Finding Connection: The Outsiders

Lesson 1
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ELA

Unit 4

6th Grade

Lesson 1 of 26

Objective


Explain how S. E. Hinton begins to develop the narrator’s point of view in The Outsiders.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton  — Chapter 1

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

How does Hinton develop the idea that the way others see him (and greasers in general) affects the way Ponyboy feels about himself? Provide two pieces of evidence from chapter 1 to support your answer, and be sure to explain your thinking.

Sample Response

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Key Questions


Close Read Questions

  • How does Hinton develop the idea that Ponyboy sees himself as different from other people around him? Provide two pieces of specific evidence from pages 1-2 of the text and explain your thinking.

  • How are the greasers and the Socs different from one another? What details does Hinton use to develop the reader’s understanding of these differences? Provide evidence from chapter one to support your answer. 

  • How does Hinton use sensory details on pages 4-5 to draw the reader into Ponyboy’s internal world? Provide two examples from the text and explain your thinking. 

Discussion Questions

  • What kind of person is Ponyboy? How do you know?

Exit Ticket

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

Vocabulary


Text-based

grudge

n.

(p. 11)

a feeling of resentment based on something that happened in the past

Academic

point of view/perspective

n.

1. a character’s opinion or feelings about a specific topic/idea/event
2. the "lens" through which a person sees and understands the world. This is usually influenced by aspects of their identity, beliefs, and life experiences

Notes


  • Ponyboy and other characters smoke a lot of cigarettes in this book. It may be useful to explain 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. Additionally, cigarette company advertisements specifically targeted young people (arguably something that still happens), encouraging them to take up smoking so that they would have customers for life. You may wish to discuss with students whether smoking (or vaping) still makes a person seem cool or rebellious.

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  — Chapter 2

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • What is the setting of this chapter?

  • Who is Cherry Valance? 

  • How does Cherry react to Dally? Why?

  • What story does Ponyboy tell Cherry?

  • Who attacked Johnny? What happened? 

Enhanced Lesson Plan

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Common Core Standards


  • RL.6.6 — Explain how an author develops the point of view of the narrator or speaker in a text.

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
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Lesson 2

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