Outschool
Open currency, time zone, and language settings
Log In

Of Mice and Men - A Novel Study (FLEX)

In this five week flexible course, students will read John Steinbeck's famous novel, "Of Mice and Men" and they will be able to analyze the plot, symbolism, character development, and more!
Kaitlyn Fischer: Close-Reading Specialist
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(987)
Star Educator
Popular
Class

What's included

Homework
1-2 hours per week. By nature of doing a flexible schedule course, students will be completing all work outside of a live meeting.
Assessment
Students will choose between two final assessments: a character analysis and timeline activity showing five events where a single character significantly influences the story line and changes the course of the story or a found poem developed from significant quotes from the novel that exemplify a theme.

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).

Week One:
     - Introduction to the Novel and Background Information (Activity Stations)
          - Language, Historical Events, and Biography Analysis Questions and Classroom Post
     - Language Activity (Share through Outschool Classroom)
          - Develop a Help Wanted Ad for A Great Depression Era Farming Position
Week Two:
     - First Reading 
          - Reading Guide Questions
     - Character Analysis and Historical Connections
          - Analysis Sheet and Discussion Questions
     - Develop a Resume for Lennie or George Based on Personality Traits
          - Share as a Classroom Post
Week Three:
     - Second Reading
          - Reading Guide Questions
     - Character Analysis and Plot and Theme
          - Plot Line and Theme Analysis Sheet with Discussion Questions
     - Trial Run of Final Assessments
          - Share as a Classroom Post
Week Four:
     - Third Reading
          - Reading Guide Questions
     - Plot and Theme and Symbolism
          - Continuation of Previous Week's Work
          - Symbolism Journal 
          - Classroom Post
Week Five:
     - Fourth and Final Reading
          - Reading Guide Questions
     - Final Assessment: TWO OPTIONS!
          - Option 1: Timeline Character Analysis
               - Choose a character from the novel that you think has significantly changed the story line (changed the events of the novel). Choose five events where the character has changed the story. Select one quote for each event (for five total). Explain how these events played a big role in changing the overall story.
          - Option 2: Found Poem
                - Choose from three options for developing a poem. Use significant quotes from the novel that are indicative of a theme from the novel. Students will be engaged through several video demonstrations. Students can choose to present this poem through video or through a written analysis!

Steinbeck, John. Of Mice and Men. New York, Penguin Books, 1937, pp. 1-107.

Learning Goals

Students will be able to:
     - Identify Historical References
     - Analyze Characters for Traits
     - Use Period Appropriate Language and Diction
     - Identify Elements of Plot
     - Organize Plot Points in Consecutive Order
     - Identify Theme
     - Discuss All Elements of Story Writing
     - Identify and Define Symbols of the Novel
     - Create a Timeline and Character Analysis Combination
learning goal

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
5.0
987reviews
Star Educator
Popular
Profile
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 students needs to complete the course.

Reviews

Live Group Class
Share

$18

weekly
5 weeks

Completed by 6 learners
No live video meetings
Ages: 13-18

This class is no longer offered
About
Support
SafetyPrivacyCA PrivacyLearner PrivacyYour Privacy ChoicesTerms
Financial Assistance
Get The App
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
© 2025 Outschool