JeanMaries+Curriculum+Goals

JeanMarie Dimitratos

In general terms what are you trying to achieve with these learners?
 * __Your general educational goals__

These learners will gain critical thinking skills, teamwork, and inquiry based learning in the subject of English Language Arts; primarily around the novel, __The Outsiders__ by S.E. Hinton. They will also gain a better overall historical understanding of the 1950’s and 60’s through cooperative research with a peer(s). The students will ultimately learn the significance of themes within literature and why certain novels on the school canon are important to read.

Students will be broken up into groups of two. From there, each student in each group will decide whether or not their role will be a Soc or a Greaser. Once roles have been assigned, students will have individual research to conduct and articles to write.They will write a biased article, "about the Rumble," on the side of either the Soc or the Greaser and then have to come together (using their articles) to create one, cohesive article that is unbiased. Once research information is gathered, the students will collaborate to include all of their work into a unified newspaper with several articles including subject matters on gangs, music, fashion, historical events, etc. You will answer this question in Activity 2a. || Include their age and/or grade level, and other relevant information such as their interests, future goals, and background.
 * Description of your learners

This lesson is gauged for 7th or 8th grade English Language Arts students.

You will answer this question in Activity 2b. ||
 * __Description of your subject matter__

What subjects, topics, or issues are at the center of this curriculum web?

The topics in this curriculum web will center on the themes, settings, characters, and morals of the novel, __The Outsiders.__ Students will learn about the ethical issues of family, gangs, friendship, crime, and sacrifice. They will also gain a better understanding of the popular culture of the decades set in the novel and how these components of society affect the motivations of some or all of characters.

You will answer this question in Activity 2c. || List your desired outcomes in terms of changes in the learners’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes
 * __Detailed learning objectives__

Students will be able to make man vs. self, man vs. society, text-to-self and text-to-world connections. They will also build on their research skills via the world wide web and enhance their interpersonal skills through working cooperatively with their peers. Students will gain awareness on gang membership and crime.

You will answer this question in Activity 2d. || What relevant knowledge, skills, and attitudes do you expect your learners to have before they begin using this curriculum web?
 * __Expected prerequisites__

In order to participate in this curriculum web, the students will have to complete reading the novel, __The Outsiders__.

You will answer this question in Activity 2e. || In a short sentence of phrase, describe what you want to teach to whom
 * __Summary aim__

The aim of this lesson is to teach all students of this age group. Middle school students are facing a difficult time with identity and peer pressure. All genders, races, and cultures can gain from the objectives of this lesson.

You will answer this question in Activity 2f. || Justify the use of time or other expenses to achieve the aim written above. Why should these learners reach your objectives?
 * __Rationale__

The value of this curriculum web is for students to make text-to-self and text-to-world connections. Students usually inquire about the importance of the content they are taught. This lesson is a great way to show how literature is applicable to their lives and how cooperative learning allows them to share ideas in strengthening their learning.

You will answer this question in Activity 2g. ||

Hi JeanMarie,

Doing something on The Outsiders is a great idea. I remember reading and watching the movie in my high school English class (many, many moons ago!). I actually caught the movie again on TV a couple of weeks ago. The only question I have after reading this is what exactly are the students doing in this project? It's great that you want to teach them about gangs, crime and the 50s and 60s (sometimes I wish I lived back then) because that's very important in today's society and I'm anxious to see how they will be doing this. I know you have some great ideas and I'm very excited to see the finished product.

Brian Hi JeanMarie! Being a fellow Englsh teacher, I love the idea of doing something on "The Outsiders." I think you have some great initial ideas and concepts on here, but you might want to communicate the actual activity a little better like Brian said. But, I think you have some great starting points here! Janie