The last day...

Today we used our shortened period to do and discuss the questions below, which were collected at the end of the period.

Enjoy the Holidays!

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Answer the following in complete sentences.

1. What two visions does Lennie have down by the river? Why do you think Steinbeck includes these visions?
2. What surprises Lennie about George's behavior when he meets him by the river? What does Lennie want from George? Why?
3. Explain the reaction of the men when they reach the scene. How is Slim's reaction different from Carlson's? Why?
4. Finally, do you agree with George's decision to shoot Lennie? Explain.
5. Extra Credit: John Steinbeck took the title of this book from a Robert Burns poem which includes the line (paraphrased): "The best laid plans of mice and men often go astray." Explain why Steinbeck chose this for the title of his book.

So Sad...

Today we started with a quick theme warm-up, discussed chapter 5 as a class, and then finished the book out loud. Students should finish their last set of notes for HW.

The Dream is the Symbol

Today we began with a very short reading quiz, looked at a thematic quotation from Candy, and talked about the symbolic importance of the dream for George, Lennie, and Candy. We read a bit of chapter 4 as the period came to a close.
HW Reading F with notes.

Symbolism

We discussed the symbolic importance of Candy's dog to start the day today, and then students had the rest of the day to work on tonight's reading.
HW Reading E with notes

Chapter 2

Today I checked chapter two notes and we spent much of the period discussing chapter two before wrapping up by reading some of chapter three aloud.

HW: Reading D with notes.

Personal Narratives Returned

After a quick qarm-up with a quotation from Of Mice and Men, student spent much of the rest of the period doing a bit of a revision activity with their personal narrative essays which were returned today.
HW: Finish chapter 2 (reading C) with notes, quotes, and a summary.

Chapter 1

We began the day with a summary of chapter one (using some frames as a guide). After reviewing the notes, we spent the rest of the period reading chapter 2.

HW: Reading B with notes.

Our 1st Novel Begins

Today we continued our look at the first paragraphs of Of Mice and Men in the warm-up, wrapped up "The Scarlet Ibis" (I collected all the work), and then we went over the reading and notes expectations for the novel.

HW: Read chapter 1 and take notes (no summary)

I'm Back!

Today we got the first novel of the year, Of Mice and Men, and reviewed the academic vocabulary for fiction as it pertains to "The Scarlet Ibis."