Design to Specs:

A Framework for Developing Learning Activities for Critical & Creative Thinking

Topic: Grade 8 Whole-Class Novel, S.E. Hinton's 'The Outsiders'

Judge Better or Best – In the novel, 'The Outsiders', which character makes the most convincing hero?

Critique the Piece – Is the novel, 'The Outsiders', a good novel? Should we keep reading it? Explain why or why not.

Rework the Piece – Rewrite chapter 11 (or chapters 11 and 12) to make it fit with what you believe should have happened.

Decode the Puzzle – What really happened when Ponyboy was unconscious in the park after nearly being drowned in the fountain? What was happening in the neighborhood while Pony and Johnny were in Windrixville? Write your own appendix or extra chapter(s) to help explain what actually happened.

Create to Specs – Write your own original story using 1 or 2 of the themes from 'The Outsiders'.

OR

Write your own original story using 1 or 2 of the characters from the novel.

Perform to Specs – Write and perform a monologue or short skit as if you are one of the characters from the novel.