The Outsiders: Pre- Reading Activity

Created Feb. 7, 2024 by Lindsay Nunan


The Outsiders Pre-Reading/ Introduction Lesson

Grade Level: 7-8

Subject: English

Duration: 45 Minute Lesson

DOK Level: 3

Indiana Standard:

8.RL.3.2 Analyze a particular point of view or cultural experience in a work of world literature considering how it reflects heritage, traditions, attitudes, and beliefs.

8.RL.2.1 Cite the textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what a text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.

Common Core Standard:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.1

Cite the textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.

Description:

Before students begin reading The Outsiders, by SE Hinton, they will work in groups to research the setting and historical background of the novel.

Objective:

  • Students will use close reading skills to locate information within a text
  • Students will collaborate in order to research a given topic
  • Students will apply background knowledge towards their comprehension of the novel

Essential Question: How does the historical background of the book shape my view of the characters and their circumstances?

Procedure:

  1. The teacher will instruct students to place themselves into groups of 4-5.
  2. The teacher will pass out a notecard with a topic to each group. The students will have 15 minutes to research.
  3. As the students research their topics, they will edit this Google Slideshow posted on Google Classroom.
  4. Once the time is up, the teacher will display the slideshow on the projector and each group will casually present their research.
  5. The class will read the first chapter of The Outsiders together.
  6. Class will end with this Exit Ticket question posted to Google Classroom: What does Ponyboy mean on page 18 when he says, “I lie to myself all the time?”

Product or Assessment:

The students will edit their slideshows on Google Classroom.

Accommodations: Control the groups and place students with lower reading abilities in a group with stronger reading abilities for students to conduct their research.

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