Historical Context for Of Mice and Men

I have a deep love for stories that are set during or shortly after The Great Depression. I imagine that it started with my introduction to To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee when I was 14 years old. My 9th grade teacher was one of the worst in our district's history when I had her over 20 years ago.

 However, everything about Lee's novel came alive in my mind and I was forever changed with a deep love of literature. The following year, this intrigue by the effects and cultural attitudes that existed during The Great Depression.

This is one of my favorite pieces of literature to read and to teach for a variety of reasons. It is also one of the only movies that I think is a good representation of the novel.

The in-class assignment is highlighted in yellow. The modified assignment (what you will do if you were absent is highlighted in green). Your homework is located just below the Homework Kitten and in purple text. Have fun!!!

 Historical Context for Of Mice and Men

Goals, Objectives, and Standards:

Goals: Students will seek background and historical knowledge prior to reading a text for a stronger interpretation of the text.

Objective:  Students will locate resources for the purposes of understanding the setting of the novel Of Mice and Men.

C.C.S.S.:

W.9-10.7. Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.

Activities, Tasks, and Methods: 

Do Now:   Quickwrite – Students will create a list of everything that they know about The Great Depression.

Opening: The teacher will introduce the topic of research for each small group with an explanation of expectations for their group presentation.  

Work Period:

Small Groups:  Students will work in groups of 3 to research a specific topic related to the historical context that influenced Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. The topics are:

      a.      A Review of The Great Depression

      b.      The Effects of The Dust Bowl

      c.       The Life of an American Migrant Worker 

Task: The teacher will monitor for academically appropriate discourse between students and the utilization of acceptable resources. The teacher will monitor student pacing for the research of their topic, the development of their visual aid, and their preparation for their group presentation.  The teacher will facilitate the lesson while aiming for a student-led lesson.

 *Modifications (if needed): Individual Work

1. Determine the setting for Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

2. Locate academically appropriate information on the following items:

        a.  An overview of The Great Depression

            b. The Dust Bowl 

            c. American Migrant Workers (specific to the setting of this novel ONLY)

i.Sample Student Thesis Statement: Prior to reading Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, it is important to understand the historical context that influenced the development of the novel,  specifically     the effects of The Great Depression, the consequences of The Dust Bowl, and the life of American migrant workers.

3. Create a 1.5 mini-research paper in correct MLA format with a Works Cited page about the     information gathered.

4. When you are done, email your work (complete or not) through Gaggle.

*ESL/SPED/504 Modifications (if needed):

Students will be assigned a topic from the list below for the purpose of creating a short essay or a PowerPoint:

a. An overview of The Great Depression 

b. The Dust Bowl 

c. American Migrant Workers (specific to the setting of this novel ONLY) 

Closing: Students present their findings to the class using a visual aid.

Assessment, Grouping and Questioning:  

Assessment: Students will be assessed by contribution to the discussion, the creation of their visual aid, and the participation in the presentations as presenters and listeners.

*Modifications (if needed):

Individual Work – Students will submit work to the teacher through Gaggle.

Grouping:  The students will be in a small-group setting for the purpose of peer learning.

*Modifications (if needed):

Individual Work – Students/Classes that produce a higher quality of work through a more focused and individualized environment will be given that opportunity based upon their needs and abilities.

Questioning:  Provide an overview of The Great Depression. Explain the effects of The Dust Bowl on American life after The Great Depression. Examine the life of an American migrant worker during this time in America.

Homework:

Review the treatment of the following people in the 1930s:

·         Women

·         Mentally Ill

·         Physically and/or mentally handicapped

After doing some brief research, submit a research proposal via email explaining:

1.      Your reason for choosing this topic.

2.      Three (3) Resources that you choose to use in your research.

3.      Your prediction for how this knowledge will help prepare you in understanding the novel.

Materials and Resources:

Gaggle

Laptops

Poster Paper

Markers

Modifications:

Preferential seating

Extended time

Modified Lesson

ESL Strategies

·         Extended time

·         Translation Dictionaries

·         Additional Support 

Until Next Time, 

Learn Loudly!!!