Character Bookmark

Information:

Students will be given a paint sample with four parts. In each part, the students will write down

the names of the four major characters. They will then write who the character represents

metaphorically significance of the character. The meaning of this activity is for students to

understand the purpose of the characters and how they deepen the complex allegorical nature of

the plot. Also, the students can use this as a bookmark while they are reading. When they are

reading, they can have a resource on hand if they forget what each character is a metaphor for.

The character metaphors will be given as a pre-reading activity after the learning of the Russian

Revolution.

Why?:

The priority here is that students can begin making early connections to the text. Rather than

decoding each character mentioned in the piece, students can focus on the narrative itself and

how characters interact with one another.

➢ Characters: Napoleon based on Joseph Stalin, Snowball based on Leon Trotsky,

Old Major based on Vladamir Lenin, & Boxer based on the Russian laborers

➢ Inspiration Picture:

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Picture by DIY Inspired

Lunch Metaphor/Simile Statement Box

Information:

In this activity, students will find a metaphor statement in the text. The students will be asked to

dissect the metaphor and what it means to the overall theme of the literature. Examples of

metaphors in the text could be: “All that year the animals worked like slaves” (Orwell 37).

➢ Metaphor Lunch Box Worksheet

Why?:

The point of this activity is to have students analyze metaphors and evaluate the writing as a

whole. Also, this formative assessment will ask students to look closely at figurative language in

the text. Figurative language serves as a path to consider how themes are established throughout

the text.

Russian Revolution Timeline on Prezi

Information:

Students will be asked to create a timeline of the Russian Revolution to the reign of Stalin in the

Soviet Union (1917-1945). They will pick 10 major events that were historically significant and

changed the course of the Soviet Union.

Why?:

This activity will be vital prior to reading the text because students will understand the historical

significance and purpose of the author writing the text. By building their own timeline, students

will have to consider what was important during those times. This also builds a strong historical

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background prior to reading the text for when they start reading. They can draw connections and

inferences to the historical means.

Epic Rap Battle of History: Trotsky vs Stalin

Information:

Students will work in groups and be either given Trotsky or Stalin. Their task is to create a rap

that ‘disses’ the other person while also simultaneously praising themselves. The students should

reference historical and literary context such as character flaws, failures of historical persons,

and Orwell’s satire entirely. The students will be asked to focus more on the historical means of

the text to create their raps.

Why?:

The point of this assessment is for students to play “author” and create a satire of the characters.

Also, students will have to consider different perspectives while writing for their character that

look beyond the text. So, students are criticizing each character while also looking at the

triumphs/flaws of their own character. Having a rap battle brings a different type of writing that

leads to being more creative and innovative.

➢ Inspiration: Epic Rap Battles of History-Bill Nye vs Isaac Newton

The Council is Deciding

Information:

In a Socratic seminar style, the students will lead a discussion about the commandments in the

text. Their task is to decide to keep the commandment or adjust the commandment. They will

value the importance, flaws, or triumphs of each commandment. The students should reference

textual evidence that supports their claim if the commandment supports the people or is deeply

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flawed. The challenge is that the students must unanimously agree about the change of the

commandment.

Why?:

The purpose of this assessment is to show how creating a ‘utopian’ society where everyone

agrees on the rules is almost impossible. The students will consider why Orwell wrote this book,

to not critique communism, but critique authority all together.

➢ List of Commandments from Animal Farm