Fri, Nov 4

 

DUE: n/a

HMWK: Create a comparison in chart or paragraph form between the book Of Mice and Men and the film What's Eating Gilbert Grape? The comparison will be the last item for the mid-term grade

TODAY: Identifying details for comparison

 

FIlm viewing: What's Eating Gilbert Grape? (part II)

 

Thu, Nov 3

 

DUE: A lead-in/hook and thesis statement for the essay prompt given 10/31. See prev lesson for help on constructing these items

HMWK: n/a

TODAY: Identifying details for comparison

 

FIlm viewing: What's Eating Gilbert Grape? (part I)

 

Wed, Nov 2

 

DUE: n/a

HMWK: Construct a lead-in/hook and thesis statement for the essay prompt given 10/31. 

NOTE: An entire intro is NOT required. Just try an intro hook and thesis statement like we worked on in class

TODAY: Introduction strategies; opening lead-in; thesis statement

 

ANNOUNCEMENT: Change in plan for the remaining two days this week. We will not write the whole essay assigned Monday, but focus on the introduction instead. One the previous essay, you were given a free intro, while on this assignment, you will need to construct two essential parts of an intro.

 

In the computer lab, students work with word processing and Internet Explorer to learn about and formulate their own introductions. For detailed notes use these links:

• Introduction writing
• Thesis statements

 

Four essential elements of an intro:

1. Opening or "hook" aka “lead-in”
1. Ask an open-ended question about the paper’s main idea
1. In an essay on dramatic irony, the paper might ask: How does an author create the suspense felt by a reader?
2. Essay on situational irony: How does an author create surprise experienced by a reader?
3. Ex: for MM essay: Why is it that humans naturally seem to seek companionship?
4. Ex: for MM essay: We all dream, yet what power is there really in dreams and goals?
2. Make an analogy that parallels the paper’s main idea
1. Ex: A painter employs different brushes, brush strokes, and colors to achieve an overall vision and resulting painting; in the same way, an author may use characters and plot to present an overall main idea or theme.
3. Begin w/ a quote from a well-known personality or historical figure that relates to a main idea
1. The American writer Jack Kerouac once stated, “All human beings are also dream beings. Dreaming ties all mankind together.”
2. Thesis statement – it’s kind of like a topic sentence for your whole essay
1. Author’s first and last name
2. Full title of the text being examined
3. Argument/claim/assertion
4. Ex: John Steinbeck in his novel Of Mice and Men shows the reader that by providing a common goal, the sharing of dreams allows lonely people to become less isolated – even friends.
5. Ex: In his novel Of Mice and Men John Steinbeck shows the reader that by providing a common goal, the sharing of dreams allows lonely people to become less isolated – even friends.
6. Ex: Through the characters George, Candy, Crooks, and Lennie in the novel Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck shows the reader that by providing a common goal, the sharing of dreams allows lonely people to become less isolated – even friends.
7. In the novel Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck shows the reader through the characters George, Candy, Crooks, and Lennie that by providing a common goal, the sharing of dreams allows lonely people to become less isolated – even friends.
3. Overview of the paper's main points
4. Transition to the first body paragraph (optional)

 

Tue, Nov 1

 

DUE:

• Mice and Men essay by 2:15pm
• Binder check 

HMWK:

TODAY:

 

Binder check items:

 

1. Tue, Oct 11: MM Ch1 notes in 3-column table for observations and inferences
2. Mon, Oct 17: MM Ch1-2 notes in 2-column table for how each character is lonely/isolated
3. Tue, Oct 18: MM Ch3 Four reading questions:
1.  What is the danger posed by C's wife?
2. How does the fight between L and C begin?
3. What does L do to C?
4. Why is the injury L gives C interesting?
4. Tue, Oct 18: MM Ch3 notes in 2-column table for/against shooting the dog
5. Wed, Oct 19: MM Ch4 Five reading questions:
1. List of items found in Crooks' room
2. Inference of what kind of man Crooks is, based on evidence
3. Crooks' reaction to L's entrance, and why he reacts the way he does
4. How does Crooks mentally torture L?
5. By the end of the Ch, what effect has the dream had on the men?
6. Mon, Oct 24: MM T-chart w/ reasons for and against G's decision to kill L
7. Tue, Oct 25: MM T-chart w/ evidence on left and explanation on right - models for RDF/Evidence and E's/Explanation both FOR and AGAINST G's decision

 

Mon, Oct 31 - "BOO!"

 

DUE: Mice and Men essay: intro, 2 body paragraphs, conclusion - DUE BY TUES 2:15pm

HMWK:

• Any remaining edits to MnM essay
• Get your binder organized for a check of unit classwork (see checklist on tomorrow's lesson)
• Notes from Of Mice and Men
• Notes and work from building the essay on George's decision 

TODAY: The Literary Essay

 

Introduction to new essay assignment: Based on our discussions of plot, character, and theme in class, consider the following: Each character in Steinbeck’s novella Of Mice and Men is isolated in some way, yet in the course of the text we see lonely figures bond together. What message does Steinbeck appear to present his readers about the power of shared dreams among lonely figures? In an essay, present a clear statement of a theme involving dreams and friendship. Support your claim that the theme exists by exploring the theme’s presence in the plot line of the story and characterization of the novel’s figures.

 

Due FRIDAY: This essay with intro and body paragraphs - don't concern yourself w/ a conclusion for this essay.

 

REVIEW:

• How is each character isolated and lonely?
• What are events/activities that bond the characters together in the novel?
• What specific effects does the dream have on people who hear it?
• George
• Lennie
• Candy
• Crooks

 

Potential themes:

• By providing a common goal, the sharing of dreams allows lonely people to become less isolated
• Sharing dreams brings people together
• In order to bring lonely people together, they should find something in common to work for
• Shared dreams can create unlikely friendships
• Shared dreams among those who are lonely give them a purpose, and they are more likely to become successful

 

C’s wife	Only woman on ranch Can’t talk to or relate to anyone Relationship is hardly a relationship/falling apart Never given a name Shows off body for attention
Crooks	Sleeps in separate quarters from men Crooked back Only Black on the ranch Doesn’t allow anyone to win @ horseshoes
Lennie	Childish mind – not smart Strong – doesn’t know own strength Childish obsession w/ soft things Only has a mind toward the rabbit dream Dependent on someone else – others okay alone Only one who likes C’s wife He’s enormous! More productive b/c of size/strength
Candy	Has a dog/animal for his companion Crippled hand – unable to contribute fully Loses his companion – becomes isolated He’s the oldest one! People revile him due to his dog
George	Always on the move – never stays long enough to make friends Has a companion – Lennie – acts as a parent Poor – always on the move for more work No permanent home Farmers/farmhands – not “honorable” Wants to save money instead of getting his freak on Feels his life would be better w/o L No one mentally to be w/ while traveling
Curley	Bullying – aggressive; always angry Only married man Boss’s son – not one of “the guys” Can’t talk to or relate to anyone else He’s short

TOMORROW:

How to write a simple introduction 

What are the characteristics of a good thesis statement?

 

 

Fri, Oct 28

 

DUE: Two polished, typed paragraphs: one arguing against and one arguing for G's decision at the end of the novel

HMWK:

• After reviewing your paragraphs in class today against the proofreading guide, take home the paragraphs and fix all the small problems that should not be present in a final draft
• Add the "free" introduction to the top of the two paragraphs (see lesson below) 
• Add your personal opinion to the two paragraphs, resulting in a conclusion. 

TODAY: Self-review; proofreading

 

Handout today and proofreading session (handout available in class only). It’s time to begin “cleaning up” your paragraphs and sentences in the Of Mice and Men paper.

• Turn to the “Major Fouls” page
• Read #2 Capitalization – Review your paper for all names such as George, Lennie, Curley, Candy, Carlson, etc. Ensure that each name is capitalized AND spelled correctly. The author’s name is John Steinbeck.
• Read #3 End Punctuation – Ensure each sentence begins with a capital letter and ends with a period.
• Read #4 Titles and Citations – The title of the book is Of Mice and Men. Note that it is underlined.
• #5 Indent Paragraphs – Look to see that you have indented each paragraph. In addition, look for unnecessary extra blank space between paragraphs.
• Added note: All final drafts are double spaced and include one inch margins. The font size is anywhere from ten to twelve, and is Courier, Times Roman, Calibri, or Arial.
• Turn to the #7 Spelling & Apostrophes page
• Review your paper for any of the “fouls” that appear in # 1-49. Remember that these rules govern formal, academic writing, not writing in personal letters, text messages, notes to friends, and thank-you cards.

 

Question: On which side do you stand? Write out your personal opinion regarding George's decision and use that final opinion as your conclusion to the essay

 

FINAL OUTLINE:

1. Intro (given below)
2. Paragraph 1 argument in favor of G's decision
3. Paragraph 2 argument against G's decision
4. Conclusion = your personal opinion on the decision

 

Free Introduction:

     People are often faced with difficult decisions, yet no decision seems more serious than deciding whether someone else lives or dies. This is exactly the dilemma faced by the character George Milton in John Steinbeck's book Of Mice and Men. At the end of the novel, George makes the decision to end the life of his best friend Lennie Small, raising the question of whether his action was justified or not. While there are convincing arguments on both sides of this topic, ultimately one side outweighs the other.

 

Thu, Oct 27

 

DUE: A paragraph evaluating the opposite side of G's decision

HMWK: Polish both paragraphs for submission - typed - tomorrow

TODAY: Exam day

 

MnM final exam

 

Wed, Oct 26

 

DUE: One paragraph in the pattern - can argue for or against G's decision

HMWK:

• Create a paragraph evaluating the opposite side of the argument
• Study for MnM final exam tomorrow 

TODAY: Paragraph construction

 

Student work day on writing and studying for final:

• Show the teacher your original paragraph (last night's homework)
• Begin work on the next paragraph (tonight's homework)
• Read over the book to recover details of events (prepare for the exam) 

 

Tue, Oct 25

 

DUE: One pattern of claim>RDF/Evidence>The E's/Explanation/Analysis for George's decision

HMWK:

• A paragraph in the pattern established today supporting or arguing against G's decision
• Study for MnM final exam in 2 days 

TODAY: Constructing paragraphs from the pattern

 

Students provide input based on the homework to help construct sample arguments over George's decision

 

Samples of evidence and student explanation based against G's decision:

G could have allowed L to run away and hide himself.	If G had encouraged L to run and hide, it is possible L could have escaped and if they met up later they could have once again pursued the dream.
G has no right to shatter the dreams of Ca and Cr	Cr and Ca have no hopes outside the ranch and the dream of settling down with G and L. Ca hoped to work for the men on the farm, and Crooks hoped to escape the racism on the farm. Now they will continue as outsiders. Their life is crushed without their own input.

 

CLASS NOTES TO BE POSTED HERE:

 

Period 2

 

RDF-Evidence	The E’s Expanation/Analysis/ Evaluation/Elaboration
G saves L intense pain by shooting him	Curley had promised to shoot L “in the gut,” which would be especially painful with a shotgun as his insides would have been torn apart and he would bleed internally. In contrast to what Curley promised, G shoots L with one bullet to the head, causing no pain with instant death.
When G shot L, he ended the cycle of L’s never-ending violence and its effects.	Prior to coming to this ranch, L had ripped a girl’s dress causing them to run away. In addition, L had killed mice by “petting them too hard,” and the puppy in the barn was killed with a blow to the head. G and L had run over and over, so with L’s death, the cycle ends and G benefits from new freedom and no one else will be harmed by L.
If L had gone to jail, he would have suffered.	Because L only has the mind of a child, it is likely that the others would bully him. If they did that, it’s likely that L would hurt the other person, perhaps kill them, and eventually die himself. In prison, L would not have G to help him escape his problems, protect him, and guide him.

 

Without Lennie, G will only have to plan and provide for himself.	In the opening chapter, G becomes angry, stating that he wishes he could just earn his money and spend it on prostitutes, meals, and gambling. G feels tied down by planning his every move w/ L. In contrast, without L, G will not have a burden of watching over an adult child, and he will be able to keep jobs, earn money, perhaps even enough to own his own land.
AGAINST – On the other hand, there are arguments against G’s decision.
L is G’s best and only friend – they are companions.	As friends, G and L go everywhere with one another and talk. Lennie even says, “I have you to take care of me, and you have me to take care of you.” Good friends share interests such as the dream shared by G and L, and they help one another deal with problems – like G helping L escape trouble from the ranches. Friends keep each other from physical harm, like G instructing L to “get” Curley. Given these characteristics of friendship, G’s actions are not friendly. He inflicts physical harm on Lennie. Instead of supporting Lennie, he ends L’s life entirely, thereby ending the friendship. Instead of helping L, G murders him. Lastly, friends do not lie to one another; George lied to L in the last moments of his life by making him feel they would still get a farm together.

 

HMWK: Write two more patterns of Evidence>>Explanation in the AGAINST side. (We did one today in class.)

 

Period 4

 

FOR evidence	E’s Explanation
L killed another person.	Why is that relevant? How does it help support our overall argument that G made the right decision? So what? Because Lennie has killed one person, there is the danger that he could kill again.  Why does that make G’s action correct/right? By taking the one life of Lennie, G potentially saves many more who would have suffered.  In our society, when someone kills another human, we either give them life in prison or the death sentence.   Life in prison is not an acceptable option for Lennie. He has the mind of a child, and while he may think it’s fun, others may antagonize him and take advantage of him. With prison not an option, George takes the only other option for a person who kills another human. This is the death sentence.
G saved L the physical pain of being shot in the stomach.	Curley had promised that he would shoot Lennie in the stomach with a shotgun. Being shot in the stomach causes damage to organs, not immediate death. The victim suffers in pain while they bleed. The buckshot would rip, tear, lacerate, destroy, mutilate, and otherwise shred Lennie’s insides. In contrast, G shoots L in the back of the head with one bullet in the back of the head. Instead of slowly dying in pain, G guarantees that L dies instantly without pain.
G helps L die at peace	When they sit at the poolside, G tells L about the shared dream. As he tells the story, L becomes excited about tending rabbits. In this way, G ensures that L dies happy as opposed to in fear.
AGAINST -	TS>> In contrast, there are many reasons to support an argument against G’s decision.
EVIDENCE	EXPLANATION

 

G has no right to take L’s life.

So what? Explain yourself? What right DOES he have? How does he VIOLATE “rights?” Did he break a responsibility? If so, what? In a sense, George did not support L’s past actions of violence – G is angry at L for killing the mice, for grabbing the girl’s dress, and he is sad that L killed C’s wife. However, G commits a violent act himself – against his own principles from earlier in the novel. Additionally, L had trusted G with his life many times – for example, L trusted G to get them out of trouble in Weed. When G kills L, it is a violation of trust – instead of caring for L, he murders him. In our society, people are innocent until proven guilty. In this case, L gets no chance to prove his innocence because G removes that chance. G violates a simple rule of law; you don’t take the law into your own hands.

 

Mon, Oct 24

 

DUE: T-chart outlining all the reasons in favor of and against George's decision

HMWK: Create a claim-evidence-explanation pattern at home for a piece of evidence not discussed in class

FOCUS: Claims; RDF-Evidence; The E's-Explanation/Analysis

 

Students provide input to fill out a master T-chart outlining arguments for and against George's decision

CLASS NOTES TO BE POSTED HERE:

 

For

Against

If G helps L, then the whole cycle of movement begins again – it will never end L has become dangerous – no longer mice and puppies, but now a person He would feel like Candy after someone else shot his dog; G should shoot L himself If G gets caught sneaking L away, they both get in trouble G saves L from the pain of Curley’s shotgun G saves L from the psychological pain of C’s attack L would have had a horrible time in jail Quick and painless L wasn’t making any progress mentally; always the same pattern L must be punished for taking the life of another G can now live for himself w/o the burden of L

Killing L goes against G’s philosophy of staying together L is G’s best friend G promised L so much then shatters his dreams They could run away and get a new job – a new hope G has no right to take L’s life; it’s murder G will be left w/ the emotional trauma of killing his friend L didn’t kill on purpose – not out of spite L could be hurt – painful The farm idea involved all four men and their collective contribution; whereas, G decided alone to shoot L. G shatters the dreams of the men without their input. Candy and Crooks are left as alone as they were previously; ruined lives

 

Review of the pattern introduced in Unit 1 on the Irony Essay:

1. Claim (like a topic sentence)
2. RDF-Evidence (like a summary of what happens or a definition of a term)
3. The E's-Explanation/Analysis (like explaining the effects of irony)

 

Practice as a whole class with THE E's HANDOUT

Sample pattern using old information from when Carlson shot Candy's dog:

 

1. Claim: It was a poor decision to allow Carlson to shoot Candy's dog.
2. RDF-Evidence: The dog has been Candy's companion since it was a pup.
3. The E's-Explanation/Analysis: When someone has had a companion for so long, the bond is strong. In Candy's case, he can look to his dog for friendship and loyalty while living among men who have nothing and no one in life. The dog and the companionship it brings give Candy a reason to keep going; taking the dog away removes his only companion and could spiral Candy into a lonely depression.

 

1. Claim: It was the right decision to allow Carlson to shoot Candy's dog.
2. RDF-Evidence: According to Carlson, the dog stunk "like hell."  
3. The E's-Explanation/Analysis: In order to be comfortable, a person needs comfortable surroundings. None of the men on the ranch had that comfort with the stench of Candy's dog constantly present. Because Candy was only one man among many in the bunkhouse, the comfort of the many needed to be considered over the comfort of one. Removing the stench would allow the men to have more acceptable, comfortable surroundings. Only Candy would suffer a loss while the others' lives would improve immediately.

 

Introduction of the pattern applied to George's decision:

CLASS NOTES TO BE POSTED HERE: 

 

George Milton made the right decision to shoot Lennie Small in the head, killing him. Lennie was not making any progress mentally. We know that even before they arrived at the ranch, L and G had run away from their previous job. They had to run due to L’s desire to touch soft things – grabbing a woman’s dress in this case. Later, he kills a mouse by petting it too hard, and then, in the barn, even before Curley’s wife arrives, he kills a puppy by hitting it too hard. We can see his mentality has stayed the same: his desire to pet soft things always seems to result in violence and/or death. Lennie does not learn from his mistakes, suggesting that he might continue killing. However, Lennie’s lack of progress is not the only reason G made the correct decision. Without Lennie, G will only have to plan and provide for himself. In the opening chapter, G becomes angry, stating that he wishes he could just earn his money and spend it on prostitutes, meals, and gambling. G feels tied down by planning his every move w/ L. In contrast, without L, G will not have a burden of watching over an adult child, and he will be able to keep jobs, earn money, perhaps even enough to own his own land.

 

Choose ONE MORE piece of evidence FOR, add it to the sample paragraph, and create your own EXPLANATION sentences.

 

Fri, Oct 21

 

DUE: Reading to end of novel

HMWK: T-chart outlining all the reasons in favor of and against George's decision to shoot Lennie

FOCUS: final chapter and G's decision

 

Sharing of responses to the final chapter in the book and opening of the discussion concerning George's decision

 

Set-up of a T-chart to satisfy the weekend requirement (see HMWK above)

 

View end of the Sinese/Malkovich MnM film. Question: What did the film get right? Where did it miss the mark?

 

Thu, Oct 20

 

DUE: n/a

HMWK: Read to end of novel

FOCUS: Character

 

Reading aloud of chapter 5 - Lennie's pup is dead and Lennie's penchant for soft things gets him in the worst trouble yet.

 

Question (not addressed in class): Did Curley's wife deserve what she got? What should we think about her given what we see and hear from her?

 

Wed, Oct 19

 

DUE: 5 reading questions (see prev lesson)

HMWK: n/a

FOCUS: Text recall

 

QUIZ on chapter 4 based on the reading and reading questions

Review of answers and scoring of quizzes

 

Tue, Oct 18

 

DUE: Four reading Qs for Ch3

HMWK: Read Ch4 and answer:

1. Make a list of the items Crooks keeps in his bedroom to show you can pay attention to detail.
2. What kind of man is Crooks, based on the look of the room?
3. When Lennie enters, what is Crooks’ reaction? Why do you suppose he reacts in this way?
4. How does Crooks mentally torture Lennie?
5. By the end of the chapter, what effect has “The Dream” had on the men? Give details.

TODAY: Reading visual texts

 

1. What is the danger posed by Curley’s wife?
1. She is in an unsatisfying relationship, so she will do anything to get attention. She will go to any lengths to get attention – perhaps get someone else in trouble that could get Curley involved. One of the men could fall for her “trap” and she could tell Curley that the man forced himself on her. Any man could get fired or beat up by Curley. 

She always seeks the attention of the workers. Since C always looks for her, if he finds another man w/ her, he would fight the man or get him fired. If she gets mad at a worker, she can lie about it and get C or the boss involved. The woman is a hormonal loose cannon, man!

• How does the fight between Curley and Lennie begin?

1. Lennie was smiling like a kid b/c he had been with the pup. Curley thought L was laughing AT HIM – like mocking him. So Curley feels that Lennie is a threat; no one likes Curley, and Curley doesn’t feel like he should get any “talk back.” Has to show he’s strong; beat up Lennie to show who’s boss. 

Curley was looking for his wife and wound up in the bunkhouse. Curley saw L smiling, laughing, and became angry, thinking that L was laughing at him. In fact, L was laughing, thinking about the ranch – not Curley at all. C wants to fight – show off against a big guy; he’s in front of all the guys – can’t have L laugh at him.

• What does Lennie do to Curley?

1. Lennie crushes Curley’s hand only after Curley has been hitting Lennie in the face AND George tells Lennie to “get ‘im.” Come on – he doesn’t just BREAK his hand. He crushes it with his powerful fist, crunching the bones like so many shards of twigs. He makes C’s hand unusable – like Candy’s.

• Why is the injury Lennie gives Curley interesting?

1. Because it’s Curley’s “soft” hand. It’s not the typical “black eye” from a fight – it’s an injury that affects how he works, his reputation, his relationship w/ his wife, and his fighting.  

   C uses his hands for “pleasing” his wife – now he’s even MORE crippled in that area. Makes us realize how strong L really is. C has a motif (recurring “thing”) with hands – the glove, the touch, the Vaseline, the boxing, the bullying – so this is situational irony. Now all those are crippled. His ego and reputation are crippled as well. 

    

   It’s interesting b/c L is such a gentle, childlike person – it’s not in his nature to do this. NOTICE: Lennie’s strength and his inability to stop when told to do so. 

    

    

    So in the end, who gets put in their place? Curley. Why is it IRONIC how this happens? You don’t know Lennie to be violent – a fighter, so for him to do the harm is surprising. The lowest worker defeats the (almost) most powerful.

 

 

Shoot the DOG	Spare the DOG
Crippled Old Blind Stinks Can’t walk – rheumatism/arthritis Put the dog out of its misery; it’s “no good to itself” No teeth Candy can get a new one; Slim has a pup to give him No one likes the dog (exc Candy) Someone else would do it; Candy wouldn’t have to himself A quick, painless death	Candy’s attached; it’s his only friend Had it since it was a pup – dedicated to it Doesn’t mind taking care of it Candy’s used to the smell – they’ll get used to it too It’s a living thing It might hurt to shoot it This is a clear case of peer pressure – don’t give in!

  

What’s Candy’s reaction when the shot is heard outside? >> He rolls over in his bed and looks away.

 

Film scenes: How does the camera emphasize loneliness and isolation?

 

Mon, Oct 17

 

DUE:

HMWK: Read to the end of chapter 3 and answer:

1. What is the danger posed by Curley’s wife?
2. How does the fight between Curley and Lennie begin?
3. What does Lennie do to Curley?
4. Why is the injury Lennie gives Curley interesting?

TODAY:

• Student will identify common traits among characters
• Student will take a position on an issue

 

MM: By now you should have read all of chapter 3.

 

Get out your homework – the table that identifies how each character is lonely/isolated.

Character	How lonely/isolated/separated
Curley	Ill-tempered; always seems angry Smaller Accuses other men of interest in his wife Only one married Always bullies by trying to show off – “alpha dog” That ol’ “Vaseline glove” thang – “soft for my wife” – relationship built on touch; boxer
Curley’s wife	Only woman on the ranch No one wants to be around her b/c of Curley Shows off her body for attention
Candy	Can’t work as well as the others; crippled hand Smelly dog – no one wants to stay around! Only companion IS the dog – at least he has a companion Old age
George	Must care for Lennie – others are loners Goes from job to job – homeless Wants to save money – has a goal Lack of a family No one to talk to – only L (the child’s mind)
Lennie	Child’s mind – not adult He’s a follower He’s huge – like a bear – more productive than the others Likes C’s wife – “she’s purty” – doesn’t see the danger Fixated on soft things – rabbits, pups, mice, etc.
Crooks	Crooked back – crippled (like Candy) Only Black man on the ranch Lives w/ the animals in the stable; the others don’t see him as a man – but as an animal Won’t let anyone win at horseshoes

 

Reading of chapter 3 - the section where Candy's dog is taken to be shot by Carlson. Exploration of arguments for and against the shooting, with students sharing their point of view/rationale.

 

 

 

Tue, Oct 11

 

DUE: Reading of CH1 in MM

HMWK: Read CH2 and note any new names of characters PLUS details that allow us to make conclusions about them

TODAY: Characterization, making inferences/conclusions, setting

 

Of Mice and Men – Chapter 1                    WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR??? GET YOUR NOTES OUT, AND…

	Observations/summary	Conclusions/inferences
George’s Behavior	Gets annoyed w/ L’s mistakes b/c L always gets them fired; G feels bad when he upsets L; G leads the two – makes the plans/decisions; takes away the dead mouse; G doesn’t want L to say anything at the new job; G says he would be better off w/o L; tries to be patient w/ L	Tough; strict parent to L; L is a burden to G; caring
Lennie’s Behavior	Tells G he would give away all his ketchup (when all he really wants is ketchup); L gets them in trouble; talks like a child, but is full-grown;  he copies G – seems he can’t make his own decisions; says he’ll run off and live in a cave	Caring; not smart; adores feeling soft things; forgetful
The Dream	Owning a farm; lots of rabbits for L to care for;  if they don’t want to work, they won’t; collect enough to buy land;	Like animals – especially L; value being in command of their own time
The Setting	By a pond/stream; trees; sleeping on the sand; Salinas river valley; mountains	Homeless – sleep out at night on the way to new job; the way the setting is described = calm, peaceful, almost like an Eden; set up a contrast to tomorrow @ the ranch
NEW CHARACTERS	DETAILS ABOUT THEM	CONCLUSIONS YOU MAKE   CHAPTER 2

 

 

Mon, Oct 10

 

DUE: n/a

HMWK: Read Of Mice and Men ("MM") to the END OF CHAPTER 1

TODAY: Organization

 

Exam review

 

Essay review

 

Folder organization of Unit 1, with a couple items recorded for the grade book:

1. Unit 1 vocab list - did you copy the vocab into the vocab section of your notebook and provide a definition for each? (5 pts)
2. 2-column irony chart w/ ironies from all short stories