August: Osage County Lesson Plan

Autobiography and Drama

Kind of Activity:

Long-term Project

Objective:

Students will study Letts's personal connection to the play's events and characters and will practice writing their own scenes based on real-life events.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.3, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.3

Structure:

Begin the activity by having students read Slant Magazine's interview with Letts on August, Osage County. As students read, have them consider the following questions:

1. The interviewer mentions the theme of control that runs through Letts's work. Do you see that theme in the play? If so, where?

2. What were some of...