What's included
7 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentHomework
2-4 hours per week. Students will be required to complete independent reading. For the last class, students will be asked to bring either a written or drawn reflection to class based on the novel.Assessment
Students will be offered written questions. Students who wish to receive a grade may complete the questions and get percentage grades. I will provide grades for students on the activities as requested.Grading
Grades will be offeredClass Experience
US Grade 6 - 9
Intermediate Level
This literature circle is geared towards students ages 11-15 (middle school). We will be reading The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. Students will create a project over the course of the seven lessons to document their analysis. Students will need a copy of The Outsiders (digital or hard copy) as well as a folder and a few sheets of plain and lined paper. Students may want colored pencils or markers for the project (optional). Students will be offered short video lessons that touch on a reading skill or standard. Each lesson will also include an explanation of part of the novel-long project. Lesson 1: Introduction and anticipation guide. Students will think about what a stereotype is and discover how easy it is to make assumptions about people upon a single glance or short conversation. This will set the stage for reading a book. We will begin reading the book and noting the characters. Lesson 2: Students will read chapters 1 & 2. We will begin working on our own project based on The Outsiders. We will review vernacular (slang) from the chapters so far and make a list of characters and their traits. We will begin a Venn diagram to analyze the two gangs in the story. Lesson 3: Students will read chapters 3 & 4. We will talk about foreshadowing and make some predictions about what will happen next. We will add to our project and talk about how the music a group of people listens to might mirror the way they dress/act. Lesson 4: Students will read chapters 5 & 6. We will discuss the BIG event which is the catalyst for the upcoming chapters. During this lesson, we will analyze the poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay" by Robert Frost. We will also talk about what makes a hero and add to our project. Lesson 5: Students will read chapters 7, 8 & 9. These chapters lead up to and include the climax of the story. We will dig deeper into the characters' actions and motivations, as well consider how characters that might not act the way we expect them to. Lesson 6: Students will read chapters 10, 11 & 12. We will discuss some of the major themes we’ve seen in the book, including the importance of family. We will analyze what characteristics define family and the many different definitions of family based on the reading so far. Lesson 7: Students will complete a short writing OR drawing assignment. During the lesson, we will tie up loose ends and discover the cyclical form of the novel. Students will share their insights and writings.
Learning Goals
Students will engage in analysis and inferencing while practicing basic comprehension skills. Students will analyze characters, make predictions, and discuss themes.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)7 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction and anticipation guide
Students will think about what a stereotype is and discover how easy it is to make assumptions about people upon a single glance or short conversation. This will set the stage for reading a book. We will begin reading the book and noting the characters.
1 assignment
8 mins of video lessons
Lesson 2:
Chapters 1 & 2
Students will read chapters 1 & 2 prior to class. We will begin working on our own project based on The Outsiders. We will review vernacular (slang) from the chapters so far and make a list of characters and their traits. We will begin a Venn diagram to analyze the two gangs in the story
1 assignment
6 mins of video lessons
Lesson 3:
Chapters 3 & 4
Students will read chapters 3 & 4 prior to class. We will talk about foreshadowing and make some predictions about what will happen next. We will add to our project and talk about how the music a group of people listens to might mirror the way they dress/act.
1 assignment
Lesson 4:
Chapters 5 & 6
Students will read chapters 5 & 6 prior to class. We will discuss the BIG event which is the catalyst for the upcoming chapters. During this lesson, we will analyze the poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay" by Robert Frost. We will also talk about what makes a hero and add to our project.
1 assignment
7 mins of video lessons
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton includes teenage smoking, drinking, and violence. However, it is tempered and has been deemed appropriate by middle school teachers for students in the 12+ age range.
Supply List
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, digital or print Lined paper Plain Paper Writing utensils Folder (optional) Colored pencils/markers (optional)
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Teacher expertise and credentials
North Carolina Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Master's Degree in Education from North Carolina State University
I am a veteran teacher who has enjoyed over 15 years in a variety of educational settings. I have a master's degree in education from an accredited university in North Carolina, USA, and TESOL certification. I am passionate about teaching and love engaging with young people in the classroom - both virtually and in-person! Over the last decade, I have taught students in grades 5 through 10 in the traditional classroom setting and have managed an afterschool program, engaging with students in the elementary and middle grades. My focus has been on English/Language Arts and social studies, but I have also worked as a reading interventionist to help students bridge gaps to become more successful in the classroom. I strongly believe in the experience of learning; students retain much more meaningful information when they are engaged and enjoy the experience. This also allows students to boost critical thinking skills without even knowing it!
I am also the mother of two active, beautiful, young adults who introduce me to the many joys of life in a variety of ways. We are a traveling family, looking for adventure at every turn. We seek out experiences that help us grow as meaningful members of society. Along with traveling, I love paddling, outdoor activities, reading, and crocheting. I am excited to bring my love of teaching to OutSchool! Thank you for sharing your children with me and allowing them to grow as learners.
Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$17
weekly or $65 for all content7 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content
Completed by 10 learners
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Ages: 11-15