The+Things+They+Carried+by+Tim+O'Brien

Introduction
This is an incredible collection of stories that reflect the experiences of soldiers from the Vietnam War. It will cause you to question what is real and what is not? What is truth and what is not? Teachers may decide to use this as a choice for literature circles related to the experience of war along with other works like //All Quiet on the Western Front, Siddhartha, Fallen Angels,// etc., but it could also be used for a whole-class study.

Prereading
//Big Ideas to Consider...//

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Vocabulary-in-Context
Remember that when learning new vocabulary, it is important to do more than just memorize definitions. Students must make connections to the new words and apply them in their communication.

//Verisimilitude// (noun) The appearance of being true or real. -- Consider how this applies to the book. [|A Recommended List of Vocabulary] [|Vietnam Vocabulary] [|Interactive Vocabulary Quiz]

Web Resources/Enrichment
[|Tim O'Brien's Website] Even his website blurs the line between what is real and what is not. [|Audio Excerpts: "Writing Vietnam"] You can hear Tim O'Brien give this lecture and/or read the transcript. [|Timeline] This is O'Brien's timeline of events related to his writing career. [|Interview with Debra Shostak] [|Gadfly Interview] [|The Things He Carries] Interesting article about O'Brien makes a play on the title of his book. [|Explanation of Magical Realism] [|TIME Magazine: The Things They Carry] A modern look at those involved in the War in Iraq. [|Teacher's Website]

Culminating Project
**** This project will reinforce research skills, collaborative skills, oral skills, writing skills and critical thinking skills (compare/contrast, synthesize, evaluate).