Are you looking for The Outsiders teaching activities? This post has 5 fun ideas your students are sure to love.
S. E. Hinton’s book The Outsiders has captivated readers’ hearts for more than 50 years. The book chronicles the story of two antagonistic gangs, the greasers and the socs, and is set in the 1960s in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Despite coming from different sides of the tracks, both groups are searching for something that is missing in their lives, whether it’s acceptance, love, or a sense of belonging.
Through the eyes of Ponyboy Curtis, a greaser, we see the struggles and challenges of being an outsider in a society that values conformity and status. The novel explores themes of identity, friendship, family, and the complexities of social class in a compelling and timeless way.
The Outsiders has become a beloved classic for a reason. Its impact continues to resonate with readers of all ages. So, whether you are looking for a thought-provoking story, a glimpse into the past, or simply a great read, The Outsiders is a book that will not disappoint.
The Outsiders Teaching Activities
Book Unit Samples
You will find the following in this novel study sample:
- Vocabulary Practice
- Comprehension Questions for Chapter 1
- Constructed Response Question for Chapter 1
Teaching Activities #1 – The Outsiders Trivia
Just for Fun
Start the class with a bit of trivia. Here are a few examples:
- S.E. Hinton wrote The Outsiders when she was only 16 years old. The novel was published when she was 18.
- The Outsiders was inspired by a real-life event that Hinton witnessed in her high school when a group of greasers and socs got into a fight.
- The novel was originally titled The Lonely Days before Hinton changed it to The Outsiders.
Get the handout with all activities from this post including 16 trivia facts about The Outsiders.
TTeaching Activities #2 – Soundtrack Assignment
Activity #1 – Listen to snippets of some of the songs from The Outsiders (a 1983 film directed by Francis Ford Coppola).
Activity #2 – Create a soundtrack for the book, choosing songs that represent different characters, themes, or events in the story. They can justify their choices with a brief explanation or presentation.
The handout includes a list of sample answers.
Teaching Activities #3 – The Cultural Climate of the 1960s
If class time allows, have students research the historical context of the book including:
- the social and political climate of the 1960s
- the impact of the Vietnam War
- the cultural changes of the time
If research time is not available, students can read the short article provided in the handout. Comprehension questions along with an answer key are also included.
Teaching Activities #4 – Greaser vs. Socs Debate Topics
Divide students into two groups, one representing the greasers and the other the socs, and have them debate a topic related to the book, such as social class, identity, or friendship.
The handout includes 8 debate topics as well as a few sample answers to guide the discussion.
Teaching Activities #5 – Compare and Contrast the Book with the Movie Adaptation
Compare and contrast the book with the movie adaptation, analyzing the changes and additions made to the story. Discuss the impact on the themes and messages of the book.
If you missed the handout link earlier, here it is again.
See the product that inspired this post.
The Outsiders Novel Study includes vocabulary practice, comprehension questions, constructed response writing, and skill practice.
1 comment
From a teacher working hard the Tuesday before Thanksgiving week break, I LOVE this collection of foldables.