Unit & Timeline

Standard Objectives

Novel Study, 3 weeks

Texts Studied:

-        Excerpt from The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

-        Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Reading for All Purposes

9.1: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly, as well as inferences drawn from the text.

• Objective: Students will cite specific evidence from Of Mice and Men to support analysis of themes like the American Dream or loneliness, as well as inferences about characters’ actions and motivations.

9.2: Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text.

• Objective: Students will identify central themes (e.g., friendship, dreams, isolation) and track how they evolve as the story progresses.

9.3: 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.

• Objective: Students will analyze characters like George and Lennie, focusing on how their relationship and personal conflicts drive the plot and influence key themes.

9.4: 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.

• Objective: Students will interpret Steinbeck’s use of figurative language, such as metaphors, similes, and symbolism, and examine how word choice creates the novel's tone of despair or hope.

9.5: Analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure a text create effects such as mystery, tension, or surprise.

• Objective: Students will analyze Steinbeck’s pacing and the gradual buildup of tension, especially in the lead-up to the novel’s tragic conclusion.

9.6: Analyze a particular point of view or cultural experience reflected in a work of literature.

• Objective: Students will explore how Steinbeck reflects the cultural experience of migrant workers during the Great Depression, examining how this affects the characters’ actions and outcomes.

Writing and Composition

9.1: Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant evidence.

• Objective: Students will write argumentative essays that take a stance on major issues in the novel, such as the ethical implications of George’s final decision, using evidence from the text to support their arguments.

9.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately.

• Objective: Students will write explanatory essays that explore themes like friendship, isolation, or the pursuit of dreams in Of Mice and Men.

Research and Reasoning

9.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question or solve a problem, synthesizing multiple sources on the subject.

• Objective: Students could conduct research on the historical context of the Great Depression and migrant labor to better understand the characters’ struggles and how real-life events shaped Steinbeck’s novel.

9.9: Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

• Objective: Students will integrate evidence from both the novel and research sources to support their essays on themes or historical connections in Of Mice and Men.

Speaking and Listening

9.1: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.

• Objective: Students will participate in class discussions or Socratic seminars on topics like the moral dilemmas in the novel, responding thoughtfully to their peers’ viewpoints.

9.4: Present information and findings clearly, concisely, and logically so listeners can follow the reasoning and organization.

• Objective: Students will present their analysis of key themes or characters in Of Mice and Men, using evidence from the text to support their conclusions.

Unit & Timeline

Standard Objectives

Foundations, 1 week

-        Review of Literary Elements

-        Pre Assessments

Short Stories, 2 weeks

Texts Studied:

-        Harrison Bergeron

-        The Veldt

-        Marionettes Inc.

-        Robot Dreams

-        Supertoys Last All Summer Long

Reading for All Purposes

• 9.2.1: 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.
• 9.2.2: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone.
• 9.2.3: Analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure a text, order events within it (e.g., parallel plots), and manipulate time (e.g., pacing, flashbacks) create such effects as mystery, tension, or surprise.
• 9.2.4: Analyze a particular point of view or cultural experience reflected in a work of literature from outside the United States, drawing on a wide reading of world literature.

Writing and Composition

• 9.3.1: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
• 9.3.2: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.

Research and Reasoning

• 9.4.1: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
• 9.4.2: Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

Speaking and Listening

• 9.1.1: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9–10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
• 9.1.2: Analyze the purpose of information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and evaluate the motives (e.g., social, commercial, political) behind its presentation.