Title – Of Mice and Men Newspaper Assignment

By – Kendra Miller

Primary Subject – Language Arts

Grade Level – 9-11

Assignment:

• “In groups of either three or four, you will create and present a newspaper based on John Steinbeck’s novel,
  
  Of Mice and Men
  
  . Pretend you are creating a newspaper for people living during the time period of the novel. If desired, you can use the
  
  Rampage
  
  ,
  
  Los Angeles Times
  
  and other newspapers for an example of the format.”

• Each group member must write at least one article for the paper. News articles must be substantial in complexity and length.

Requirements:

1. On the front page, you must have
   1. The title of the paper
      
   2. Front page headlines
      
   3. Date of the paper (remember the time period!)
      
   4. Cost
2. A news article based on an event from the novel. This should demonstrate your knowledge of plot or the unfolding of an event(s).
   
3. A cartoon based on one of the themes of the novel.
   
4. Advertisements (at least two) — these should demonstrate your knowledge of the setting, including time period and location.
   
5. A news article regarding a major event in the U.S. happening during the same time period (may need to research this).
   
6. An editorial on one of the themes of the novel.
   
7. At least one additional written item of your choice. Some possibilities: human interest story; an interview with a character from the novel (as if they were a real person); an obituary of one of the characters; gossip column; advice column; music review; etc. You may include more than one!

Process:

1. After forming your group, decide on who will take the following jobs:
   • Editor — sets deadlines and keeps everyone on task.
     
   • Layout artist — the final say on laying out the graphics and visuals of the newspaper.
     
   • Proofreader — edits all articles for grammar and mechanics.
2. Decide on who will be responsible for each aspect/article/requirement in the newspaper.
   
3. Decide on a meeting time or other way to keep in contact since most of this assignment will be completed outside of class.
   
4. Get to work!

Assessment:

• You will be graded as a group, but your name should be appear as the author of the articles that you write. Be creative!

• Newspaper is worth 70 points.
  
  Presentation is worth additional 15 points.

E-Mail

Kendra Miller

!