Of Mice and Men
Study Guides
Analyzing the Text
Ongoing Activity
Grades 6–12
Language Arts, History
Small Group, Entire Class, Writing, Research
Study guides are important to understanding a novel; however, they should never replace actual reading and discussion of the novel.
Although there are many “study guides” for Of Mice and Men available on the Internet, the one below by English teacher, Mr. Lettiere, is particularly useful for students who are not yet proficient in reading and writing. There are many good suggestions in his guide.
However, the best study guides are ones created by students themselves. Whenever students are involved in creating their own curriculum, they tend to succeed.
The creation of a study guide is ongoing, and the time spent in the classroom is up to the discretion of the teacher.
Before students create their own study guide (in small groups), refer to both Mining for Examples and Mr. Lettiere’s sample study guide.
Use these essay questions for writing prompts, journal assignments, assessments, or discussion starters.
Students work in small groups to analyze and dissect a reading, then report back to the class. This activity aids students in understanding complex material.
Provide a structure that students of all abilities can utilize to build their analytical skills.
Help develop students’ critical analysis abilities. The assignment can be modified per grade level/ability, and is a perfect introduction to scholarly papers.
An in-depth, section by section breakdown of short writing prompts for use in journal assignments, assessments, and discussion starters.
Students work collaboratively to create an in-depth study guide to understanding key scenes, quotations, and themes in Of Mice and Men.