Student Activity 1
Student Activity 2
Student Activity 3
Student Activity 4
Student Activity 5

Student Activity 1
 
 
 

The Pearl by John Steinbeck

http://www.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/score/pearl/pearlsg1.html
unit written by
Linda Taggart-Fregoso
 
 

 

Introduction

John Steinbeck is one of the most widely read American writers. He spent much of his life writing about the common folk of the world. He wrote about everyday men and women with common struggles.

What in Steinbeck´s life would prompt him to tell the world about farmers, laborers, strikers and fishermen?

Note: With your teacher, please review your school´ s acceptable use policy for work on the Internet. Also, links to the web often change. Tell your teacher when you find a poor link in this guide.

The Task

You will be looking at John Steinbeck´s life and making an educated guess about what caused him to write about the humble people of the world. You must determine the main influences in Steinbeck´s life, and explain how these influences show in his writing.

The Process: Exploring the Web, Creating a Product

You will create a time line of events in Steinbeck´ s life that might have influenced the depiction of his characters. Use the websites listed below to research John Steinbeck´ s family background and life. Select things you believe influenced him the most.
  1. Visit these sites to learn about John Steinbeck, and take notes on the most important events in his life.
  1. Prepare a list of important dates and events that took place in Steinbeck´ s lifetime. Be prepared to explain what influence these events might have had in his writing
  2. Create a time line of these events.
  3. Be prepared to present your findings to the class.

How You Will Be Graded

Criteria yes no
Dates are accurate.
Dates reflect influence on writing.
Time line prepared neatly
Spelling is accurate