Inside The Outsiders

By Susie Rogers, ELA, 5th-7th

The Outsiders, a classic novel by S.E. Hinton, continues to resonate with readers today due to its timeless exploration of social class, identity, and the challenges faced by adolescents. Set in the 1960s, the novel follows the struggles of two rival groups, the Greasers and the Socs, offering a realistic commentary on the harsh realities of teenage life. Despite the era it depicts, the themes of belonging, friendship, and the quest for individuality are universal and still relevant today. At the end of the novel, my 7th grade students celebrated their exploration of "The Outsiders" enjoying chocolate cake and Pepsi (a staple in Ponyboy’s household) while watching the movie adaptation. To deepen their understanding, they then engaged in a Bloom Ball project, incorporating Bloom's taxonomy to delve into various cognitive processes, enhancing their ability to remember, understand, apply, analyze, evaluate, and create. This interactive and multi-dimensional approach highlights the enduring relevance of "The Outsiders" in fostering critical thinking and empathy among modern-day readers. It is a much-anticipated 7th grade unit of study!