CITR Socratic Seminar

📘 The Catcher in the Rye Socratic Seminar | 9th–10th Grade Literature Discussion Resource

Engage your high school students in meaningful, text-based discussion with this complete Socratic Seminar resource for The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger! Perfect for honors, Pre-AP, or advanced literature courses, this ready-to-print lesson pack guides students through literary analysis, critical thinking, and academic discourse — all while deepening their understanding of Holden Caulfield’s world and themes of identity, alienation, and coming of age.

---

✨ What’s Inside

A 25-page Socratic Seminar resource with everything teachers need to plan, facilitate, and assess powerful student-led discussions:

💬 Teacher Resources

• What Is a Socratic Seminar? Anchor Chart

• Before, During, and After the Seminar Guide

• Detailed Discussion Outline + Success Tips

🧾 Student Materials

• The Catcher in the Rye Seminar Cover Page (Objectives + Standards)

• Student Preparation & Reflection Checklist

• Ten High-Level Discussion Questions aligned with the novel’s major themes

• Research & Evidence Pages for text-based support

• Model Textual Evidence Guide (3–6 examples per question with chapter references) — accommodation-ready

• Two-Page Model Discussion Script for classroom demonstration

📊 Assessment Tools

• Teacher Rubric (5 Categories with Explicit Performance Descriptors):

  1. Preparation & Evidence Use – Evaluates how well students prepare by annotating the text, gathering relevant quotes, and referencing specific passages during discussion.

  2. Speaking & Expression – Assesses clarity, tone, and confidence in verbal responses, including how effectively students articulate ideas and use academic vocabulary.

  3. Listening & Responsiveness – Measures how actively students listen to peers, respond thoughtfully to counterpoints, and build on others’ ideas.

  4. Critical Thinking & Insight – Rates the depth of analysis, connection to themes, and ability to interpret author’s choices or symbols with sophistication.

  5. Collaboration & Respect – Gauges student contribution to a positive discussion climate, equitable participation, and respect for diverse viewpoints.
     Each category includes explicit descriptors for “Exemplary,” “Proficient,” “Developing,” and “Beginning” to ensure clarity and consistent grading.

• Student Self-Evaluation Form for reflection and goal setting

• Peer Evaluation Form to promote accountability and collaboration

---

🎯 Grade Level Alignment

• Grades 9–10 → Core target for literary analysis, speaking, and listening standards

• Grades 11–12 → Ideal for honors, AP prep, or advanced literature courses needing structured discussion practice

---

💡 Why Teachers Love It

• Aligned with Common Core ELA discussion and analysis standards

• Supports evidence-based reasoning, close reading, and academic conversation

• Fully scaffolded — from preparation to reflection

• Encourages student ownership and deeper comprehension through student-led dialogue

• Perfect for novel studies, end-of-unit assessments, or test prep (STAAR, AIR, PARCC, PSSA, TEKS)

---

🧠 Skills Targeted

• Textual analysis and evidence gathering

• Thematic and character-based critical thinking

• Speaking and listening for academic discussions

• Self-reflection and peer evaluation

---

🔗 Resource Type: Literature Discussion, Socratic Seminar, Critical Thinking

Grades: 9–10 (adaptable for 11–12)
Standards Alignment: CCSS SL.9-10.1, RL.9-10.2, RL.9-10.3 (Speaking & Listening; Literary Analysis)

---

⭐ Whether you’re exploring alienation, identity, or the complexity of adolescence, this Catcher in the Rye Socratic Seminar resource gives students everything they need to think critically, cite text evidence, and engage in meaningful academic discussion.

✍️ Looking for more high school literature resources?
Check out: Literary Analysis Rubrics, Anchor Charts, and More! 

👆Follow Learning Between the Lines!