Finding Connection: The Outsiders

Lesson 14
icon/ela/white

ELA

Unit 4

6th Grade

Lesson 14 of 26

Objective


Draft a diary entry written from Cherry Valance's perspective, focusing on using precise words and descriptive language.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton  — pp. 85–86; 127–130

Fishtank Plus

Unlock features to optimize your prep time, plan engaging lessons, and monitor student progress.

Target Task


Writing Prompt

Because The Outsiders is written from Ponyboy's first-person perspective, the reader only experiences the world of the novel through his eyes. How would the reader's understanding of the text change if they had access to the thoughts and feelings of other characters?

Write a three to-four paragraph diary entry from Cherry Valance's perspective reflecting on events since Bob's death. The diary entry should include an explanation for why she has decided to act as a spy for the greasers, her feelings about the greaser/Soc conflict more generally, and her perspective of Ponyboy more specifically. 

Your diary entry must:

  • Be written in the first person
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the text and characters thus far
  • Include precise words and descriptive details

Sample Response

Upgrade to Fishtank Plus to view Sample Response.

Homework


To ensure that students are prepared for the next lesson, have students complete the following reading for homework. Use guidance from the next lesson to identify any additional language or background support students may need while independently engaging with the text.

  • Book: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton  pp. 131 – 149 — Chapter 9

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • How are the greasers feeling as they prepare for the rumble? What details convey their feelings?

  • Who "wins" the rumble?

  • Where do Dally and Ponyboy go after the rumble is over?

  • What happens at the end of this chapter?

Notes for Teachers

Today's reading contains scenes of violence. 

Enhanced Lesson Plan

Fishtank Plus Content

Bring your most engaging lessons to life with comprehensive instructional guidance, detailed pacing, supports to meet every student's needs, and resources to strengthen your lesson planning and delivery.

Common Core Standards


  • W.6.3 — Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.

Supporting Standards

L.6.1
L.6.2
L.6.3
L.6.6
RL.6.2
RL.6.10
SL.6.1
SL.6.6
W.6.4
W.6.5
W.6.6
W.6.10

Next

Compare and contrast the experience of reading The Outsiders with viewing the film version and analyze how Hinton develops mood in significant scenes.

Lesson 15
icon/arrow/right/large

Lesson Map

A7CB09C2-D12F-4F55-80DB-37298FF0A765

Request a Demo

See all of the features of Fishtank in action and begin the conversation about adoption.

Learn more about Fishtank Learning School Adoption.

Contact Information

School Information

What courses are you interested in?

ELA

Math

Are you interested in onboarding professional learning for your teachers and instructional leaders?

Yes

No

Any other information you would like to provide about your school?

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We've got you covered with rigorous, relevant, and adaptable ELA lesson plans for free