Journal Writing Of Mice and Men

Journal writing:

While reading Of Mice and Men, you are to keep a journal in teams of 2 students. You will write journal entries after each of the 6 chapters in the novel. Your final packet must be stapled together with a cover page that includes the title of the novel, the author, an illustration, your names and class. Begin each entry by putting the chapter number that you are discussing and the date on which you are writing at the top of the page. You are allowed to dispatch the workload between the two of you, but the final result must be a team work.

First: Write a brief 5 to 7-sentence plot summary (what happened in the pages you have just read?) This must be in yourown words.

Second: Write a creative journal entry (2-4 paragraphs of 5-8 lines each). Each entry must take one of the following forms:

• 1. Write a letter to Steinbeck in which you ask him questions about the story so far or discuss the chapter.

• 2. Write a letter to me about the book and the chapter.

• 3. Write a letter to yourself in which you discuss your feelings about the chapter.

You must include your reaction to the story and the characters. Don't base the entry on what you haven't understood in the novel - ask those questions in class.

• 4. Write a letter to one of the character to whom you ask questions or reveal thoughts about his or her actions.

• 5. Write a letter in the voice of one character to another character in the novel in which you discuss things that have happened between them.

• 6. Create a reaction to the chapter in a style of your own choice. This can be a poem, a drawing, a song, a collage, etc. Choose this format if you are confident in your artistic skills. 

  You must choose at least 4 different options among the ones suggested above . In the end your journal must have 6 entries (6 summaries and 6 reactions) total. It will count as a final writing mark .

Criteria for the evaluation:

understanding of the novel: 4pts

grammar : 2pts

vocabulary 2pts

fluent and articulate writing 2pts

creativeness: 1pt

care and presentation 1pt

Deadline for Journal December 16th

Reading schedule with study guide 

Chapter 1: October 28^th

Chapter 2: November 4^th

Chapter 3: November 11th

Chapter 4: November 25^th

Chapter 5+6: December 2^nd

Wrap Up: December 9^th

FINAL TEST:  December 14th

Homework:

Every week read the assigned chapter and be ready to answer the questions in your study guide.