opposite circle. They will make a check each time their partner speaks, and paraphrase a meaningful comment their partner made. Lastly, the file contains the socratic circle rubric.

When you print out the file, you'll see packet A on the top half of the sheet, packet B on the bottom half, and then the rubric as the last page of the file. You'll need to cut each packet page in half after you print them out, as each booklet you give to the students is only half a page. They are labeled A and B. Give half your class A, half B, and allow them to plan! The day of the circle, you'll let A discuss for maybe 20-30 minutes, then flip-flop your circles and have B discuss.

My students really enjoy Socratic Seminars! I have found it works better when you give each group three different questions, so you don't see the same discussion 2 times, which is how this packet is set up.

I used the Socratic Circle as their "final test grade" for The Giver. The students need to have completed the whole book to answer the questions included in the packet.

A special thank you to Mae Hates Mondays for the clipart used in this product!

https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Teen-Clipart-Freebie-3226976

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This assessment requires students to choose one of three provided writing prompts and write a 5 paragraph essay (or 4 paragraph essay for differentiation) based on their chosen prompt. They must include an introductory paragraph, 2 or 3 body paragraphs (depending on what the teacher assigns), 2 pieces of supporting evidence per paragraph with proper MLA citations and a brief conclusion paragraph. There is an outline included for them to follow as well as a 20 point rubric for easy grading.

This can be done entirely as an in class essay or the prompts can be given to the students before hand so they can prepare their evidence on a notecard to bring to class. This alternative tends to streamline the writing process if doing it in class; although I generally do not allow them to bring in any other written materials.

This resource is for personal use in one classroom only. Please do not distribute

to others or post publically online (within your Google Classroom, etc. is

permitted). If a friend or colleague would enjoy this resource, you may

purchase additional licenses at a discounted price. The information ,activities

and images included are copyrighted. You may not reuse or sell any part of

this resource as your own. 

I would love to hear how you used this resource in your classroom. Please leave your feedback for TeachShare credits towards your next purchase.

To view more of my products, visit my store at Nemo's Nook.

This worksheet is designed to engage students in a comprehensive analysis of Emily Dickinson's poem "Hope." It includes various activities and tasks that encourage critical thinking, group discussion, and written response. The worksheet is suitable for middle school and high school students.

Worksheet Contents:

1. Pair/Group Discussion Activity: Students will engage in a discussion about the concept of hope. They will share their personal experiences and perspectives on hope, fostering a deeper understanding of the theme before diving into the poem.

2. Summary of the Poem: A concise summary of Emily Dickinson's poem "Hope" is provided. This summary serves as a foundation for further exploration and analysis.

3. Short-Response Questions about the Summary: Students will answer thought-provoking questions related to the summary of the poem. These questions encourage students to reflect on the main ideas and themes presented in the poem.

4. Themes and Ideas: Students will explore the various themes and ideas conveyed in the poem. They will identify and analyze the underlying messages and emotions expressed by the poet.

5. Literary Devices: This section focuses on the literary devices employed by Emily Dickinson in her poem. Students will identify and analyze the use of metaphors, similes, personification, and other literary techniques, enhancing their understanding of the poem's artistic elements.

6. Follow-up PEEL Paragraph Writing Task: Students will be guided through the process of writing a PEEL (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) paragraph about the poem. They will use the provided model PEEL paragraph as a reference and apply their knowledge to construct a well-structured and insightful response.

Additional Features:

- Answer Key: The worksheet includes an answer key for the short-response questions, allowing students to self-assess their understanding and progress.

- Model PEEL Paragraph: A model PEEL paragraph is provided as a reference for students. It demonstrates how to effectively analyze the poem and construct a coherent and well-supported paragraph.

This comprehensive worksheet on Emily Dickinson's poem "Hope" provides students with the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, develop critical thinking skills, and enhance their understanding of poetry analysis. It is a valuable resource for English language arts classrooms and can be used for individual or group work.

Exciting End-of-Novel Song Playlist Project for Your Classroom!

Bring Literature to Life with Music!

Engage your students with this End-of-Novel Song Playlist Project. This creative and interactive assignment encourages students to dive deep into their favorite novels by connecting key story elements with popular songs. Perfect for middle and high school ELA classrooms, this project enhances comprehension, analysis, and critical thinking skills.

What’s Included:

• Project Overview & Instructions: Clear guidelines for students on how to select songs and explain their relevance to the novel (this project can be done as a slide presentation or physical project - I usually give students the choice)
• Rubric: A detailed rubric for easy grading, ensuring consistency and fairness.

Why You’ll Love It:

1. Engaging & Fun: Students will love the opportunity to blend their love of music with literature.
2. Critical Thinking: Encourages deeper analysis of characters, themes, and plot developments.
3. Creativity: Allows students to express their understanding in a creative and personalized way.
4. Easy to Implement: Comes with everything you need to get started right away

I have used this project for novels such as F451, The Outsiders, Wednesday Wars, The Giver, etc.

This resource is for personal use in one classroom only. Please do not distribute

to others or post publically online (within your Google Classroom, etc. is

permitted). If a friend or colleague would enjoy this resource, you may

purchase additional licenses at a discounted price. The information ,activities

and images included are copyrighted. You may not reuse or sell any part of

this resource as your own. 

I would love to hear how you used this resource in your classroom. Please leave your feedback for TeachShare credits towards your next purchase.

To view more of my products, visit my store at Nemo's Nook.

If you are looking for a rubric for use with a formal character/diary entry writing assignment for a novel or short story, this is a must have!

Clearly written 15 point rubric with 5 criteria for assessing students. The 5 criteria assessed are:

• Included character's background/given circumstances
• Used descriptive language and word choice
• Used textual/historical evidence to improve authenticity of voice/perspective
• Showed evidence of proofreading
• Demonstrated required length/completion of paragraphs: (7-9 sentences each with hook, development of evidence, transition/conclusion)

This resource is for personal use in one classroom only. Please do not distribute

to others or post publically online (within your Google Classroom, etc. is

permitted). If a friend or colleague would enjoy this resource, you may

purchase additional licenses at a discounted price. The information ,activities

and images included are copyrighted. You may not reuse or sell any part of

this resource as your own. 

I would love to hear how you used this resource in your classroom. Please leave your feedback for TeachShare credits towards your next purchase.

To view more of my products, visit my store at Nemo's Nook.

This file includes an assignment sheet for the students to create a found poem from chapter 4 of The Outsiders. The assignment sheet for student distribution includes the definition, purpose, and rules of a found poem, and an example from ch 17 of The Maze Runner that I wrote. Also included in the file is an example found poem from chapter 4 of The Outsiders for your reference, and a rubric you can use to score the poems. Lastly, there is a writer's checklist the students can use as they write.

This digital product is perfect for Distance Learning. Students can access the directions, rubric, and example poems in the pdf. Then they can write their poem in a Google Doc or whatever way you have your students submit their work!

If your students will be doing a Socratic Seminar in class, make things easy on yourself and score them using this teacher-friendly rubric during the discussion! It includes the following categories:

1. Analysis and use of details and evidence

2. Understanding of the text

3. Active listening, speaking, and behavior

4. Preparation

There is a space at the bottom for additional teachers comments, as well as an area for students to write a reflection on their performance and the grade they received.

This rubric can be used with ANY text!

If you are interested in purchasing one of my Socratic Circle packets, I have a variety of texts available for sale. Each product below includes 2 different packets ( A and B) that each have 3 discussion questions that the students prepare and support in advance, a space for them to record questions they'd like to pose if time allows, a place for them to record any comments they wanted to make but could not because they ran out of time, a sheet for them to keep track of their partner's comments and performance, and this rubric for you to use while students are discussing.

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I ALSO sell a Socratic Circle packet that you can add YOUR OWN questions to for any work of literature! Just add 6 "big idea" questions and you're ready to go!

https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Socratic-Seminar-for-ANY-text-4162626

Please help my little business grow!

Did you know that you can receive $ credit towards future TeachShare purchases by reviewing this product? Please leave a review at the product page or through "My Purchases" under "My Account" at TpT. Thank you!