Lesson 1: Introduction and Historical Context
We start with the Great Depression of the 1930s — understanding the economic collapse and poverty that shaped the story. You'll learn essential vocabulary and explore the American Dream concept and Steinbeck's opening river description.
Lesson 2: Characters and Relationships
Meet George and Lennie! Explore their contrasting characteristics and interdependent friendship. We use comparative grammar and include a fun role-play activity.
Lesson 3: Dreams and Aspirations
Explore their dream of owning a farm while learning future tenses and conditional structures. You'll compare their dream to the American Dream and write about YOUR personal dreams.
Lesson 4: Loneliness and Isolation
Examine three isolated characters: Crooks, Curley's wife, and Candy. Learn emotional vocabulary and write an interior monologue from a lonely character's perspective.
Lesson 5: Power and Powerlessness
Explore the ranch power hierarchy and learn to write analytical paragraphs using TEAL structure with academic language — essential for IB assessments.
Lesson 6: Foreshadowing and Symbolism
Learn how Steinbeck uses foreshadowing and symbolism — hands, animals, and the farm all carry deeper meanings. Complete a symbol hunting activity and creative design project.
Lesson 7: The Ending and Moral Questions
Tackle the controversial ending through structured debate. Did George make the right decision? Use modal verbs and conditionals while exploring this complex moral question.
Lesson 8: IB Exam Practice
Learn format and assessment criteria. Practice with timed writing using a novel extract, then self-assess using IB criteria. Essential exam preparation!
Lesson 9: Creative Response and Personal Reflection
Get creative! Explore contemporary connections, then choose from four projects: alternative ending, diary entries, letter to Steinbeck, or modern adaptation.
Lesson 10: Review and Assessment
Comprehensive review with a fun quiz and your choice of three assessment options. You'll feel confident and exam-ready!