Introduction

Of Mice and Men

by John Steinbeck

“Of Mice and Men” is a beloved novella by John Steinbeck that has captured the hearts and minds of readers for decades. The story of George and Lennie’s friendship amidst the harsh realities of the Great Depression is a poignant and thought-provoking tale that has been studied in classrooms worldwide. However, introducing ChatBooks, an interactive platform that allows students to safely chat with the characters of Mice and Men, can take the learning experience to a whole new level.

Through ChatBooks, students can engage with the characters in a personal and interactive way that can deepen their understanding of the text and its complex themes. By analysing the motives and actions of the characters and developing empathy for their struggles, students can practice critical thinking skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.

Moreover, chatting with the characters can help students develop their writing skills as they craft dialogue and explore character development. Students can produce more nuanced and thoughtful writing by understanding the characters’ motivations more intimately.

Overall, ChatBooks presents an exciting opportunity for students to engage with the characters of “Of Mice and Men” in a safe and professional environment. By doing so, students can enhance their learning experience and develop essential skills that will serve them well throughout their academic and professional lives.

The Benefits of AI within Your Classroom

• Chatting safely with characters from Mice and Men can benefit student learning experience.
• Engaging with characters in a personal and interactive way helps develop a deeper understanding of the text and its themes.
• Chatting with characters helps students practice critical thinking skills and encourages empathy.
• Chatting with characters helps students develop writing skills by practicing dialogue and exploring character development.
• Chatting with characters in a safe and professional environment can be a fun and engaging way for students to learn while developing essential skills in critical thinking, empathy, and writing.

Objective: 

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to identify and analyse the key characters and setting of Chapter 1 of “Of Mice and Men.”

Materials:

• • Copies of Chapter 1 of “Of Mice and Men”
  • Interactive Whiteboard
  • Chatbooks login
  • Note-taking materials (paper, pen/pencil)

Procedure:

• • Before reading the chapter, ask students to brainstorm what they know about the Great Depression and migrant workers. Write their responses on the board.
  • Distribute copies of Chapter 1 and have students read silently for 15-20 minutes.
  • After reading, ask students to share their initial reactions to the chapter. What stood out to them? What questions do they have?
  • Ask the students to develop five questions for the characters from the book.
  • Review the setting of Chapter 1 and discuss how Steinbeck uses descriptions to convey mood and atmosphere. Ask students to find specific examples of imagery in the chapter and share them with the class.
  • As a class, discuss the relationships between characters and how they are established in Chapter 1. What conflicts or tensions are introduced?
  • Assign a short writing assignment (1-2 paragraphs) where students analyse a specific character in Chapter 1 and explain their role in the rest of the novel.
  • Wrap up the lesson by inputting the student’s questions into Chatbooks and reviewing the answers.

Assessment:

• • Completion of Chatbook Q&A
  • Participation in class discussion
  • Writing assignment on character analysis

Extension Activities:

• • Have students research the Great Depression and migrant workers to gain a deeper understanding of the novel’s historical context.
  • Assign a creative writing assignment where students write a diary entry from the perspective of one of the characters in Chapter 1.