The Things They Carried Activities and Assignments Unit

In Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried, I focus heavily on the idea of using random, and seemingly pointless stories to show just how random and pointless war can be. Students should understand that they are not to find meaning in each story, but rather focus on what the story makes them feel as they read it – are they in fact, able to experience what these characters probably experienced?

This unit includes a number of short readings, articles, and background information about the author and the Vietnam War. There are also study guide questions for all chapters, poetry activities, minor and major writing assignments.

1. Background info (4 files)
a. Includes background information on Tim O’Brien, an overview of the Vietnam War, a timeline of the war, and a list of military jargon often used in the novel.

2. War Opinnionaire (anticipatory activity to see how students feel about war)

3. Vietnam War Stories Introduction – a PowerPoint with Vietnam War images and a creative writing introduction activity

4. Readings (6 files) (I find that shorter readings at the beginning are great at just creating interest in the novel, and also helping students understand themes to watch out for)
a. Two excerpts from other war related novels with discussion questions (on the idea of fear in war, or how war can change people, the existence of evil, etc.)
b. 4 articles on war-related drug use, trauma, and women in the war (with reading questions)

5. 2 sets of Study Guide/Reading Questions (one set that includes all chapters, and a second set of questions for 7 of the chapters) – these can be assigned in conjunction with nightly reading assignments, or be used as discussion questions during class.

6. Character Chart (to help students keep track of character descriptions/information)

7. Two worksheets/assignments that help students understand the idea of how your possessions can define you

8. A worksheet on understanding the often strange details that the characters of the novel share (and its relation to understanding the war)

9. Poetry folder (5 files) – Poetry about the Vietnam War, use for Reader’s Theater activities (Google Reader’s Theater for more information), or simply allow students to read and analyze them.

10. War Story Final Assessment – Students are asked to write their own war story showing their understanding of what Tim O’Brien was trying to convey. Directions, guidelines (3 files), and student example stories (6 stories) are included.