One major benefit is that it allows for in - depth study. Teachers can design comprehensive lesson plans around the novel. For instance, they can explore themes like friendship, class differences, and growing up. Students can analyze the characters and their development throughout the story. It also helps in improving students' literary analysis skills as they learn to dissect the plot, setting, and themes of the novel.
One way is to have students do group discussions. Divide the class into groups and assign different chapters or themes from the novel for them to discuss. This encourages interaction and different perspectives. Another way is to use it for writing assignments. For example, ask students to write a character analysis based on the descriptions in the novel.
One activity could be a character analysis. Have students pick a character from the 'Outsiders' and write about their personality traits, motives, and how they change throughout the story. Another is a group discussion on the themes of the book like class differences and friendship. And a creative writing activity where students write a short sequel or prequel to the story from a different character's perspective.
A classroom set of novels can enhance students' reading skills. It provides a common text for students to study and discuss, which promotes critical thinking and communication skills.