The Dust Bowl History Tie-In
To help students understand important events in U.S. History during the time period of the setting for the novel Of Mice and Men; these include westward expansion, the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl.
Students will gain a perspective and deeper understanding of the setting and time period of the John Steinbeck novel Of Mice and Men.
History textbook and class notes from lectures and discussions about this time period.
Teacher needs to have knowledge of historical events and the time period in which the Steinbeck novel occurs.
Dust Bowl, economic depression, the Great Depression, westward expansion
Discussion provides good reflection for this lesson.
Steinbeck, John (1937). Of Mice and Men.
Instructions
During seventh grade at Westminster, students study U.S. History that provides an understanding of westward expansion, the Great Depression, and the Dust Bowl. The teacher provides a lecture / presentation and historical readings that support students’ knowledge of the setting of the John Steinbeck novel Of Mice and Men; this helps students better understand and empathize with the novel’s characters and the challenges they face.
Responses to questions on quizzes and tests, and discussion during teacher presentations.