In her speech to the United Nations on July 12, 2013, Malala Yousafzai said that “we must believe in the power and the strength of our words. Our words can change the world.” Indeed, words are powerful. They can instigate, perpetuate, and segregate. On the other hand, words can also captivate, motivate, and liberate. This year students will decide how they will use their power. Whether they are writing an essay on a controversial issue or just texting a friend, students will discover why their words matter.
This year in 8th grade language arts, we will read works from different authors who will make students think critically about issues that we face every day.
Throughout the year students will also refine their writing skills through argument and narrative pieces.
Overall, students will realize the significance of their words. As Emily Dickinson once wrote: A word is dead When it is said, Some say. I say it just begins to live that day. I hope students will see that their words could live on to shape others as well as themselves.