This class is taught in English.

These learning objectives aim to align with Common Core 8th grade standards, covering a range of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills while focusing on the specific content and activities of each week in the unit. While the standards are 8th grade specific similar standards apply to 7th & 9th grade for anchor Common Core Standards.

Weeks 1-2: Introduction to "The Outsiders" and Author Exploration
Students will be able to:
🎯Analyze the historical and cultural context of "The Outsiders" to deepen their understanding of the text. (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.1)
🎯Evaluate the impact of the author's background and influences on the themes and characters in the novel. (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.3)
Identify and articulate key themes and characters in "The Outsiders." (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.2)

Weeks 3-5: Character Analysis and Theme Exploration
Students will be able to:
🎯Analyze the development of major characters in "The Outsiders" and their roles within the narrative. (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.3)
🎯Explore and identify recurring themes and motifs within the novel. (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.2)
🎯Make connections between the characters and broader societal issues presented in the novel. (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.9)

Weeks 6-8: Literary Devices and Writing Workshop
Students will be able to:
🎯Identify and analyze literary devices used in "The Outsiders" to enhance their understanding of the text. (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.4)
🎯Develop effective writing skills through the creation of essays and creative pieces inspired by the novel. (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.1)
🎯Collaborate with peers in a writing workshop, providing constructive feedback on literary analyses and creative writing. (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.1)

Weeks 9-11: Multimedia Projects and Modern Connections
Students will be able to:
🎯Create multimedia projects that draw parallels between the themes in "The Outsiders" and contemporary issues. (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.5)
🎯Apply concepts from the novel to critically analyze and discuss modern societal challenges. (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.9)
🎯Communicate ideas effectively through multimedia presentations, showcasing their understanding of the novel's relevance. (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.4)

Week 12: Culminating Assessment and Reflection
Students will be able to:
🎯Synthesize knowledge gained throughout the unit in a comprehensive final essay. (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.2)
🎯Reflect on personal growth and insights acquired during the novel study in a thoughtful and articulate manner. (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.1)

I have taught the novel "The Outsiders" to 8th graders for over five years in private schools. 

Homework Offered
Frequency: Homework will be assigned once a week on Monday's with the week's lessons and instructions and each assignment is designed to be completed within 30-45 minutes.

👩🏼‍🏫Types of Homework:
📖Reading Assignments: Students will be assigned specific chapters from "The Outsiders" for analysis and reflection, connecting to the weekly themes. Reading assignments will be checked for completion and general understanding.
📝Writing Assignments: These may include short essays, creative writing pieces, or reflections based on the week's focus. Writing assignments will be evaluated based on rubrics provided in advance, emphasizing critical thinking, textual evidence usage, and writing conventions.
🗣️Discussion Forum Participation: Students will engage in online discussions on the learning platform, responding to prompts related to the novel's themes, characters, and literary elements. Discussion forum participation will be assessed for engagement and thoughtful contributions.
🧠Research and Multimedia Projects: For weeks involving multimedia projects, students may be tasked with gathering information or creating components of their projects. Research and multimedia projects will be evaluated based on specific project rubrics that outline expectations for content, creativity, and relevance.

🏫Required vs. Optional Assignments:
While all assignments are designed to reinforce key concepts and skills, not every assignment will be required for all students. Reading assignments are mandatory to ensure comprehension of the novel. Writing assignments are essential for developing analytical and writing skills, and all students are expected to complete them. Discussion forum participation is required, but the frequency and depth of responses may vary based on individual learning needs. Research and multimedia projects are essential for fostering creativity and connecting the novel to real-world issues, and all students are expected to complete them. However, each week there will be one to two additional "challenge by choice options" that are not required. Additionally, I will post Vocabulary lists each wee that are recommended but not required.
2 - 4 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Assessment structure in the class is done in class and has optional "Challenge By Choice" homework given as well. The assessments listed below are for all students and each week there will be additional "optional" Challenge By Choice opportunities for homework or further enrichment.

📌Formative Assessments: Weekly quizzes, character analysis presentations, group discussions, literary device analyses, creative writing assignments, and multimedia project presentations.
📌Summative Assessments: Comprehensive final essay and a unit reflection.
Grades Offered
Grades will be offered by default for all learners using the following scale to assess mastery of  the standards outlined above. Additionally, written commentary will be included for all assessments: 

1=With help approaching grade level standard
2=Approaching grade level standard
3=Independently meets grade level standard
4=Exceeds grade level standard

"The Outsiders" By S.E Hinton 
Youtube
Google Suit
Pear Deck
Flipgrid
Canva or other apps to create projects