DI Lesson Plan Template

Lesson Topic: Compare and Contrasting characters

Grade level: sec 4

Lesson Objectives
Knows (facts, vocab, lists) Dos (skills)

knows who the characters in the book are Compare and Contrast the Socs and the Greasers (in terms
knows the general storyline of the book of values, physical attributes, socioeconomic status,
relationships, etc) By using a Venn Diagram
Venn Diagrams; how to organize characteristics

Understands (big ideas)

The motivations of the main characters

Understands the complexity of identity and how circumstances affect it

I will differentiate this lesson by: Readiness Interests Learning Preferences

I will be differentiating the: Content Process Product

Lesson Plan
(Include any assessments used, and all DI strategies)
Engagement

They will get in the mood by having a do now written on the board: which is to pick up their journals and
draw their favorite character in the quirkiest way. This will being humor to the class and loosen up the
students in order for them to be more open-minded and creative.

Framing:

The teacher will ask if someone can someone summarize the first chapter in 3 sentences? Who are the
characters? (teacher or a student write on the board). Teacher will prompt students to take out the book,
The Outsiders. Once the names of characters are on the board, teacher will let students choose two by
raising their hands. The student will then write down the characteristics of the chosen, while getting tips
from the class. The teacher can reinforce understanding by asking students where they found the details.
They will have 2 or 3 minutes to find the characteristics by encouraging them to highlight these
characteristics.

1
Acquisition

Teacher will start with a rhetorical question: So why are we doing this Students will be called upon until
the answer is given: To find similarities and differences between characters. Large empty Venn Diagram can
be shown on the board. The teacher can explain that the Venn diagram is a good visual tool that can used to
organise the similar and different characteristics among the characters. The students will be able to use this
diagram for the essay, which is the summative assessment at the end of the unit. The students will then fill
in the Venn diagram as a class, utilising both the characteristics that were brainstormed on the board and
their own ideas. Throughout the lesson, the teacher can check for understanding by pointing at different
characteristics that are on the board and ask the students whether it is similar or different for the characters
chosen.
Once the class Venn diagram is filled out, the students will have the opportunity to fill out their own Venn
diagrams that will also be allowed to use as a tool in the essay. This end product of the Venn diagram will be
differentiated by interest because they can choose who they want to compare and contrast and may go with
more obvious/easier choices or more subtle/difficult characters. After they have completed this they will be
asked to draw a third circle and add themselves to the Venn diagram, comparing characteristics of
themselves with the chosen characters from earlier. This develops intrapersonal skills as this will cause the
student to reflect on themselves and situate their personal characteristics with the characters from the story.
It will also press them to think about what kind of characteristics they possess and extrapolate to what they
would do in certain situations in the novel.
Students who have finished the activities, can then read the book quietly.

Elaboration

Will check for understanding by letting the students take over the class; they will have volunteers writing on
the board and will choose who they wish use as an example. Teacher simply guides a little bit in order for
them not to go off-tasks. Teacher will answer questions regarding the book.

For the students who have easily done this, they may bring out their journals and answer this question:
Which identities do the three characters (including you) share or not?

Memory Strengthening

They will have their Venn Diagrams on hand, this visual reminder will be made available in the future. By
doing some of the activities in pairs, they will be able to correct themselves and verbalize their intentions
and theories about the characters.

Materials and UDL Strategies

Materials: Novel The Outsiders, whiteboard/blackboard, chalk/dry erase markers, students writing
materials, their journals, scrap paper, highlighter.

UDL Strategy: 5. Provide options for expression and communication

5.2: Use multiple tools for construction and composition.
This will be done by introducing them to the Venn Diagram, furthermore they will be verbally participating
in the activities by choosing their own characters and applying them to the diagram. They will have to
negotiate meaning towards each other for this activity to succeed.