One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest Lesson Plan

The Substance of the Novel

Kind of Activity:

Research

Objective:

Students will be able to understand Kesey's experience and state of mind while writing One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.7; CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.8; CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.9; CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.5

Structure:

Divide students up into at least three small groups with "research stations." Begin the activity by asking each group to google Ken Kesey's history with drugs. Students who were unfamiliar with the novel and its history may be startled by the initial search engine hits, which will likely describe Kesey's extensive use of LSD...