November Agendas English Language Arts 2009

November 2, 2009 CW: The Outsiders: Chapter One Character Social Activity Part One HW: Reading and recording on bookmark

Character Social One of our focuses this unit is on characterization. Characterization is the method used by the writer to describe a character. In chapter one we are introduced to the characters. The narrator tells the reader their ages, appearances, backgrounds, personalities and things that are important to them in life.

Character Social During this activity you will use the chapter to fill out a character charts for each of the following characters: Ponyboy, Two-Bit Matthews, Sodapop, Darry, Steve Randle, Dally and Johnny Cade.

Character Chart Each person in the group will fill out their own character chart. You will keep these in the reading notebook section of your binders, and add details to them as we read the novel. In the character you chart you will record observations and information for the following categories: age and background, appearance, important things in his life and personality

November 3, 2009 CW: Character Social Part Two HW:

Character Social Part Two For part two of the character social you will be split up into groups based on character. Each group will be responsible for a different character. You will use the information from all of your character charts to write an introduction for the character (a biography) from that character’s perspective.

Character Social Part Two Someone in the group will record your introduction on paper. Once the group agrees, you will write the introduction on poster board. A speaker for the group will introduce the character to the class.

Character Social Part Two As you listen to each group introduce the character ask yourself, “was their introduction complete and accurate?” We will hang these posters in the classroom as we read the novel.

Ms. Freese’s Example I am a young Chicana woman living in the urban landscape of Chicago. I haven’t always lived here, and I am not afraid to admit that it doesn’t live up to my expectations. I have ideas about my life, and who I want to be. I am a writer. Writing, and looking at the trees outside my window is how I cope and recognize myself. I have a younger sister named Nenny who drives me crazy, but also makes me laugh. I have two brothers who only talk to me when we are in the house. It is like they live in a different world. My mother and I are close, and my father works hard to support my family. I am thirteen-years-old and recently wore high heels for the first time. I have long dark hair, skin the color of caramel, and eyes that long for what’s to come.

November 4, 2009(Wednesday) CW: Finish reading chapter one (or re-visit particular passages) The Socs versus The Greasers HW: Reading and recording/Post-It Handout

Conflict In this novel, the narrator, Ponyboy has several conflicts. These conflicts are internal and external. Conflict is the struggle that propels the action in a story. There are three types of conflicts: -man versus man -man versus nature -man versus himself

Three Types of Conflict Man versus Man Example: A typical Western, in which the sheriff confronts the outlaws. Lebron James and Kobe Bryant are in conflict with each other over who is the best basketball player in the NBA.

Man versus Nature Man versus Nature Example: The novel Hatchet, where Brian must survive after being stranded in a deserted area after a plane crash.

Man versus Himself Man versus Himself Example: The main character of a story fighting his or her own addiction to drugs.

Conflict in novels Most novels include all three types on conflicts. It is possible to have more than one type of conflict in a story.

Conflict in the Outsiders The external conflict in The Outsiders, is the conflict between two different social groups, The Socs and The Greasers. In order to understand this conflict, we need to gather information about what differences separate one group from the other.

Your Task… Using your copy of the text and the conflict chart, gather specific textual evidence (quotes, page numbers, and phrases) to Describe the problem( why the Socs and The Greasers) don’t get along or agree. Include a quotation from our narrator, Ponyboy, about the conflict Reasons the conflict exists

Ms. Freese’s Example Details that describe the problem: The Socs are the “socials, the jet=set, the west-side rich kids”(2). A quotation from Ponyboy about the conflict “I’m not saying either Socs or greasers are better; that’s just the way things are”(3).

Ms. Freese’s Example Reasons the conflict exists: “the warfare between the social classes”

External and Internal Conflict Complete the same charts for the following conflicts in chapter one: Darry versus Ponyboy(external) Ponyboy versus himself (feeling hurt about Darry)

November 5(Thursday) CW: Recognizing Stereotypes in The Outsiders Four Corners Debate HW: Reading and Recording

On a piece of paper… On a piece of paper write the following: Your name The date Survey Write down the following statements, and next to each statement write down true or false based on whether or not you agree with the statement or not.

Survey In any area, tension exists between the wealthy and the poor. Gangs are necessary for protection. Teenagers should stay with their own kind. People should be judged, in part, by their appearance. The way to stop violence is revenge.

The activity For each topic we will divide into two groups. One group for the students who wrote down true, and one group for the students who wrote down false. Once in your group plan your argument, select a speaker and prepare to debate the issue.

November 6, 2009 (Friday) CW: Freewrite # 1 Chapter Two Finish debates HW: Reading and Recording on bookmark and Post-It Handout