Of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men – Year 9 English Teaching Unit

This comprehensive 23-lesson unit of work helps students develop a deep understanding of John Steinbeck’s classic novella Of Mice and Men. Designed for Year 9 English and ideal as a GCSE bridging unit, the resource includes a 291-slide PowerPoint, 53 editable worksheets, chapter-by-chapter activities and questions with answers, and exemplar model responses for all key written tasks.

Covering plot, character, theme and language in detail, this engaging and fully editable scheme of work supports close reading, contextual understanding, and essay writing. Each lesson features structured, scaffolded activities that build analytical confidence, encourage independent thought, and prepare students for GCSE English Literature study.

Students explore the friendship between George and Lennie, analyse key characters including Curley’s wife, Crooks, Candy, Slim and Curley, and discuss major themes such as loneliness, dreams, marginalisation, dehumanisation and the American Dream. The unit also examines Steinbeck’s context, language choices and symbolism, focusing on animal imagery, tension, narrative structure and the impact of the Great Depression.

Resource Highlights

23 fully editable, ready-to-teach lessons

291-slide interactive PowerPoint presentation

53 printable worksheets with structured and extension activities

Chapter-by-chapter comprehension questions and full answer keys

Exemplar model answers for key written and essay tasks

Vocabulary, quotation and language analysis activities

Storyboard, quiz and creative consolidation tasks

Empathetic and discussion-based writing activities

Ideal for KS3 English or as GCSE English Literature preparation

‘Of Mice and Men – Year 9 Unit’ is perfect for developing analytical, contextual and writing skills through Steinbeck’s powerful exploration of friendship, isolation and the American Dream.