Old Major's speech in Chapter 1 is the impetus that encourages the animals to rebel against their cruel and neglectful human owners. By his skillful words and the Utopian picture he paints for the animals, he gives them the motivation and courage to step up and take control of the situation.  For students to better understand the importance of such speeches, have them examine the "I have a Dream Speech" by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and compare it to the one given by Old Major.

     Materials Needed:

     Procedure:

1. Students must first read Old Major's speech to the animals in chapter 1.
2. Students will access Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech.  They may listen to and/or read the text of the speech.
3. Students will compare Old Major's speech to Dr. King's speech by responding with one paragraph of writing to the following questions about both speeches: Why is he giving the speech?  What is his message for the people?  How is his speech motivating/persuasive?

     Evaluation:

This assignment is worth a total of 20 points.  Students will be awarded 5 points for having a full paragraph response to each of the questions.  The last 5 points is awarded for staying on task.

Lesson Two: Creating a New Society

Even though Old Major gave them the idea for rebellion, the animals’ takeover is almost spontaneous.  They simply react to being beaten and starved, and subsequently chase the humans off of Manor Farm.  Afterwards, they have the difficult task of organizing their new animal society.  They must make rules, establish a work schedule, and work together to keep their farm running smoothly.

In this lesson, students will work together to create their own society, following some of the steps that the animals had to take.

     Materials Needed:

  Procedure:

1. Students should have read chapters 2 & 3 before completing this project.

2. Students will choose groups of 3-4 people (can be varied, depending on class size) with whom they will form a new society.

3. Students will work together to complete the "Creating a New Society" handout.

4. Students will work together to create a flag that represents their new society.

     Evaluation:

This assignment is worth a total of 30 points.  Students will receive 20 points for fully responding to each part of the table on the handout.  10 points will be awarded for the effort spent on creating an original flag.

Lesson Three: Propaganda

Propaganda plays an important role in Animal Farm.  The human farmers spread propaganda about the animals to downplay the actual success that Animal Farm is having.  Napoleon, with help from Squealer, also uses propaganda to keep him in a position of absolute leader of the farm.

To help students better understand what propaganda is, have them explore and respond to the links below.  Once they have a better understanding of propaganda, they will create their own example of propaganda by using the content of the novel.

     Materials Needed:

     Evaluation:

This assignment is worth a total of 35 points.  Students will receive 15 points for responding to all parts of the handout.  The created propaganda is worth 20 points, based on an understanding of propaganda and the effort to create a good example.