Thornton Wilder
Lesson plans for Our Town and The Bridge of San Luis Rey

The Bridge of San Luis Rey by Thornton Wilder
Summary and 6 discussion questions.

From Our Town to Our Time
In this lesson, students read a review of a current production of Thornton Wilder's Our Town and a portion of the play, then write a scene inspired by the play's timely and timeless aspects and later perform the scenes as readers' theater. Along the way, they reflect on the "precious and ordinary" in their own lives.

Our Town
Extensive study guide questions, with extension lessons using Norman Rockwell and "Eleanor Rigby" by the Beatles. Scroll down to find possible test questions.

Our Town
Plot summary, themes, more.

Our Town
Daily outlines, act-by-act commentaries, key quotations, and a writing assignment.

Our Town
This 7-page document addresses 16 vocabulary words drawn from the play. Adobe Reader or compatible application required for access.

Our Town
Glossaries of vocabulary words drawn from the play and of drama terms, and related links.

Our Town
This resource from PBS's Masterpiece Theatre series includes a Teacher's Guide. The guide lists discussion questions, suggestions for a variety of followup activities, and more.

Our Town Imaginary Maps
Students draw a map of the town from the description given by the Stage Manager in the beginning of Act I.

Our Town: A Play in Three Acts
Critical comments and 8 discussion questions.

Our Town: Producing a Documentary Film Spotlighting the Everyday Sights and Sounds of a School
A possible follow-up to the play. Students "identify hubs of activity in their school and produce documentary films and/or photographs that highlight the sights and sounds of those areas."

Sophomore English
At this page find 3 links related to Our Town. One is background on Wilder, one is an activity related to Emily's good-bye monologue, and the third is a comparison/contrast between Steel Magnolias and the play. These handouts require MS-Word for access.

Thornton Wilder's Our Town: the Reader as Writer
Students pause at various intervals in their study of Thornton Wilder's Our Town to develop their own settings, characters, and conflicts.

Vocabulary from Our Town
45 vocabulary words, indicated by the act in which each appears.