The Outsiders

 Honestly, it is an exhausting process to select which books to read in the classroom. This is because every student is different! They have different interests, so it is challenging to choose books that will fit the needs and interests of everyone. Thankfully, selecting The Outsiders novel is a no-brainer! Even though S.E. Hinton wrote the book many years ago, it is a story that resonates with every student! Best of all, there are tons of activities for this novel study that will quickly become a student favorite. 

The Outsiders Novel Study 


A novel unit has to focus on many aspects. This includes analyzing literary elements, comprehension, understanding character actions, and making connections to life. Honestly, it can seem overwhelming when figuring out where to start. Thankfully, this unit has everything you need when teaching The Outsiders!


Specifically, students will respond to the events in the story through graphic organizers and analyze literary elements. Additionally, they will complete various projects, such as creating a newspaper, and design character sketches. They will even address teen issues, draw subway art, explain essential quotes, and work on final projects.



These activities encourage students to think critically, engage with the text, and explore the issues in the novel.


The Outsiders Character & Quote Posters 


If you’ve ever read The Outsiders, you know characters have powerful lines! So, this set includes classroom posters with all of the major characters. Additionally, each character has a poster describing key traits since it can be easy to confuse them initially. 


Specifically, there are posters about the Greasers and Socs in general and posters for specific Greasers and Socs. There is even a poster for the poem “Nothing Gold Can Stay.” Students will truly understand what Johnny means when he tells Ponyboy to Stay Gold!



The Outsiders Character Analysis 


The Outsiders has some of the most memorable characters! This includes Darry’s undeniable love for his brothers, and Dally’s fight for self-preservation. Honestly, The Outsiders has characters students will never forget! 


Thankfully, this set of graphic organizers helps students analyze each character. There are even multiple versions for the assignment. For instance, teachers may assign a paragraph character summary or a longer response essay. 



This resource uses the STEAL acronym to help students deeply focus on characters. Specifically, this includes their speech, thoughts, effect on others, actions, and looks. This is a great way to teach indirect characterization! 


The Outsiders Final Project 


It is imperative to spend time reflecting on a story after finishing it. So, this resource has four options for students to select from! Thankfully, this means students can complete a project in their preferred method to show their true understanding of The Outsiders novel


Specifically, three of the four projects involve a poster or artwork. Each project also includes a writing component since this is essential for students to practice. No matter which options students select, there is a handout to explain the project, planning pages, and an organizer sheet. 



Students love having the option to choose their final project! 


Additional Resources 


There are many aspects to include when reading this novel. The relationship between the Greasers and Socs and the dynamics of the Greaser brothers build so many connections. Thankfully, there are tons of Outsider Resources to fit the needs of any classroom! These products will help ensure students truly understand this incredible story. 


The Outsiders novel is a story students will always remember! There is so much going on between the characters' relationships and the exciting rumble! Thankfully, these activities help students work on many standards while enjoying this novel study!


If you do not want to miss any of the upcoming lessons, join my email list to be notified of all the interactive lessons coming up! By joining the email list, you will also receive freebies for blog exclusive subscribers!


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Middle Ages

Many middle school and high school students say history is boring. Sadly, they do not realize how much the past impacts the present and future. However, this thought is often because they have yet to experience highly engaging and hands-on lessons. So, their opinions are often based on lectures and activities that do not allow them to express their thoughts. This will no longer be the case when learning about the Middle Ages! Between the Middle Ages Activity Bundle and the Personal Coat of Arms, students will be eager to begin class! These Middle Ages activities allow students to take charge of their learning, which they love! 


Middle Ages Activity Bundle 


Students often need various activities to fully understand a topic. Additionally, they like activities with different formats. So, they like to read, write, create, design, draw, and discuss. Thankfully, the Middle Ages activities in this bundle incorporate all the different learning style preferences. 


Specifically, 6 Middle Ages activities help students learn about crucial aspects of this time period. This includes the feudal system, heraldry, knights, daily life in medieval times, and more! 


Students will complete a Feudal society pyramid to represent the structure of the time period. Additionally, they will create their personal coat of arms, design a Middle Ages newspaper, and write about a monk or nun. Students will even make a knight's wanted poster and explore how people lived during the Middle Ages. Each assignment also includes an assignment sheet, needed templates, and a grading rubric. 


Since students love to be independent, they will access information through various sources. For instance, they can use their textbooks, the internet, or library books. Students love being able to find their research while working on these engaging activities! 


Personal Coat of Arms 


Students love pretending to be a knight living in the Middle Ages during this unit! Honestly, seeing how invested they become in their learning is so neat. So, one of the most popular Middle Ages activities among students involves designing their coat of arms. 


Students will design their coat based on their hobbies, personality, family, and items essential to their identity. There is also an included sheet with some common heraldic symbols, colors, and their traditional meanings. This is a great way for students to include specific time period aspects. Students love to show off their coat of arms and hang them around the classroom! 


Honestly, this is an amazing Middle Ages activity to draw interest from the start of the unit! It instantly builds excitement over what all students will learn. If teaching the Middle Ages at the beginning of the year, this is also the perfect get-to-know-you activity. 


There is an assignment sheet, brainstorming guide, paragraph worksheet, grading rubric, and templates to ensure everything goes smoothly. Students will love the clear instruction that allows them to start designing! 


The Middle Ages is such an exciting time period. Students love learning about knights, the empire, and the hierarchical system. Thankfully, the Middle Ages Activity Bundle and the Personal Coat of Arms ensure students learn all the crucial information in multiple formats! 



If you do not want to miss any of the upcoming lessons, join my email list to be notified of all the interactive lessons coming up! By joining the email list, you will receive freebies for blog exclusive subscribers! 

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