The Outsiders – Game Play
By Beatriz Alvarez, October 30, 2009
Grade Level
- Middle School
Category
- City of Neighborhoods
Subject Area
- Language Arts
Lesson Time
Introduction
National Standards
Writing
Standard 1. Level III. Uses the general skills and strategies of the writing process
Reading
Standard 8. Level III. Uses listening and speaking strategies for different purposes
Visual Arts
Objectives
- identify universal themes that arise in the novel.
- identify main characters and their role in the novel.
- connect with the characters in the story by putting themselves into the game play.
- write detailed instructions for a specific purpose in mind.
- understand the basic elements of advertising and how to address an audience.
- self assess using the given rubric, and provide feedback to other students in the class as well
Resources
Materials
- computers
- variety of games including board games, trivia games, card games, etc.
- foam board
- construction paper
- markers
- scissors
- glue
- felt
- buttons
- any other materials that might be used in constructing a game
Vocabulary
- advertising: the action of calling something to the attention of the public especially by paid announcements
- testimonial: implicit or explicit approval from a public figure
- bandwagon appeal: an appeal that recognizes the common human preference for belonging
Procedures
Day 1: Introduction of the design challenge requirements, brainstorming and online research
1. The teacher will bring in a variety of games for students to use as research. They will read through directions and be allowed to play a few of the games.
2. Students will be placed in groups of four based on data used throughout the year to assess their reading and writing skills. Together they will brainstorm ideas for their game.
3. Allow students time to do research either using the directions for the games provided by the teacher or going online to www.hasbro.com for directions to hundreds of popular game titles.
Day 2: Design Day – Students will put together/create their games
1. Students will be asked to design a game that includes references to characters from The Outsiders and game challenges that involve the conflicts, resolutions, and themes of the novel.
2. Students will also be required to write clear and concise directions for players to follow, and a one-to-two minute radio commercial that will be used to advertise their new game to the class.
(Some of the above two steps can be assigned as homework.)
Day 3: Game Time – Students will play each game and provide feedback to the creators
1. Students may need part of this day to finish fabricating their games. After completion, students will be allowed to rotate throughout the classroom and play the different games.
2. Allow time for students to provide feedback for the creators of the games.Assessment
Enrichment Extension Activities
Game reviews could be written about each of the games that were played.
The commercial activity could be extended to allow for an actual ad campaign that includes print, as well as filming of a commercial or recording a radio ad.
Focus could be placed on revising the instructions written by weaker groups.
Instructions could be written for surviving as a ‘Greaser.’
Instructions/Rules to follow for a “fair rumble” could also be written.
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