Characters Traits

Dear Class,

I can't believe that we already have read three chapters from The Outsiders!

We have seen that this is a novel that is full of dialogues, narratives, and characters.

Good readers are able to analyse the characters identities. They are able to infer information by their actions and see their changes and transformations through their conflicts, emotions and how they solve their conflicts. If we are good at studying the characters we will have a better understanding of the book.

Based on your reading, Can you tell me about a favorite character so far? Or any other character that help you understand better this book? Or about a character that intrigues you, fascinated or feel any personal connection?

Be sure to tell me: The character name, some physical characteristics, personality traits, the relationship to other characters, and any other relevant information.

Keep your reading and let me see your comments!

Gang Culture in "The Outsiders"

Dear class,

We have been doing a terrific job reading "The Outsiders". We finished chapter1. We have seen how the setting of the sixties is so important to understand the novel. We also have seen how the language of the novel is so specific and important. As we have see gang culture is another main feature of this book. Now, I want to ask you the following. Which two gangs are rivals in the novel? Which are their characteristics ? Which are their differences and similarities? Which characters belong to each gang?

When you answer remember to provide evidence from the text also remember today's lesson: When you compare you look for similarities. When you contrast you look for differences.

I can't wait to read your comments!

The Outsiders: The 1960 Issues

Dear Class:

We are seing how the 1960s setting of this novel is vital for our understanding of this book. In class, we saw the Sixties coming alive. We did a time line of important events and saw important figures. We saw art and songs from the period. Now, I want to ask you. How do that era compare to our time. How are the Sixties similar to our year 2011? How is different? Think about your responses. Remember this is an academic setting so check your spelling and language, you can also check your notes and your Venn Diagram.

The Outsiders, Unit II

Dear Class,
Welcome to Unit 2, we are going to read a great contemporary novel “The Outsiders” by author S.E. Hinton.
As a way to introduce the book we are going to do a series of pre-reading activities which will improve our understanding of this novel. So, let’s begin with the following questions: What is an outsider? Have you ever felt like an outsider?

Theme Statement

Dear Class,
I am so happy that we keep reading more and more stories and becoming in the process fluent readers. You did an excellent job with "Father" from "Living up the Street" by author Gary Soto. I want to ask you: what do you think is the theme of this dramatic story? What evidence can you give me that supports your statement? Why do you think the boy is reacting that way? Let me know. I can't wait to see your answers and comments!

Father from "Living up the street" by Gary Soto

Dear Class,
We keep reading more books and stories by Gary Soto and I see how you are becoming better readers and able to read independently. After finishing " Novio Boy" we move to "Living up the Street". I want to ask you: What do you think of the short story " Father"? Who is telling the story? How does this selection compare to "Novio"? What is the theme of this short story? Let me know.

Gary Soto

Dear class,
I am so glad that we finished reading the play Novio Boy by Gary Soto. Now, we are reading Living up the Street also by him, so at this point, What do you think about him as a writer?