Day 39: 10/28/25 - Intro to Theme & The FTM Theme Challenge

Homeroom:

I hope you are all having a great morning.

Do Now:

1. Please make sure your homework is done
2. Check to see if you have all your materials
3. Sharpen pencil

ELA:

Today we will learn about theme and identify themes within Freak the Mighty.

Do Now:

• Pick up a list of theme words
• Pick up a theme tree

Homework: 

• Finish Frayer Model (If not done)
• Work on IXL
• Get an independent reading book

Activity #1

Intro to Theme

(20 minutes)

Christian the Lion 

Step 1 - Cut out & Glue in the list of topics and the theme tree on the next 2 pages of your notebook (Be sure to write the date, title, and page number)

Step 2 - Read the definition of theme

Step 3 - Give the students 60 seconds to circle theme topic words that go with Freak the Mighty. Call on a few students to share.

Review a few of the vocabulary words from the video

Vocabulary:

• vicar - a representative that makes decisions for a church
• flat - a flat is what the people in England call an apartment
• undaunted - not discouraged by difficulty or danger

Step 4 - Watch the Video - I will read the subtitles as we watch

Step 5 - Start with the trunk of the tree. The trunk has a list of thematic topics listed on it. Choose the strongest topic. The strongest topics are LOVE & FRIENDSHIP

Step 6 - Discuss the evidence from the video, which is listed on the branches. The evidence describes what happened in the video

Step 7 - Discuss the theme. The theme is the lesson. In this case you should ask yourself, "What can I learn about love and friendship from watching this video?"

Activity #2

The "Freak the Mighty" Theme Challenge

Directions:

Step 1:  Cut out and glue in the blank theme tree. Think about the story of Freak the Mighty and list some theme topics on the trunk of the theme tree (Use the words that you circled on page 18)

Step 2: Pick the topic that you think is the strongest, best, or most interesting.

Step 3: Use a google search/AI to find a theme about the topic you picked. You might try searching something like this: 

themes about __________ in the book Freak the Mighty

Step 4: Once you find a theme statement that you like, Write your "Theme Statement" on the lines provided.

Step 5: Record in your graphic organizer, four pieces of evidence from Freak the Mighty that support your theme.

Remember the example we spoke about in class.

Theme = Life is not always fair!

How did we know that? (Evidence)

1. Freak was young and had a hard life.
2. He had seizures and had to go to the hospital often.
3. People picked on him and teased him.
4. He died from Morquio Syndrome at the age of 13.

***You will work with the people at your table

***Be sure to WRITE NEATLY

Theme Tree (Freak the Mighty)

Have a great Day!