Lesson Plan: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

This lesson plan was designed specifically for 8th grade students, but these lesson plan activities and discussion questions can be adapted to cater to older grades of students, special education, and inclusion classes.

Step 1 - Setting the Scene:

It is important that the students have the ability to connect the themes, events, and personalities of the characters to themselves. Studies have shown that if a student is able to make some sort of personal connection to a piece of literature, they are more likely to carry something away with them from the writing.

A)The first thing that I do with my students is called the "MIDDLE SCHOOL SOCIETY FREEWRITE". This is a basic timed freewrite about their personal thoughs and feelings about the social groupings at their school. Freewrite means that grammar and spelling are NOT graded…the idea is to allow the kids to get as many of their uncensored thoughts out as possible, and concerning themselves with mechanics will only slow them down. The directions at the top of this sheet are as follows:

DIRECTIONS: In every organized grouping of people, social cliques exist. Think about the social groups (cliques) that exist at our school. Where do you fit into this structure, and do you feel that your placement in this category/group is a fair and accurate one? Why or why not? Things to consider (I put these in bullet points below the directions):
What specific social groupings exist in our school?
What characteristics does each social grouping possess?
Who makes up the criteria for membership in different social groupings?
How easy/difficult is it to get out of a social group that you have been placed in?
What do people need to do to change their social status? Are they easily accepted into a new one?

B) The second thing that I do with my students is called the "MIDDLE SCHOOL SOCIETY CLUSTER MAP". This is a basic web graphic organizer - Main idea bubble (labeled as "Cliques/Groups In My School"" in the center, 3 or 4 blank bubbles surrounding this main idea. The directions at the top of this sheet are as follows:

DIRECTIONS: Use the information from your free write, as well as any new information you have thought of since then to fill in the cluster outline. Your main idea goes inside of the oval, and supporting ideas go in the boxes. You will need to add supporting evidence/characteristics around the boxes (minimum 3 to meet standards). Place a star(s) next to the social grouping(s) that you feel you belong to.

Following this activity, have a class discussion to talk about what kids think are the main and secondary "groups" of students in their school. You may be surprised by their observations. Some groups kids may separate students by are: physical appearance, monetary/financial status, intelligence, personality, reputation. Since The Outsiders deals with stratification of youth by such categories as these, it is important to have a strong class discussion of these things to lay the foundation of the book.

Step 2 - Keeping Track

Prior to beginning the reading, I hand out a stapled packet of sheets that the student is required to bring every day to class along with the novel. This packet includes: "THE OUTSIDERS CHARACTER SHEETS" and "THE OUTSIDERS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS" and "THE OUTSIDERS VOCABULARY LIST"

A) THE OUTSIDERS CHARACTER SHEETS - This is a simple Microsoft Word table that I created to help the students keep track of important information about all the characters in the novel. Since I am unable to cut and paste it here, I will give you the headings so that you may create your own. Running vertically along the left side of the table, you should place each character from the book in their own box. Running horizontally at the top of the page, I included these headings: Physical Appearance, Economic Status, Behavior, Personality. As you meet each character, have the students fill in the boxes accordingly.
B) THE OUTSIDERS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - These are broken up 2 chapters at a time and can be modified as needed:

The Outsiders Chapters 1 & 2 Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think Ponyboy loves going to the movies? What do movies do for him?

2. What does Ponyboy mean when he says that he does well in school but he doesn't "use his head"?

3. What are some of the reasons Ponyboy gives for Darry's strict rules?

4. Why doesn't Ponyboy think Darry loves him?

5. What is Johnny's life at home like? What do the Greaser's give Johnny that he doesn't get at home?

6. How does Ponyboy feel when the Soc's tease him?

7. Who does Ponyboy think looks like a movie star?
a. Sodapop b. Johnny c. Steve Randle d. Himself

8. What is Two-Bit Matthews famous for?
a. fixing cars b. eating 4 dozen eggs c. shoplifting d. weightlifting

9. Why doesn't Ponyboy live with his mom and dad?
a. they don't want him b. they were killed c. he chose to live w/his brothers

10. Who is Sodapop's girlfriend?
a. Sandie b. Evie c. Sylvia d. Marcy

11. Who was the captain of the football team in high school?
a. Dally b. Darry c. Ponyboy d. Steve

12. Which of the Greasers was in jail at 10 years old?
a. Dallas b. Two-Bit Matthews c. Darry d. Sodapop

The Outsiders Chapters 3 & 4 Discussion Questions

1. Why does Ponyboy dream about the country?

2. Why does Ponyboy think that Dally could never love anyone or anything?

3. Why does Ponyboy feel bad when he talks about his unhappy home life to Johnny?

4. Why would a Soc like Cherry Valence be attracted to a Greaser like Dally?

5. When he is talking to Cherry, what does Ponyboy say separates Greasers from Socs?
a. money b. location c. cars d. feelings

6. According to Cherry, what is the main difference between Greasers and Socs?
a. money b. location c. cars d. feelings

7. Who was Mickey Mouse?
a. Soda's horse b. Soda's puppy c. Soda's car d. Soda's toy

8. According to Bob, what is a Greaser?
a. white trash with madras and Mustangs b. white trash with long hair c. white trash

9. Who helps Johnny and Ponyboy escape after the murder?
a. Two-Bit b. Dally c. Buck Merill d. Darry

10. Where do Ponyboy and Johnny hide out after the murder?
a. a train car b. a church c. a school d. a field

The Outsiders Chapter 5 & 6 Questions

1. What do the boys do to their hair the day after they arrive at the church? Why?

2. Why can't Ponyboy tell anyone but Johnny about the "sunrise and clouds and stuff"?

3. How does Ponyboy feel about hunting? Why do you think he is afraid to tell Dally he feels this way?

4. How does Johnny feel when he finds out his parents weren't looking for him?

5. What is the reason Dallas gives for not wanting to see Johnny go to jail?

6. Why do you think Johnny looks happy when he's in the burning church?

7. The boys pass the time in the church by reading:
a. Time magazine b. Gone With the Wind c. the comics

8. What makes Johnny think of Dallas as "gallant"?
a. is success with girls
b. coolly accepting blame for something another gang member did
c. the way he helped the boys hide out
d. his criminal record

9. Who writes Ponyboy a letter when they are hiding out?
a. Soda b. Cherry c. Darry d. Two-Bit

10. Where do the police think Johnny and Pony have gone to after the murder?
a. NY b. Texas c. Oklahoma d. Kansas

11. What does Ponyboy find most scary about Dallas?
a. his criminal record b. his hair c. his realness d. his intelligence

12. Who is the "spy" for the greasers?
a. Randy b. Bob c. Marcia d. Cherry

The Outsiders Chapter 7 & 8 Questions

1. Why do you think most adults in town aren't aware of the segregation between the greasers and the socs?

2. Why is Darry so worried when Ponyboy tells him he has a dream the other night?

3. Why does Soda's girlfriend move to Florida with her grandmother?

4. What does Ponyboy realize when he listens to Randy and Cherry talk about Bob?

5. Why isn't Randy showing up at the rumble that night?

6. How does Ponyboy get into the house after coming home from the hospital?
a. he crawls b. through the window c. Darry carries him d. he walks

7. Darry dislikes being referred to as "all brawn and no brain" because:
a. he knows he isn't very smart
b. he works hard at body building
c. he wanted to go to college, and should have
d. he can carry 2 bundles of roofing up a ladder

8. What does Soda eat for breakfast?
a. scrambled eggs and catsup
b. scrambled eggs and chocolate syrup
c. scrambled eggs and grape jelly
d. scrambled eggs and mustard

9. What does Dally ask Two-Bit for in the hospital?
a. a magazine
b. a copy of Gone With The Wind
c. to give Johnny a hug for him
d. Two-Bit's black switchblade

10. Why won't Cherry go see Johnny in the hospital?
a. he's a greaser, and he killed her boyfriend
b. she's terrified of hospitals
c. she hates Johnny
d. her parents won't let her go

The Outsiders Chapters 11 & 12 Discussion Questions

1. Why does Randy come to visit Ponyboy before the hearing?

2. Why does Pony feel proud of Soda and Darry for admitting their friendship with Dally?

3. What is significant about Pony threatening the Socs with a broken bottle?

4. What sign of hope is there for Randy?
a. He feels "lousy" about letting his father down
b. He can afford to pay a fine
c. His parents will be at the hearing

5. What nickname does Darry call Pony that he usually reserves for Soda?
a. Mickey Mouse
b. Little Buddy
c. Gilligan
d. Honey

6. What does the judge ask Pony about at the hearing?
a. who killed Bob
b. Pony's daily life
c. Who Pony would like to live with

7. What is the outcome of the hearing?
a. Pony is put on probation
b. Pony is convicted of Bob's murder
c. Pony is acquitted
d. Pony is put in a foster home

8. How can Pony improve his English grade?
a. by writing a poem about a sunset
b. by writing a report about Gone With the Wind
c. by retaking a test
d. by writing a composition

9. What happened with Sandie that has Soda so upset?
a. Sandie lost the baby
b. Sandie married someone else
c. The baby wasn't Soda's
d. Sandie doesn't ever want to see Soda again

C) THE OUTSIDERS VOCABULARY LIST - What I usually do with vocabulary is to have the students make flashcards. I give the students the vocabulary list, complete with definitions. If you give them the opportunity to look up words on their own, the definitions may be inconsistent from student to student, and they may also find the incorrect definition, as some words have more than one context. They can make flashcards on index cards or on plain white pieces of paper. I make Microsoft word tables with the word on it, and then have them copy the definition from the list and draw the picture on their own. The vocabulary word and definition go on the front, and on the back they draw a small picture to help them remember the word (stick figures are fine, it doesn't need to be complex) on the back. This is the vocabulary list for the whole novel:

The Outsiders Vocabulary

Greaser - Group of boys that love each other like family, poor, steal things, drink, smoke, fight (but always for a reason), very emotional yet tough on the outside.

Soc - wealthy group that lives on the West side of town, fight (unfairly) because they're bored, nice cars, good grades, cool and aloof.

Rumble - To engage in a gang fight.

Mugged - To threaten or assault (a person) with the intent to rob.

Lynx - Any of several wildcats having soft thick fur, a black-tipped short tail, and tufted ears.
Bawl - To cry or sob loudly; wail.
Reckless - Heedless or careless.

Vacant - Not occupied or put to use, empty.

Nonchalant - Seeming to be coolly unconcerned or indifferent, not caring.

Incredulous - Skeptical; disbelieving.

Stocky - Solidly built; sturdy, plump.

Roguish - Deceitful; unprincipled, playful.
Editorial - An article in a publication expressing the opinion of its editors or publishers.
Paul Newman - Famous actor, handsome, always played tough "manly" roles in movies.
Rodeo - A public competition or exhibition in which skills such as riding broncos or roping calves are displayed.
Aloof - Distant physically or emotionally; non-emotional, or non-caring.

Elite - A group or class of persons or a member of such a group or class, enjoying superior intellectual, social, or economic status.

Boxcar - A fully enclosed railroad car, typically having sliding side doors, used to transport freight.

Stammer - To speak with involuntary pauses or repetitions.

Territory - An area of land; a region.

Premonition - A warning in advance.

Contemptuous - The feeling or attitude of regarding someone or something as inferior, or worthless; scorn.

Bleak - Gloomy and somber.

Panic - A sudden, overpowering terror.

Apprehensive - Anxious or fearful about the future.

Snooker - Pocket billiards played with 15 red balls and 6 balls of other colors.

Hermit - A person who has withdrawn from society and lives a solitary existence; a recluse.

Reformatory - A penal institution for the discipline, reformation, and training of young or first offenders. Also called reform school.

Bootleg - To make, sell, or transport (alcoholic liquor) for sale illegally.

Hank Williams - Pioneer of country music.

The Beatles - 4 men from Liverpool, England, first tru rock and roll/pop band in America.

Siege - The surrounding and blockading of a city, town, or fortress by an army attempting to capture it.
Reluctant - Offering resistance; opposing.
Sullen - Gloomy or somber in tone

Gallant - Smartly or boldly stylish; dashing.

Detached - Separated; disconnected.

Indignant - angered at something unjust or wrong.
Conviction - The judgment of a jury or judge that a person is guilty of a crime as charged. OR… A fixed or strong belief.
Peroxide - Liquid composed of hydrogen and oxygen used for disinfecting wounds and bleaching.

Billfold - A folding pocket-sized case for carrying paper money, small personal documents, and sometimes change….in other words, a wallet.

Amplify - To make larger or more powerful; increase.
Stifle - To interrupt or cut off (the voice, for example).
Menace - A possible danger; a threat.

Leery - Suspicious or distrustful.

Taut - Pulled or drawn tight.

Delirious - Marked by uncontrolled excitement or emotion. OR…light-headed; insane; raving.

Stupor - A state of mental numbness, as that resulting from shock; a daze.

Feverish - Intense agitation, emotion, or activity.

Triumph - To be victorious or successful; win.
Concussion - An injury to an organ, especially the brain, produced by a violent blow and followed by a temporary or prolonged loss of function.

Step 3 - Activities and Assessment
Assessment will often depend upon the state standards that are required. Here are a few easy to adapt assessments and activities.
A) "Quotation Activity" - Use important quotations from the book to help students interpret deeper meaning. Divide them into cooperative learning groups and have them interpret and explain the chosen quotes. Here are some examples:

Ponyboy: "I lie to myself all the time. But I never believe me" - pg. 18

Cherry to Pony: "I could fall in love with Dallas Winston. I hope I never see him again or I will." - pg. 46

Johnny to Pony: "Stay Gold Ponyboy" - pg. 148

Pony to Cherry: "It's okay… We aren't in the same class. Just don't forget that some of us watch the sunset too." - pg. 46

Ponyboy: "Dally was so real he scared me" - pg. 76

Randy to Pony: "Greasers will still be greasers and Socs will still be Socs. Sometimes I think it's the ones in the middle that are really the lucky stiffs." - pg. 117

Ponyboy: "We couldn't get along without him. We needed Johnny as much as he needed the gang. And for the same reason." - pg 121

Ponyboy: "What kind of a world is it where all I have to be proud of is a reputation for being a hood and greasy hair? I don't want to be a hood, but even if I don't steal things and mug people and get boozed up, I'm marked lousy. Why should I be proud of it? Why should I even pretend to be proud of it?" pg. 132

Ponyboy: "It wasn't only jealousy - Darry had a right to be jealous; he was ashamed to be on our side, ashamed to be seen with the Brumly boys, Shepard's gang, maybe even us. Nobody realized it but me and Soda. It didn't matter to anyone but me and Soda." - pg. 143

Ponyboy: "Did they hate us now? I hoped they hated us, that they weren't full of that pity-the-victims-of-environment junk the social workers kept handing Curly Shepard every time he got sent off to reform school. I'd rather have anybody's hate than their pity." - pg. 162

Ponyboy: "It was too vast a problem to be just a personal thing. There should be some help, someone should tell them before it was too late. Someone should tell their side of the story, and maybe people would understand then, and wouldn't be so quick to judge a boy by the amount of hair oil he wore." - pg. 179

B) "Turning Points" - This can be either a group or individual activity. Find several turning points or major events in the book. Create a Microsoft Word table that consists of 3 columns labeled: Observation (Events from the passage), Interpretation
(What do you think about these events? What do they mean to you?), and Support
(Evidence from the passage, your own prior knowledge, or somewhere else in the book)

C) Test - This is mostly going to be based on what you individually cover in class. Vocabulary, discussion questions, and character sheets provide a good starting point for creating multiple choice and short answer questions.