Day 17: 9/30/26 - Movie (Part 1) & Compare/Contrast Mini-Essay

 Homeroom:

I hope you are all having a wonderful day.

Do Now:

1. Get all your materials for Reading and Block 1
2. Eat your breakfast
3. Sharpen pencils

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Reading Block:

Agenda:

1. The Mighty Movie (Part 1)

Movie - Freak the Mighty (Part 1)

00:00 - 37:20

Directions: 

• You will watch the first 37 minutes and 20 seconds of the movie, The Mighty
• While you are watching you should record as many similarities, and differences that you can.  
• Focus on the Literary Elements that we have been analyzing: Setting, character, & plot
• Characterization - Are the characters developed in the movie the same as the book? HINT: Think about the way their friendship is developed.
• Setting - How do the settings compare? Include the way you envisioned the setting in the book to what you see in the movie.
• Plot - How do the events in the movie compare to the events in the book? Focus on the larger more important events and not the small details. Ask yourself, "Did the movie omit, insert, or change any of the plot events?"

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ELA:

Today we will review the similarities and differences between the book and the movie, and practice writing together one paragraph of our mini-essay
                               
Do Now:

• Write tonight's homework in your agenda
• Take out your movie Venn Diagram

Homework: 

• Finish any past due Quizzes or assignments
  
  

Activity #1

Compare & Contrast Mini-Essay

Step 1: Discuss 

Directions

1. Small group - share your compare & contrast graphic organizer with the people at your table. While you work please add, change, and edit your own graphic organizer. You want to have as much information as you can. 

2. Whole group - Share. 

How was the setting the same?

How was the setting different?

How are the characters the same?

How are the characters different?

How is the plot the same?

How is the plot different?

Step 2: Group Writing

I will write one paragraph with you, then you will need to write the other paragraph on your own. Students bring your graphic organizers and a chair to the front of the room. (For the Teacher - Use google drive to open a new blank document.)

Writing Strategy - Constructing a written response with:

1. Introduction
2. Claim (about both the book and movie)
3. Evidence (from both the book and movie)
4. Reflection/Conclusion

Examples from last year:

         Block 1 - Similarities

Through my analysis I have discovered that there are many similarities between the book, “Freak the Mighty” and the movie, “The Mighty.” Some similarities include the characters and the conflicts that they face. In both the book and the movie Max is big and tall. His mom is dead, his dad is in prison, he lives with his grandparents, and he feels dumb. In a like manner Kevin is short, uses crutches, and is really smart. Furthermore in the book and movie Max and Kevin have an ongoing conflict with Tony D. and his gang. Also, Max feels dumb, and Kevin struggles with his disability. In my opinion I think that the book and the movie are both really good.

Block 2 - Differences

Through my studies I have learned that there are many differences between the book, “Freak the Mighty” and the film, “The Mighty.” Some differences between them are the setting and the friendship between Max and Kevin. In the book the setting is in a small town during the summertime, but in the movie the setting is a big city during Max and Kevin’s 7th grade year of school. Their friendship in the book begins when Max helps Kevin with his ornithopter, and then goes to dinner at Kevin’s house. They also go to the 4th of July fireworks. On the other hand, in the movie their friendship starts when Kevin is assigned to be Max’s tutor, and then Kevin pays Max to take him to Riverfest. In my opinion the movie is really good, but you should still read the book first. 

Block 3 - Differences

Through my studies I have learned that there are many differences between the book, “Freak the Mighty” and the movie, “The Mighty.” Some differences are the setting, and the friendship between Max and Kevin. The setting in the book is in a small town in the summertime, but in the movie it is a large city named Cincinnati during the school year. In the book Max and Kevin’s friendship begins in the backyard when Max helps Kevin get the Ornithopter out of the tree. Then Max goes to dinner at Kevin’s house, and takes him to the fireworks on the 4th of July. However, in the movie their friendship starts when Kevin gets assigned to be Max’s tutor, and then Kevin pays Max five dollars to take him to Riverfest. In my opinion the book and the movie are both good, but you should read the book before you see the movie.

Block 4 - Differences

Through my studies I have learned there are many differences between the book, “Freak the Mighty” and the movie, “The Mighty.” One difference between the book and the movie is the plot. In the movie Kevin is assigned to be Max’s reading tutor, but in the book he is not. In addition, in the book Kevin names them Freak the Mighty on the 4th July after the cop asks for their names, but in the movie they don’t include that scene. In my opinion the director of the movie should have made it more like the book.

Step 3: Independent Writing 

Now that we have written one paragraph together, you will need to write the other paragraph on your own. Tomorrow we will be evaluating our writing, so it is important that you finish your min-essay before you come to class tomorrow.  

Day 16: 9/29/26 - Chapter 10, Characterization & Preparing to Compare/Contrast the Book with the Movie

Homeroom:

I hope you are all having a wonderful day.

Do Now:

1. Get all your materials for Reading and Block 1
2. Eat your breakfast
3. Sharpen pencils

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Reading Block:

Agenda:

1. Review Reading Guide from chapter 9
2. Set up new Reading Guide
3. Read - Aloud Chapter 10 & Complete the New Reading Guide

1. Review Chapter 9

• Who are the 2 main characters?
• What do you know about them?
• How do you know? (What is your evidence?)
• What is the setting? When & Where. Include Descriptive details. 
• What are the important plot events? What happened in the last chapter?

2. The Reading Guide: 

Your reading guide NOW has 4 sections.

• Setting - Where & when do the events takes place?
• Characters - What do you know about the main characters?
• Plot - What are the important events from the chapter?
• Questions  - Do your best to write 2 questions. Remember you want to ask level 2 & 3 discussion questions. 

3. Read-Aloud Ch 10 Directions: 

Read chapter 10 of Freak the Mighty, complete the Reading Guide, and bring it with you to ELA

• Include as many details in your response as you can. 
• Write neatly

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ELA:

Today we will take a quiz on chapter 10 and finish analyzing the characters of Max & Kevin.
                               
Do Now:

• Pick up a copy of the characterization Graphic Organizer
• Write tonight's homework in your agenda
• Take out your reading guide for chapter 10
• Open your chromebooks and go to my google classroom

Homework: 

• Finish any past due Quizzes or assignments

Activity #1

Chapter 10 Quiz: 10 minutes

1. Go to my google classroom

2. Click on the classwork tab

3. Complete the Chapter 10 quiz independently. You may use your notes & book, but keep your answers private, and the room should remain silent.

Review Freak the Mighty: Chapter 10

Review

• Who are the 2 main characters?
• What do you know about them?
• How do you know? (What is your evidence?)
• What is the setting? When & Where. Include Descriptive details. 
• What are the important plot events? What happened in these chapters?

Best Question: 

• Meet with your small group
• Take turns sharing the level 2 & 3 questions you wrote
• Discuss your answers to the questions
• Pick 1 question that you think is best
• We will then share those questions with the whole class

Activity #2

Characterization

1. Random Groups - Max or Kevin

• Each groups will get assigned a different Character
• Work with your group to find an example from the book that fits in to each characterization clue category.
• Ask yourself, 
• What do you know about Max, (or Kevin)?
• How do you know it?
• What is something that Max/Kevin (thinks, says, feels, chooses, or does?)
• Write a Claim in the appropriate box in the graphic organizer
• Then based off that claim, write the evidence from the text that supports that claim. 
• When everyone is done we will share as a whole group 

Activity #3

Prepare to watch the Movie

The Mighty (Part 1)

00:00 - 37:20

Directions: 

• You will watch the first 37 minutes and 20 seconds of the movie, The Mighty
• While you are watching you should record as many similarities, and differences that you can.  
• Focus on the Literary Elements that we have been analyzing: Setting, character, & plot
• Characterization - Are the characters developed in the movie the same as the book? HINT: Think about the way their friendship is developed.
• Setting - How do the settings compare? Include the way you envisioned the setting in the book to what you see in the movie.
• Plot - How do the events in the movie compare to the events in the book? Focus on the larger more important events and not the small details. Ask yourself, "Did the movie omit, insert, or change any of the plot events?"

Day 15: 9/28/26 - How to Analyze Characters

Homeroom:

I hope you are all having a wonderful day.

Do Now:

1. Get all your materials for Reading and Block 1
2. Eat your breakfast
3. Sharpen pencils

2:00 Assembly Schedule
8:50 - 9:00    Homeroom
9:00 - 9:30    Special Area
9:33 - 10:13    Block 4
10:16 - 10:56    Block 3
10:59 - 11:27    Reading Block
11:30 - 12:00     Lunch
12:03 - 12:43    Block 1
12:46 - 1:26    Block 2
1:29 - 1:45    WIN
2:00 - 3:15    Assembly
3:15 - 3:30    Dismissal

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Reading Block:

Agenda:

1. Independent reading (20 minutes)
2. Wrap up - Share: (10 Minutes)

• What are you reading? (Title)
• What is it about?
• Question Time - After each student shares it is time for questions from their peers. Examples include:
• Who are the main characters?
• What do you know about the characters?
• Which character would you be friends with? why?
• What is your favorite part?
• What is the setting? Where and when does the story take place?
• Can you describe one of the problems that the main character has to deal with?

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ELA:

Today we will learn new ways to analyze characters.
                               
Do Now:

• Write tonight's homework in your agenda
• Pick up a "List of Descriptive Words for Characters"
• Put your homework in the red bin

Homework: 

• Finish any past due Quizzes or assignments
  
  

Activity #1

Characterization

1. Glue in the notes on characterization
2. Glue in the list of characterization words
3. Glue in the characterization Graphic Organizer

Now Work on the characterization graphic Organizer

Directions:

Warm-up

• Take 60 seconds. On the list of descriptive words for characters circle any words that you think describe Max. Share these words as a whole group. 
• Answer the Follow up question. How do you know that about Max? 

Next

• Each table groups will get assigned a different characterization clue. 
• Work with your group to find an example from the book that fits in to your characterization clue category.
• Ask yourself, What is something that Max (thinks, says, feels, chooses, or does?)
• Write the event/example from the text in the appropriate box in the graphic organizer
• Then based off that example write an inference about Max.
• If you finish your assigned Characterization clue, your group may go on to work on others.
• When everyone is done a member of each group will be responsible to share their text example and inference with the whole group 

To begin, Start with a conversation with your groups members.

Ask yourself these 2 questions: 

1. What do you know about Max?
2. How do you know it?

Have a great Day!

Day 14: 9/25/26 - Chapter 9 & Reviewing Writing Samples (Identifying Relevant Evidence

Homeroom:

I hope you are all having a wonderful day.

Do Now:

1. Get all your materials for Reading and Block 1
2. Eat your breakfast
3. Sharpen pencils

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Reading Block:

Agenda:

1. Review Reading Guide from chapter 8
2. Set up new Reading Guide
3. Read - Aloud Chapter 9 & Complete the New Reading Guide

1. Review Chapter 8

• Who are the 2 main characters?
• What do you know about them?
• How do you know? (What is your evidence?)
• What is the setting? When & Where. Include Descriptive details. 
• What are the important plot events? What happened in the last chapter?

2. The Reading Guide: 

Your reading guide NOW has 4 sections.

• Setting - Where & when do the events takes place?
• Characters - What do you know about the main characters?
• Plot - What are the important events from the chapter?
• Questions  - Do your best to write 2 questions. Remember you want to ask level 2 & 3 discussion questions. 

3. Read-Aloud Ch 9 Directions: 

Read chapter 9 of Freak the Mighty, complete the Reading Guide, and bring it with you to ELA

• Include as many details in your response as you can. 
• Write neatly

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ELA:

Today we will complete a quiz for chapter 9, and we will review some writing samples from the chapter 8 quiz.
                               
Do Now:

• Write tonight's homework in your agenda
• Take out your Reading guide from chapter 9
• Open your computer & go to my Google classroom

Homework: 

• Finish any past due Quizzes or assignments
• Complete the Identifying Relevant Evidence Practice
  
  

Activity #1

Chapter 9 Quiz: 10 minutes

1. Log in to your chromebook. 

2. Go to my google classroom

3. Click on the classwork tab

4. Complete the Chapter 9 quiz independently. You may use your notes & book, but keep your answers private, and the room should remain silent.

When everyone is done we will go over the reading guide.

Activity #2 

Review Freak the Mighty: Chapter 9

Review

• Who are the 2 main characters?
• What do you know about them?
• How do you know? (What is your evidence?)
• What is the setting? When & Where. Include Descriptive details. 
• What are the important plot events? What happened in these chapters?

Best Question: 

• Meet with your small group
• Take turns sharing the level 2 & 3 questions you wrote
• Discuss your answers to the questions
• Pick 1 question that you think is best
• We will then share those questions with the whole class

Activity #2

Review Writing samples from chapter 8

Homework

Identifying Relevant Evidence

Directions:

• Read each passage
• Select the piece of evidence that best supports the claim 
• When you finish check over your work before putting it in the red bin
• After handing it in, work on any past due assignments, or read your independent reading book

Name ___________________________________ Date ______________________

Identifying Relevant Evidence 

Question 1: The Benefits of School Gardens

Many schools are starting their own vegetable gardens. Students help plant seeds, pull weeds, and harvest food like carrots and lettuce. Working in the garden gets students outside in the fresh air and teaches them where their food comes from. Studies show that when kids grow their own vegetables, they are much more likely to try eating them. It’s a fun way to learn about nature and stay healthy.

Claim: Growing a garden can improve a student's diet.

Which piece of evidence from the passage best supports this claim?

A) "Many schools are starting their own vegetable gardens."

B) "Students help plant seeds, pull weeds, and harvest food."

C) "Kids who grow their own vegetables are more likely to eat them."

D) "It’s a fun way to learn about nature."

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Question 2: Why We Use Passwords

In the digital world, a strong password is like a sturdy lock on a front door. A good password uses a mix of capital letters, numbers, and symbols to make it hard to guess. If someone guesses your password, they could see your private photos or messages. Cybersecurity experts say that changing your password every few months is the best way to keep your personal information safe from hackers.

Claim: Strong passwords protect your privacy.

Which piece of evidence from the passage best supports this claim?

A) "A strong password is like a sturdy lock on a front door."

B) "A good password uses a mix of capital letters and numbers."

C) "Changing your password every few months is a good idea."

D) "If someone guesses your password, they could see your private messages."

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Question 3: The Importance of Highlighting

When studying for a big test, many students use highlighters to mark their textbooks. Highlighting helps the most important facts stand out so you can find them quickly later. However, if you highlight every single sentence, the page becomes a sea of yellow, and nothing stands out at all. To study effectively, you should only highlight keywords or the main idea of a paragraph.

Claim: Highlighting too much makes it harder to study.

Which piece of evidence from the passage best supports this claim?

A) "Many students use highlighters to mark their textbooks."

|B) "If you highlight everything, the page is a sea of yellow and nothing stands out."

C) "Highlighting helps the most important facts stand out."

D) "You should only highlight keywords or main ideas."

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Question 4: Electric Cars

Electric cars are becoming very popular because they do not use gasoline. Instead, they run on large batteries that can be plugged in at home or at charging stations. Because they don't burn fuel, electric cars do not send exhaust smoke into the air. This helps keep the air in busy cities much cleaner. While they can be expensive to buy, they help the planet by reducing air pollution.

Claim: Electric cars are better for the environment than gas cars.

Which piece of evidence from the passage best supports this claim?

A) "Electric cars run on large batteries that can be plugged in."

B) "Electric cars do not send exhaust smoke into the air."

C) "They can be more expensive to buy than regular cars."

D) "They are becoming very popular."

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Question 5: The Value of Chores

Doing chores might seem like a bore, but it actually helps children learn how to be responsible. When a child is in charge of feeding a pet or washing the dishes, they learn that other people (and animals) depend on them. It also teaches them how to manage their time so they can finish their work before playing. These habits are very helpful once a student grows up and gets a job.

Claim: Doing chores prepares children for the future.

Which piece of evidence from the passage best supports this claim?

A) "Doing chores might seem like a bore."

B) "A child might be in charge of feeding a pet."

C) "Chores teach habits that are helpful once a student gets a job."

D) "Washing dishes is a common household chore."

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Day 13: 9/24/26 - Chapter 8 & Creating a Written Response

Homeroom:

I hope you are all having a wonderful day.

Do Now:

1. Get all your materials for Reading and Block 1
2. Eat your breakfast
3. Sharpen pencils

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Reading Block:

Agenda:

1. Review Reading Guide from chapter 7
2. Set up new Reading Guide
3. Read - Aloud Chapters 8 & Complete the New Reading Guide

1. Review Chapter 7

• Who are the 2 main characters?
• What do you know about them?
• How do you know? (What is your evidence?)
• What is the setting? When & Where. Include Descriptive details. 
• What are the important plot events? What happened in the last chapter?

2. The Reading Guide: 

Your reading guide NOW has 4 sections.

• Setting - Where & when do the events takes place?
• Characters - What do you know about the main characters?
• Plot - What are the important events from the chapter?
• Questions  - Do your best to write 2 questions. Remember you want to ask level 2 & 3 discussion questions. 

3. Read-Aloud Ch 8 Directions: 

Read chapter 8 of Freak the Mighty & complete the Reading Guide.

• Include as many details in your response as you can. 
• Write neatly
• Complete the Reading guide during class and bring it to ELA

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ELA:

Today we will complete a quiz for chapter 8, which will require you to create a written response.
                               
Do Now:

• Write tonight's homework in your agenda
• Take out your Reading guide from chapter 8
• Open your computer & go to my Google classroom

Homework: 

• Finish any past due Quizzes or assignments
  
  

Activity #1

Chapter 8 Quiz: 20-30 minutes

1. Log in to your chromebook. 

2. Go to my google classroom

3. Click on the classwork tab

4. Complete the Chapter 8 quiz independently. You may use your notes & book, but keep your answers private, and the room should remain silent.

5. The chapter 8 quiz will require you to create a written response. Remember to use your notes from yesterday to help you write your response. Take your time and include each part:

1. Introduction

2. Claim

3. Evidence

4. Reflection

Example:

Question

Do you think Max & Kevin made the right decision to run away from Tony D. and his Gang after the fireworks?

Response

(I) After the fireworks Max and Kevin ran into Tony D. and his Gang when they were leaving the Millpond. (C) I think they made the right decision to run away from them.(E) According to the story Tony D is 17 years old, he carries a knife and has been to juvenile hall 3 or 4 times. He has also been drinking and he is mad at Kevin for calling him a cretin. (R) In my opinion they were very lucky to get away.

When everyone is done we will go over the reading guide.

Activity #2 

Review Freak the Mighty: Chapter 8

Review

• Who are the 2 main characters?
• What do you know about them?
• How do you know? (What is your evidence?)
• What is the setting? When & Where. Include Descriptive details. 
• What are the important plot events? What happened in these chapters?

Best Question: 

• Meet with your small group
• Take turns sharing the level 2 & 3 questions you wrote
• Discuss your answers to the questions
• Pick 1 question that you think is best
• We will then share those questions with the whole class