Thematic Units, Group/Introductory Lesson

Literature

Open with Prayer:

Opening Story:             

              In eighth grade, my teacher led us through the book, The Outsiders. My mom, who didn’t want to withhold learning opportunities, read along with us so we could talk through the mature parts of the book. My teacher created a whole unit around this book and it’s a story I will always remember.

              The Outsiders focused on the gang called the Greasers and three brothers whose parents died in a car accident. The oldest brother, Darry, acted as guardian of Sodapop and Ponyboy while protecting them through the Greaser gang. The Socs (Socials), made fun and picked fights with the Greasers, treating them like trash. Even though Ponyboy, the youngest brother, was in a gang, he was sensitive at heart and wanted to do things right. He liked literature and discussing more tender topics with his fellow Greaser, Dally. The turf fight between the Socs and Greasers continued through the book, eventually leading to the death of a Soc by Johnny, who was defending himself and Ponyboy. Ponyboy and Johnny hid in a church for a week, cut and dyed their hair, and just when they were leaving to help in another big fight, the church caught on fire and they ran back in to rescue the children who were in school there. Ultimately, they fought the Socs and won. Johnny and Ponyboy were heroes, but Johnny ended up dying from the fight. Ponyboy got his life back in order and focused on school and literature and the book ends by showing his personal growth.

              Why am I sharing all this? Because it impacted me for a lifetime. Living in a small town, I had no understanding of what teens in larger places faced if they were in a gang. It’s easy to judge a person by the outside, but as I learned more about Ponyboy, I realized he was just like me. He had fears, worries, insecurities, anger, interests, and depth. The circumstances of his parents’ death were out of his control and the only way he and his brothers could assure protection, and survival was through gang affiliation.

              During our class, we had deep discussions about friendship, allegiance, and morality. These teens and young adults seemed real to us. We all had favorite characters, things we liked and disliked about them, and recognized their strengths and flaws.

              In the beginning, I could not understand why we were doing a novel study on The Outsiders. It didn’t seem relatable. But slowly I came to realize that we, as humans, are alike. We may not live in the same circles or conduct ourselves in the same manner, but deep in our hearts we have a desire to belong. Make a difference. And leave our mark on this earth.

              Even though there was little mention of faith in the book, I’m going to add that all of us have a God-shaped hole that can only be filled by the Holy Spirit. As a teenager, I understood this and as an adult I still agree. I couldn’t help but think about what Ponyboy’s life would have been like if he’d had parents who took him to church and taught him about Jesus. Or if a classmate had shared the hope of salvation with him, his family, and fellow Greasers.

              Well-organized, thematic units make a lasting impression on our students. Thirty years later, I still recall the discussion, book review, and debates we had related to The Outsiders. I vividly remember watching the movie and making comparisons between the text and cinematic depiction. My mom and I had several good talks about the drug use and teens’ actions that were inappropriate. And completing that unit did not cause me to act like the characters in behavior, but challenged me to grab hold of my personal core beliefs instead.

              Think about, plan, and implement units that will leave a lasting impression on your kids. These units can evoke deep thoughts and life-changing conversations. Ask questions that will require inward examination and action. These discussions could also lead them to ask questions about their faith.  

Scripture

1.      Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test. But we pray to God that you may not do wrong—not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed. 2 Corinthians 13:5-7 (ESV)

2.      But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18 (ESV)

3.      Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 1 Timothy 4:15 (ESV)

4.      When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 1 Corinthians 13:11 (ESV)

Discussion

1.      How can thematic units, like reading The Outsiders, lead to growth in your students?

2.      What were the most impactful thematic units you experienced as a student? Why?

3.      What are the advantages/disadvantages to thematic units?

4.      How can we honor God in our classrooms through unit selection?

Homework

              Read Deuteronomy 6. How can you take truths from this scripture and apply them to your personal life?

Personal Reflection

              Education today has changed greatly since I was a student. Every elementary teacher crafted interesting units each year. Classrooms transformed into jungles, outer space, aquatic underworlds, or mythical kingdoms. We were immersed in the cultures, languages, laws, and atmospheres. I’ve heard teachers today share that they can’t teach units because they have to prepare students for the big test. My challenge: consider what units seem fun and enlightening. Align the mandatory standards in creative ways with your unit. Teach your heart out.

              Brainstorm ways to include unit teaching with your current required curriculum. Ask God to show you how to make it happen.