Of Mice and Men - A Novel Study
In this two-week course, students will read Nobel Prize winner John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men to analyze the plot, symbolism, character development, and more while studying the Great Depression and the American Dream!
Kaitlyn Fischer: Close-Reading Specialist
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What's included
4 live meetings
3 in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Students will be asked to complete the reading outside of class time.Assessment
Students will be given several formal writing assignments throughout the semester. While these are not tests, per se, they can be used as assessment pieces for homeschooling evidence, which many states and countries require. All formal writing in my class will be completed with multiple rounds of written and verbal feedback. Students will have the opportunity to work through their writing skills as a group and 1-1 with me in class!Letter Grade
Grading - Students will have the opportunity to receive a grade in the form of their choosing.I am happy to provide a grade in the form of a percentage, letter, or both. I can also offer a formal letter for submission to state programs. I ask students throughout the semester about their needs for grading and am happy to work with parents to create a plan that meets their needs! Please note that Grading is NOT required.Class Experience
US Grade 8 - 10
"Of Mice and Men" is a famous novel written by John Steinbeck. Taught in schools across the nation, the novel remains as timeless as it is powerful. The novel resonates with students across cultures and times as they relate to the characters and the themes. "They are an unlikely pair: George is 'small and quick and dark of face'; Lennie, a man of tremendous size, has the mind of a young child. Yet they have formed a 'family', clinging together in the face of loneliness and alienation. Laborers in California's dusty vegetable fields, they hustle work when they can, living in hand-to-mouth existence. For George and Lennie have a plan: to own an acre of land and a shack they can call their own. When they land jobs on a ranch in the Salinas Valley, the fulfillment of their dream seems to be within their grasp. But even George cannot guard Lennie from the provocations of a flirtatious woman, nor predict the consequences of Lennie's unswerving obedience to the things George has taught him." - Summary on the back of the novel (citation provided at the bottom of the course description). Steinbeck, John. Of Mice and Men. New York, Penguin Books, 1937, pp. 1-107.
Learning Goals
Students will be able to:
- Analyze Characters for Traits
- Identify Elements of Plot
- Identify Theme
- Discuss All Elements of Story Writing
- Identify and Define Symbols of the Novel
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)4 Lessons
over 2 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction to Of Mice and Men
Historical Context
Jim Crow Laws
Aspects of Of Mice and Men
Parts of Class 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Chapters 1 - 2
George and Lennie’s Characters
Hierarchy of the Farm 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Chapters 3 - 4
Jim Crow Laws
Men vs. Women
Struggles of the Depression 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Chapters 5 - 6
Conflict
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
"The best laid plans of of mice and men..." 45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The story does have an emotional ending so PLEASE make sure to investigate it ahead of time before having your student sign up for this class. I will not spoil anything here as it would give away the ending, but make sure to see what happens before deciding to have your student sign up for the class. Below is the link to the parental advisory rating for the novel for your perusal! It covers all topics such as themes of racism, violence against women, and murder.
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/of-mice-and-men .
Supply List
Students will need only the book. I have a PDF version of the novel but it might be more comfortable to use a real novel as it is always easier to read that way. All other materials will be provided to students through the classroom. Here is also a link to a copy you can purchase on Amazon! https://www.amazon.com/Mice-Men-Steinbeck-Centennial/dp/0142000671/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1592085272&sr=8-1
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined January, 2020
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987reviews
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Teacher expertise and credentials
Colorado Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education
I have taught this novel almost every year that I professionally taught. I have used this assessment every year as well because it is unique and different from the traditional assessment that students often take in an English classroom. I hope that students enjoy the powerful emotional novel of "Of Mice and Men" but be aware that it is an emotional ending that some students might find sad. Students are encouraged to talk it out with someone and with the teacher if it is something that needs to happen. I am here to discuss everything and anything that a student needs to complete the course.
I also teach a flexible course version of this novel which can be found at this link: https://outschool.com/classes/of-mice-and-men-a-novel-study-aOJRTZQ1?usid=l0R3fRwf&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_linkReviews
Live Group Course
$38
weekly2x per week, 2 weeks
45 min
Completed by 53 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-15
1-6 learners per class
