“Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck Preparation for Reading the Novel: Group Work

Aims To understand the background to “Of Mice and Men” To understand the background to “Of Mice and Men” To consider the issues in both their historical and modern context To consider the issues in both their historical and modern context To be able to “track” Steinbeck’s intentions during the reading of the novel To be able to “track” Steinbeck’s intentions during the reading of the novel

Modern Day Issues: Learning Difficulties Learning Difficulties Racism Racism Gender Stereotyping Gender Stereotyping Struggle Against Adversity Struggle Against Adversity Homelessness Homelessness Dreams Dreams

Your group will need to: Produce a presentation for the rest of the class including the following: Produce a presentation for the rest of the class including the following: 1. A powerpoint presentation 2. An analysis of a piece of writing (poem/prose/article) – thinking hats? 3. A poem/play/piece of prose that your group has created regarding the relevance of the issue today with a brief explanation of what you were trying to achieve

Practicalities: You have 1 week to prepare – presentations start next week You have 1 week to prepare – presentations start next week Suggested breakdown: Suggested breakdown: Lesson 1 Lesson 1 i – thought shower ideas/views regarding the issue i – thought shower ideas/views regarding the issue ii – use thinking hats to analyse material/ whole group discussion – notes for final presentation ii – use thinking hats to analyse material/ whole group discussion – notes for final presentation

Practicalities Contd. Lesson 2 Lesson 2 i. Split group into 2 – 1 st half - begin research for powerpoint, 2 nd half – begin work on creative piece ii. Meet briefly to discuss progress at the end of the lesson Lesson3 Lesson3 i. Meet as whole group to share ideas/give advice ii. Complete powerpoint/creative piece iii. Allocate roles for presentation

Speaking and Listening Final Presentation (Talk as Product): Final Presentation (Talk as Product): Confidence Confidence Appropriate Vocabulary Appropriate Vocabulary Supportive of Others Supportive of Others Teamwork Teamwork