Fact and Opinion SortDirections: Students will work in teacher-assigned pairs to sort statements into the correct Fact or Opinion column. Statements will need to be cut apart and placed in envelopes before giving them to students. Students will work collaboratively to sort the statements into the correct column. Alternative: Paste each fact or opinion statement on an index card and give one card to each student. On a whiteboard or poster board, draw two columns and label one as Fact and one as Opinion. Have students place their card in the correct column. Once all students have placed their cards, the teacher should lead the class in a discussion to review each statement.

In this unit, students will examine the global topic of refugees.  The students will use nonfiction articles that provide students a background knowledge of the topic.  The articles will be the resources used to support learning of nonfiction VDOE Grade 8 standards. Students will apply comprehension skills daily throughout the unit of study.   The acquired background knowledge will support the second half of the unit as students will take part in a novel study using Refugee.   The students will show mastery by completing a persuasive writing performance based assessment.