for 3 classes

Of Mice and Men: A Socratic-Style Class

Completed by 2 learners

Ages 14-18

Live Group Class

A Socratic-Style class analyzing the novel Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck.

Jane M

Average rating:

4.8

Number of reviews:

(834 reviews)

Live video meetings

1x per week, 3 weeks

3-9 learners per class

50 min

About Learning Overview Teacher Reviews

What's included

3 live meetings

2 hrs 30 mins in-class hours

Class Experience

"They are an unlikely pair: George is "small and quick, dark of face"; Lennie, a man of tremendous size, has a 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 a 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 taught him." 

Essential Questions:
What is meant by the American Dream?
Is the American dream a destructive or empowering force?
What leads a person to become isolated in a community?
Can social disadvantage be overcome?
How much control does an individual have over their destiny?
What is the value of loyalty in friendship?
Can you be cruel to be kind?

Meeting 1- Skills- background information (Great Depression, 1937, The American Dream, The Dust Bowl)     
Students should read chapters 1 and 2 before the first class.
Setting the Scene discussion
Assignments: (1-2 hours)
Read chapters 3-4
Analyze “Us Two” by A.A. Milne

Meeting 2- Skills- Characterization   
Discuss and analyze chapters 3-4
Assignments: (1-2 hours)
Read chapters 5-6
Analyzing the Characters’ Dreams Activity

Meeting 3- Skills: Themes, Conflict : The Marginalized 
Discuss Chapters 5-6

Assignments: (1-2 hours)
Complete the “Marginalized Activity” 
Theme Activity: Using quotes and examples to prove the main themes of the story.

** All classes will begin on time as long as there is at least one learner in the classroom. If there are no students in the class 10 minutes after the class start time, the teacher will exit the classroom. This class cannot be taught with zero students. No recording will be available for classes with zero attendance.

Other Details

Parental Guidance

Adult language is used in the story.

Supply List

Each learner should have a hard copy of the book, Of Mice and Men,  by John Steinbeck. ISBN: 978-0-14-017739-8

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Meet the teacher

Jane M

Joined November, 2017

4.8

834reviews

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

     I am a creative, enthusiastic teacher who wants all children to be successful learners through the encouragement of creative expression. I have spent the last seventeen years developing the necessary skills to achieve this goal. It is very important to me that every child learns in a fun and engaging manner. 
     During my career as a teacher, I have been an English department chair, technology representative, curriculum writer, and classroom teacher. In each of these roles, I have gained knowledge that I have been able to apply in my classroom. 
     I am particularly proud of the “Teacher of the Year” award I earned in 2011. I have always strived to be the best teacher possible. I bring creativity and innovation to my instruction. I enjoy creating lessons that inspire, motivate, and facilitate the learning of every child.
     I hope to see your child in my classroom soon.