We finished The Outsiders today. It is always a bittersweet time for me because I love introducing another group of students to one of my favorite novels of all time. To me, it is a story of hope and understanding. Pony realizes that “things are rough all over” and comes to the understanding that people shouldn't focus on their differences. Instead he wants the two groups to notice the ways they are the same, to find commonality. Things like: the fact that everyone just wants to belong, that everyone has problems even when it isn’t obvious, to “stay gold” (meaning to not become jaded and hard but to notice the beauty in life), and most importantly that you can make your life what you want no matter your circumstances- just don’t quit. I want my students to take these messages to heart and apply them to their lives.
Today, prior to handing in our plot charts, I had the students come up with a theme/message/life lesson from the book. I was so impressed with their ideas and understanding that I created a list.
Possible Themes for The Outsiders Besides “Stay Gold”
We will be celebrating by watching the movie version on Wednesday, Thursday, and possibly Friday. I sent home permission slips yesterday. Thursday will be our dress up day. Dressing up as a Soc or Greaser is not a requirement, but those of us who do have fun. I especially love when I can look at a student and see them as one of the main characters.
I still have a handful of students that haven't completed The Outsiders Flipgrid assignment. Friday is the last day I will accept that assignment. Please check Power School to make sure you (your student) completed it.
November 2nd is the end of Trimester 1. That is coming up quickly. We will be having our 2nd reading celebration that day. To qualify you need to have read the equivalent of six books since our last celebration at midterm. Don't forget to count The Outsiders!
***Please click here for information on the Lucky Duck Drop and Fun Run coming up this Saturday***
Today, prior to handing in our plot charts, I had the students come up with a theme/message/life lesson from the book. I was so impressed with their ideas and understanding that I created a list.
Possible Themes for The Outsiders Besides “Stay Gold”
- Never give up on hope
- Don’t judge a book by its cover
- We are not so different
- Not everything you want to happen, actually happens…
- so make the best of it
- Things are rough all over
- Life doesn’t always go the way you want it to, learn to roll with the punches
- Not everything is what it seems
- We are all equal
- Don’t give up on family, friends, AND yourself
- We all watch the same sunset
- We shouldn’t be separated by the amount of money someone has
- People are the same when it comes to the important (big) things
- Money doesn’t make you better than someone
- Money doesn’t matter
- Move on/Stay Strong even in difficult situations
- Keep your head up
- Nothing is more important than family (blood or not)
- In the big scheme of things, we are all the same
- We are all the same on the inside
- Look for the good
- You live, you learn - never give up
- Your actions have consequences
- Tough times don’t last, tough people do!
- It only takes one person to make a difference
- Don’t let someone bring you down because of who you are
- Don’t let your past hold you back
- Don’t let tough things cloud your judgment
- If you push through the bad, you can come out to the good with a few learned lessons
- People are all created equal, rich or poor
- Life is a rollercoaster - hold on and enjoy the ride
- In life, you have to learn to let things go
- Look for the good things in life
- Celebrate differences
- Violence isn’t and won’t ever be an answer or the way to solve problems
- Life is like a story full of ups and downs/conflicts and resolutions
- Celebrate, don’t hate
We will be celebrating by watching the movie version on Wednesday, Thursday, and possibly Friday. I sent home permission slips yesterday. Thursday will be our dress up day. Dressing up as a Soc or Greaser is not a requirement, but those of us who do have fun. I especially love when I can look at a student and see them as one of the main characters.
I still have a handful of students that haven't completed The Outsiders Flipgrid assignment. Friday is the last day I will accept that assignment. Please check Power School to make sure you (your student) completed it.
November 2nd is the end of Trimester 1. That is coming up quickly. We will be having our 2nd reading celebration that day. To qualify you need to have read the equivalent of six books since our last celebration at midterm. Don't forget to count The Outsiders!
***Please click here for information on the Lucky Duck Drop and Fun Run coming up this Saturday***