Dialogue Writing to Explore Plot, Conflict, Characterization, and Theme Lesson Plan

1. Overarching Theme

1.1. Students demonstrate their strategic reading and writing skills with hypothetical conversations demonstrating text to text and text to world connections between or among their characters.

2. Activities

2.1. Pre-reading, during reading and after reading activities to gain a deep understanding of each piece;students choose two respective characters representing each piece, and write a dialogue between the characters which reveals meaningful text to text connection and a text to world connection.

3. Assessments

3.1. Students' reading comprehension, writing, listening and speaking performance will be assessed.

4. Critical Thinking and Questioning Techniques

4.1. • What similarities and differences exist between Walter and George in regards to their characterization, internal and external conflicts plot events, themes in their respective stories? In what specific ways are the alike and different? • What similarities and differences exist between Walter’s pursuit of The American Dream and George’s? • Why would Walter condone or not condone George’s actions? • What advice would George give Walter about his life circumstances? What advice would Walter give George about his life conditions? • Why do you think George will or will not achieve The American Dream? • Will Walter achieve The American Dream? • Which character has better odds of success? Explain why?

5. Goals

5.1. • Students will analyze, synthesize and evaluate themes, conflicts, plot events, and characterization in both Of Mice and Men and A Raisin in the Sun. • Students will follow the conventions for dialogue writing. • Students will explore the concept of The American Dream through text-to-text and text to world connections.

6. Objectives

6.1. NC Standards 1.03; 2.01; 3.04; 4.03; 5.01; 6.01.

7. Collaborative Writing Tool

7.1. Wikis and Voice Thread