Lesson Plan for Grade 8 - English - Reading Comprehension (fiction and non-fiction)

### Lesson Plan: Reading Comprehension (Fiction and Non-Fiction) **Grade Level:** 8 **Subject:** English Language Arts **Duration:** 60 minutes **Topic:** Reading Comprehension: Fiction vs. Non-Fiction **Objective:** By the end of the lesson, students will be able to: 1. Distinguish between fiction and non-fiction texts. 2. Identify key elements of fiction and non-fiction. 3. Develop strategies for comprehending and analyzing both types of texts. 4. Apply comprehension skills by answering questions and participating in class discussions. **Materials Needed:** - Text excerpts (one fiction, one non-fiction) - Whiteboard and markers - Highlighters and pencils - Student notebooks or composition books - Comprehension question worksheets - Projector (optional, for displaying text) **Common Core Standards:** - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.1: Cite textual evidence that strongly supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.2: Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text. - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.5: Analyze in detail the structure of a specific paragraph in a text, including the role of particular sentences in developing and refining a key concept. ### Lesson Procedure: **Introduction (10 minutes):** 1. **Greeting and Warm-up (5 minutes):** - Begin with a brief warm-up activity where students are asked to write down their definitions of fiction and non-fiction on sticky notes and place them on the board. - Quickly review the sticky notes and summarize general trends in student understanding. 2. **Objective Overview (5 minutes):** - Explain the objectives of the lesson. - Discuss the importance of reading comprehension and understanding different text types. **Instruction (20 minutes):** 1. **Mini-Lecture (10 minutes):** - Define fiction and non-fiction, giving clear examples. - Discuss the structural differences (e.g., plot, characters, and setting for fiction; facts, data, and information for non-fiction). - Explain the purpose and goals of both types of texts. - Highlight the various elements unique to each genre. 2. **Guided Practice (10 minutes):** - Distribute copies of a short fiction excerpt (e.g., a paragraph from a novel or short story) and a short non-fiction excerpt (e.g., a paragraph from a news article or biography). - Read both excerpts aloud, or individually, allowing time for students to annotate the texts. - As a class, identify and list the key differences on the board, highlighting unique elements and discussing them together. **Activity (20 minutes):** 1. **Group Work (10 minutes):** - Divide the class into small groups. - Each group receives a new set of fiction and non-fiction excerpts. - Students work together to identify the main idea, supporting details, and key elements of each text. - Groups write their findings on chart paper or a shared document. 2. **Class Discussion (10 minutes):** - Have each group present their findings to the class. - Facilitate a discussion comparing how students approached both types of texts. - Highlight effective strategies for comprehension and encourage students to ask questions and share insights. **Assessment (10 minutes):** 1. **Individual Task:** - Distribute the comprehension question worksheets related to both the fiction and non-fiction excerpts read earlier. - Allow time for students to complete the worksheets individually, applying the strategies discussed. 2. **Review and Feedback:** - Collect worksheets for grading or review answers with the class. - Provide immediate feedback and address common misconceptions. **Wrap-Up (5 minutes):** 1. **Summary:** - Summarize the key points covered in the lesson. - Reinforce the importance of recognizing the differences between fiction and non-fiction and using appropriate strategies to comprehend each. 2. **Homework Assignment:** - Assign a reading from both a fiction and a non-fiction source. - Instruct students to write a brief summary and identify key elements of each text to discuss in the next class. **Extensions:** - Encourage students to bring in their favorite fiction and non-fiction books to share with the class. - Develop a project where students create their own fiction and non-fiction pieces based on a given topic. **Reflection:** - After the lesson, reflect on what worked well and what could be improved for future classes. - Gather student feedback to understand their perspective and adjust accordingly. --- This structured lesson plan aims to engage 8th-grade students through a combination of lectures, group work, and individual assignments, reinforcing their reading comprehension skills for both fiction and non-fiction texts.