IDS 7th Graders Explore Steinbeck Classic in Novel Way

For immediate release
January 14, 2003
Tampa, FL

Students at Independent Day School - Corbett Campus (IDS) played the part of movie producer after studying John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men. It's another example of how IDS incorporates differing learning styles into everyday classroom instruction.
Drawing upon their creative and artistic skills, each student pitched to a fellow classmate the story's concept and characters, complete with casting choices and a poster created to promote the movie, Of Mice and Men. Prior to class presentations, students read the novel in class with an audio version playing at the same time. At certain points, the class stopped to discuss the actions and motivations of the book's characters and the choices that were made.

Michael Vokoun, who team teaches with Lynne Grigelevich, notes, "Typically, this book is used in high school English classes. I believe that seventh grade students need the opportunity to be exposed to great literature and to be able to offer their take on the story."

To ensure a deeper understanding of the story, students created journals that described each main character including his or her personality. Descriptions were based on two or more direct quotes, paraphrased material, and general understandings of the characters.

Vokoun stated "It's 2003, and the book was written in 1937. What can the students glean from a story that is considered a classic? What themes are still issues in today's world and in the student's daily lives?"

When surveyed about the book's ideas and messages, one student said, "It teaches about real life, how to treat others." Another commented that it shows "all things happen for a reason."

Nirav Patel commented, "I got a powerful sense of what is was like to live during the depression."

Sidney Osterhaut said the book shows "the strong morals of friendship."

Grigelevich added, "I'm so proud of all of the students and how they each brought their own personality and understandings to the assignment!"

Founded in 1968, IDS, recently renamed Independent Day School-Corbett Campus, is a fully accredited, non-sectarian, independent school located in northwest Hillsborough County. It serves 500 plus students in grades Pre-K through 8. At IDS, all children experience learning in a nurturing and highly academic environment focused on excellence and developing a positive self-concept. IDS-CC has become recognized as an exemplary school with over 700 visitors observing and learning from IDS-CC teachers. For more information about IDS, visit www.idsyes.com.

Contact: Dr. Joyce Burick Swarzman, Head of Independent Day School, Telephone: (813) 961-3087