1. Fiction Pre-reading 2 Date:
Objectives
Prepare for the re-reading of Once by Morris Gleitzman
Outline what we are looking for this time, in comparing it to Of Mice and Men.
Warm –up
I see, I think, I wonder - on next slide
Write one sentence beginning with each of the above

2. I see... I think... I wonder....

3. Characters task- Write this heading and your answer
In pairs, write down three ways you can compare (same) yourself to another person and three ways you can contrast (different) yourself to another person. We will note these on the board then.

4. Characters – note this down
We will be comparing and contrasting Felix Salinger with George Milton and Lennie Small.
Lennie’s personality is that of a child’s. He is innocent and has trouble understanding things.
George is a thoughtful person. He thinks quickly, shows compassion for Lennie and protects people.

5. (1-2 sentence for definition, 1-2 sentence example max)
Themes task
In pairs, agree on and write definitions for the following (both people write it down). Also give examples:
A dream
Loneliness
Friendship
(1-2 sentence for definition, 1-2 sentence example max)

6. Themes– note this down
We will be comparing and contrasting the themes of the two books : dreams, loneliness and friendship.
George and Lennie want to own their own farm, work for nobody else but themselves and live free.

7. Key moments - task
Excluding birth and death, in pairs write five important moments in a person’s life. For example: the Junior Cert.

8. Key moments– note this down
Any event which impacts how a character thinks is considered a key moment.
When George and Lennie first get to the ranch and meet everyone.
When they think their dream might come true with Candy’s help.
When their dream ends with Lennie’s accident.

9. Other modes of comparison
We’ll be looking at the language – first versus third person narrators.
The Settings and how that impacts everyone – WW2 versus The Great Depression California
Conflict: not Nazis and Curley – something deeper than that.
Images – any similar images shall be highlighted.
The stories in general as well – different endings in terms of hope.

10. Homework Questions Why is it important to have a dream / goal?
What might happen if a person doesn’t have one?
4-5 sentence answer with example.
Bring in a small copy/journal for next reading class.