| aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type | Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson |
| Which subject | Literature |
| What age group | Year or Grade 7 |
| What topic | The Outsiders |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Any other preferences |
Students will explore the themes of identity and belonging in S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders and relate them to their own experiences.
Begin the lesson by asking students to take a moment to reflect silently on their identities. Encourage them to think about the following questions:
Instruct each student to write down one word or phrase that represents a part of their identity on a sticky note. They can choose something like "artist," "athlete," "book lover," or "sibling."
Once everyone has written their word or phrase, ask them to stick it to the whiteboard. Then, invite students to share their words with the class, explaining why they chose that particular word or phrase.
Transition into the lesson on The Outsiders by saying, "Just like how you’ve described parts of your identity, the characters in The Outsiders also navigate their identity and sense of belonging in complicated social groups."
After connecting their identities to the themes in the novel, introduce the day's reading or assignment focused on Ponyboy Curtis and his struggle for belonging amidst the Greasers and Socs. This engaging start will help students relate personally to the material, setting a foundation for deeper discussions ahead.
By beginning with personal reflection and sharing, students are more likely to engage with the themes of The Outsiders on a deeper level as they recognize similarities between their own experiences and those of the characters.