Composition & Essays

Lord of the Flies

Other Studies

Poetry

Shakespeare

To Kill A Mockingbird

Sabrina Block

The Outsiders

Grade: 8

Global Rationale:
S.E. Hinton has written a novel that deals with the changes youth experience during adolescence. Youth can relate to the themes and identity of characters in The Outsiders because of the similar characterization, make up of self and group uniqueness, and self-exploration. The gripping plot and identifiable characters, along with an excellent movie version with well-known actors, allows youths to relate the story to their own lives.
The unit is based on themes revolving around identity, the individual vs. the group, heroism, innocence, experience, family, media influence, and crisis. I believe these thought-provoking issues will entertain youth’s interest in the novel and promote identity awareness.

Since our Grade 8’s are entering secondary school and adolescence, the issues raised and dealt with in The Outsiders they can directly relate to the issues being presented. The main theme surrounding identity is key for Grade 8’s because they are leaving childhood and becoming adolescents. Their identities will be changing throughout secondary school and approaching the issues raised in the novel can help the youths to become more understandable of their changes and learn about their identity.

The unit will not only allow students to gain an appreciation for literature, it will allow for self-exploration and growth. The final project allows the students to reflect on the novel as a whole and reflect on their identity and characteristics as they adjust to secondary school.