Unit 5: Of Mice & Men
Through the study of John Steinbeck's novel, Of Mice and Men, and other related texts, we wil read, discuss, connect, and respond to better our understanding of the major theme, "Human Nature." We will also look at other, more minor themes: friendship, belonging, trust, dreams, loneliness, weak vs. strong, discrimination, and loyalty vs. sacrifice, the American Dream. You will learn about the impact of context and the evolution of character, and you will learn the following skills: how to identify figurative language, how to collaborate within a small group setting, how to make connections between prior and new learning, how to respond effectively to texts, and how to write a literary essay. |
Unit Assignments & Activities
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Final Assignment: Literary Essay Program: Word Hand In: loginname_essay Due Date: Friday, June 16th *This is the last day of regular classes |
Now that we've finished both the novel and the film version of Of Mice and Men, you will be writing a 5-paragraph literary essay as your final project for the unit. You will use the essay-writing skills and SEXY paragraph format you learned in Unit 1, as well as your knowledge from your lit circle and class discussions, and your KLW, to complete this project. Here's what you need to do: Choose a theme from the novel Of Mice and Men. What important message do you think the author, John Steinbeck, is trying to communicate about that theme? Consider the characters’ actions, reactions, relationships, conflict, experience, and growth throughout the novel. |
Assignment: Literary Essay Handout: Viewing Notes (for film) Handout: "How to Write a Literary Essay" Handout: Example Essay (Hunger Games) Handouts: Editing Checklist Smooth Transitions |
Mini-Lesson 4: Visual Symbolism Program: Word Hand In: loginname_RTTQ-symbolism Due Date: Friday, May 26 |
After reading Chapter 4, we will explore the concept of symbolism, specifically visual symbolism. Here is the plan:
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Handout: VisualElements_CheatSheet 4 Images: ET 13 Reasons Why The Lion King Beauty and the Beast RTTQ: Visual Symbolism |
Mini-Lesson 3: Character Program: Word Hand In: loginname_RTTQ-Character Due Date: Monday, May 22 |
After reading Chapter 3, we will explore the concept of character, and the 5 different ways it is revealed within a text. Here is the plan:
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Mini-Lesson 2: Discrimination Program: Word Hand In: loginname_RTTQ-Discrimination Due Date: Tuesday, May 16 |
After reading Chapter 2, we will explore the concept of discrimination - particularly towards Crooks, the stable buck. Here is the plan:
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Mini-Lesson 1: Figurative Language Program: Word Hand In: loginname_RTTQ-FigurativeLanguage Due Date: Wednesday, May 10th |
After reading Chapter 1, we will explore the concept of figurative language, particularly Steinbeck's use of hyperbole, personification, simile, and metaphor! Here is the plan:
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Assignment: KLW Program: Word Hand In: loginname_klw Due Date: End of Novel |
As we read the novel, you will complete a KLW chart that corresponds to each of the six chapters. KLW stands for:
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Assignment: Literature Circles Program: Word Hand In: mini-version of all roles (from chapter 1) 5 roles (from chapters 2-6) Due Date: End of Novel |
For the entirety of this unit, part of your novel study will be done in small groups known as “Literature Circles.” After reading each chapter of the book, you will meet with your literature circle group to discuss what you’ve learned. The point of such discussion is to ask questions, share ideas and opinions, and work together as a group to explore the themes present within the novel so that when it comes time for the unit’s final assessment, you are ready! There are 5 Lit Circle Roles:
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Assignment: Lit Circles Groups: Dylan, Maaz, Griff, Tanner, Sim Dima, Val, Owen, Bailey, Hayd Joana, Qylie, Kristine, Lemuel Charsi, Tyler, Lou, Famira, Val Nhicole, Kayla, Stephen, John |
Assignment: A Depressing Context and an Authentic Author Program: Internet & Paper! Due Date: N/A |
Before we did into our study of the Of Mice and Men novel, we need to establish the historical context at the time of the novel's events are taking place. We also need to get a sense of who the author is, and whether or not we should trust the things he tells us about the places, people, and problems in his novel. |
Additional Resources
Online Image Editors
Picmonkey (photo editing site) PixlrExpress (photo editing site) BeFunky (photo editing site) Free, Copyright-Free Audio
Sound Bible (sound effects) YouTube Audio Library (independent music and sound effects) Bensound (independent music) Free Music Archive (independent music) |
Copyright-Free Photos & Graphics
Creative Commons (copyright-free images, audio & video) Morgue File (use the free search option) Pexels (high-quality stock images) Albumarium (high-quality stock images) Free Pik (vector images, photographs, PSD files, and more) Open ClipArt Gallery (free clipart graphics) Clkr Clipart Gallery (free clipart by the people for the people) Classroom Clipart (free clipart for school use) The Noun Project (icons for just about anything) Giphy (shareable memes and GIFs) |