So, we’ll see the last bit of OMM first.

Next, I’ll ask you to write a bit:

1. Write 3 questions that Of Mice and Men makes you wonder about. Questions can be anything from “What’s a bindlestiff?” to “Why did it have to end this way?”
2. How does the movie end differently (in a subtle way) from the movie?  Why?
3. Why doesn’t Steinbeck let this end happily? How would it be different if it did?
4. Go through each of the characters (George, Lennie, Curley, Curley’s wife, Candy, Crooks, Slim, etc.).  What do they want out of life and what prevents them from being happy?
5. Why do you think this story gets taught so often in public schools? What is the appeal?

Next, I’ll give back your Moral Decision papers and ask you to correct mistakes and especially look for examples of showing that you could insert into your stories.

Finally, I hope to get started with persuasion.

HW: Please read about the debate: Is Spanking an Acceptable Form of Discipline? Read about both sides and write 200 words about what you noticed about different methods of arguing.

Image Credit: Opposing Views

We start with some questions about Chapter 3 and a discussion.

Then, I’ll present a bit about metaphors, similes, and personification.

Next, I’ll ask you to create your own metaphor/similes. Finish the following sentences. See these bad metaphors for inspiration.

1. My sister is so smart, she’ like ________________.
2. The movie ____________ is so boring it was like _________________.
3. ______________ is so attractive she/he _____________________.
4. I can’t believe my dog! He’s so dumb he is like a _______________.
5. My ___________ class was so fascinating that it was like ____________.
6. My __________ teacher is so mean he is like _______________________.

Then, it’s time for a metaphor, etc. hunt through chapter 3. The first team that finds 8 metaphors gets a prize!

Now, it’s time for the Moral Decision Making Paper! We’ll go through it and go hunting for decisions in OMM.

If we have time, we’ll read a bit from Chapter 4. Or…take a look at the 60 minutes piece: Was it Murder?

HW:  Read Chapter 4. Be ready for the quiz. Start thinking up ideas for your own moral decisions and OMM decisions.

Welcome Back! I hope your Thanksgiving was ridiculously fun and meaningful.

We’ll start up with some questions from the first chapter of OMM to make sure we understand what’s going on in the book.

Next, I’ll present a short Keynote about Characterization and theme and a bit about theme.

Then, I’ll ask you to write for me:

Write a 200+ short scene where 2 people are talking in a park.  Use at least 3 of the charcterization techniques I talked about to give each of your characters depth.  You’ll get 2 adjectives to choose from at each table.

Then, we’ll share.

Finally, I want to give you some reading time for Chapter 2.

HW: Chapter 2 and be ready for quiz on 1-2 as well as on what characterization is.

Image Credit: reviewplays.com

First, I want to give back your personal essays and talk a bit about them. Then, we’ll take a little time to make edits and officially enter the contest.

I’m hoping to hear a few of the mp3s which were created. Am I crazy?

Then, I want to talk about Of Mice and Men. This will be our next unit and my plan is to read the novella, explore the themes, learn about literary terms and create short movies that demonstrate those literary themes.  All by December break.

Let’s try an Internet Scavenger Hunt. Answer all of these questions on a Word document and be prepared to email it to me. For all of these answers, always explain where you got your information.:

1) What was the price of a coat during the 1930s when the book was set and published (1937)?

2) The book takes places in Salinas, California.  Find a photo of Salinas then and now.

3) Explain what a work card is and how migrant farmers found work in the 20s and 30s.

4) John Steinbeck was a controversial writer. Explain why he was famous and why he was controvesial.

5) Where does the title “Of Mice and Men” come from and what does it mean?

6) Give me a few of the lyrics of a popular song written within a few years of 1937.

7) There have been at least 3 movie/TV versions of “Of Mice and Men.” Give me the names of three men who played George.

Eight) Find a famous painting painted in 1937.

9) Where and why was “Of Mice and Men” banned?

10) How did people dress in 1937?  Find 2 pictures: 1 of well-off people and another of working class people.

Resources: Life Magazine photo archive, American Memory, National Steinbeck society, Prices: Then and Now, Surviving the Dust Bowl.

After we do that and share our answers, we’ll start reading “Of Mice and Men” in class.

HW: Read chapter 1 for next Tuesday.

Image credit: Life Magazine