Finding Connection: The Outsiders

Lesson 3
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ELA

Unit 4

6th Grade

Lesson 3 of 26

Objective


Analyze how specific sections of Chapter 2 fit into the overall structure of The Outsiders and develop the reader's understanding of characters.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton  pp. 19 – 36 — Chapter 2

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A Note for Teachers


  • A passage in today's reading contains descriptions of a character who has endured physical violence, which students may find upsetting. There are also references to this character suffering child abuse. Consider how you will address this content with students. As part of intellectual preparation, consider accessing The National Center for Victims of Crime's Tips for Talking to Children About Child Abuse
  • This chapter includes a description of a male character sexually harassing two female characters. While it is not explicit, it may be worth talking to your students about this scene, their reactions to it, and whether they think things like this still happen today. Teachers may refer to Common Sense Media's toolkit, "Talking to Kids About Sexual Harassment ... Before They Even Know About Sex," for guidance on addressing this topic with students. Additionally, within this scene, there is an offensive reference on page 28 to "Arabian slave traders." Explain to students that this is a derogatory and inappropriate joke that references an ancient slave trade in which enslaved humans could be exchanged for material items. 
  • The characters in the text often use the word "weed" to mean cigarette; it is important students know and understand this. Remind students that the attitude toward smoking—and young people smoking—was different in the 1960s, because people did not fully understand the impact of smoking on health. 

Target Task


Discussion & Writing Prompt

What is the purpose of the flashback on pages 31–34? How does this section fit into the overall structure of the text? Cite evidence from the text to support your answer. 

Sample Response

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Key Questions


Key Questions

  • How do pages 19–22 develop the reader's understanding of Dally's character? Cite evidence to support your answer.

  • How does the dialogue between Johnny and the other characters at the drive-in on pages 24–26 develop the reader's understanding of Johnny's character and his relationship to Dally? Provide examples from pages 24–26 to support your answer.

  • Why is Ponyboy's conversation with Cherry about Socs important? How does it develop the plot? Cite evidence from pages 34–35 to support your answer. 

Exit Ticket

Assess student understanding and monitor progress toward this lesson's objective with an Exit Ticket.

Vocabulary


Text-based

incredulous

adj.

(p. 24)

disbelieving

Literary Terms

flashback

a literary device in which the author includes a scene that occurred before the "present moment" of the text

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.

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • What do the statistics reveal about teens' experience with peer pressure?

  • What is herd mentality, and who does it affect?

  • How did herd mentality help humans survive?

  • How can herd mentality lead to teens taking dangerous risks?

  • According to the article, how can teens resist group influence?

Enhanced Lesson Plan

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Common Core Standards


  • RL.6.5 — Analyze how a particular sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or plot.

Supporting Standards

L.6.1
L.6.1.e
L.6.6
RL.6.1
RL.6.2
RL.6.4
RL.6.10
SL.6.1
SL.6.6
W.6.1
W.6.1.a
W.6.1.b
W.6.4
W.6.9
W.6.9.a
W.6.10

Next

Synthesize information from multiple sources to explain what factors influence individuals' decisions.

Lesson 4
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