The Outsiders PowerPoint, Research Projects, & Note-Taking Sheets

Dive into S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders with this rich, fully developed 4-week literature unit designed for upper middle and high school students/homeschoolers. This comprehensive resource bundle includes a professionally crafted PowerPoint course, 10 engaging research projects, and 20 critical thinking note-taking sheets to guide literary analysis, character study, historical context, and thematic discussions.

*As you consider S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders for your students/homeschoolers, it presents a powerful narrative exploring complex social dynamics and the challenges faced by young people.  The story authentically portrays instances of violence, inter-group conflict, and mentions of underage substance use. 

While the novel offers opportunities to discuss themes of loyalty, empathy, and the search for understanding, it's important to approach these elements through the lens of our faith.  I encourage you to be prepared to guide discussions that apply biblical principles to the characters' actions and the situations they encounter. 

This can be a valuable opportunity to examine concepts of justice, forgiveness, the consequences of choices, and the importance of seeking Godly relationships and solutions amidst conflict.  By engaging with this material thoughtfully, we can help our students/homeschoolers develop discernment and a deeper understanding of the world while grounding them in their spiritual foundation.

INCLUDED IN THIS RESOURCE:

✔️4-week editable PowerPoint literature course (20+ slides)
✔️10 research-based projects with detailed instructions
✔️20 printable, guided note-taking sheets for close reading
✔️Discussion and wrap-up questions that foster deep reflection
✔️Character analysis, theme exploration, and symbolism coverage
✔️Compatible with in-person, hybrid, or digital instruction

TOPICS INCLUDED:

✔️Historical context of 1960s class conflict and gang culture
✔️Character development and relationships
✔️Symbolism: “Stay gold” and beyond
✔️Literary elements: narration, conflict, tone, setting
✔️Societal expectations, family structure, and loyalty
✔️Thematic connections to identity, redemption, and resilience

PERFECT FOR:

✔️Middle school and high school ELA teachers
✔️Homeschool educators and co-ops
✔️Literature circles and book clubs
✔️Distance learning or blended classrooms
✔️Substitute teachers needing structured material
✔️Students/homeschoolers studying American coming-of-age novels

WHY CHOOSE THIS RESOURCE?

✔️Saves hours of planning and research
✔️Promotes student engagement and self-directed learning
✔️Provides historical depth and critical thinking challenges
✔️Designed to align with Common Core and other ELA standards
✔️Scaffolds complex topics with step-by-step structure
✔️Easily customizable for different grade levels or pacing

BENEFITS FOR TEACHERS/HOMESCHOOL PARENTS:

✔️No-prep materials ready for immediate use
✔️Easy-to-follow lesson flow and visual aids
✔️Encourages meaningful discussions with minimal prep
✔️Integrates reading, writing, speaking, and listening standards
✔️Includes cross-curricular content with historical research
✔️Adapts to pacing guides and differentiation needs

BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS/HOMESCHOOLERS:

✔️Builds critical reading and analysis skills
✔️Encourages empathy and reflection through relatable themes
✔️Promotes independent thinking with structured prompts
✔️Fosters creativity through writing and research projects
✔️Increases comprehension with focused note-taking sheets
✔️Makes classic literature relevant and accessible

Whether you’re a classroom teacher or a homeschool parent, this resource offers a deeply engaging way to explore the novel’s central ideas—identity, class conflict, family, and personal growth—while aligning with ELA standards and promoting critical reasoning skills. The content is carefully scaffolded to meet the needs of diverse learners and adaptable across learning environments.

Structured week-by-week, the editable PowerPoint covers literary devices, character arcs, conflict, historical background, and discussion points, while the research projects foster meaningful connections between literature and real-world social issues. The note-taking sheets are designed to build independence and close reading strategies.

This unit is ideal for educators looking to move beyond basic comprehension and bring literature alive through project-based learning, critical analysis, and creative response. Every component is ready-to-use but customizable, making planning effortless.

The Outsiders 4-Week Course PowerPoint, Research Projects, and Note-Taking Sheets offer an all-in-one solution for teaching this classic novel with depth, rigor, and relevance. Ideal for teachers and homeschool families alike, this resource empowers students to think critically, reflect personally, and engage with literature in a meaningful way. Bring your ELA curriculum to life—and let your students discover what it truly means to “stay gold.”

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Thank you for your support!
Tina – Big Easy Homeschooling Mom  ==============================================================Please note: All resources are digital products and nothing physical will be sent to your home. ==============================================================© Big Easy Homeschooling Mom, 2024 to present. All rights reserved. This resource is for personal classroom use only by the original purchasing teacher. It may not be distributed, shared, or used by others. Additional licenses are required for multiple users or classrooms.