Lesson 1: Chapter 1
Duration of Days: 4
Lesson Objective
- Students will be able to cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
- Students will be able to determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze in detail its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text.
- Students will be able to analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme.
- Students will be able to determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language evokes a sense of time and place; how it sets a formal or informal tone).
- How does the opening scene establish the relationship between George and Lennie?
- What is the dream that George and Lennie share? Why is it important to them?
- How does the theme of loneliness manifest itself in the lives of George and Lennie?
- What does the dream of owning their own land symbolize for them?
- What is the role of friendship in the lives of George and Lennie?
- How does the author portray the challenges faced by migrant workers during the Great Depression?
defined (adjective)
morosely (adverb)
raise (verb)
elaborate (adjective)
quiver (verb)
mimic (verb)
unaware (adjective)
dim (verb)
RL.9-10.1
RL.9-10.2
RL.9-10.3
RL.9-10.4
L.9-10.4.A
W.9-10.2
Reading for Information
DOK 1-4
- Visual glossary
- Speaking frames
- Annotation guide
- Complete Independent Read: Of Mice and Men (Chapter 1)
- Complete Chapter 1 Think Questions for Close Reading