Module 2: The Hero
Freak the Mighty
Name:______
Period:___
ELA 7
Freak the Mighty Reading Schedule
Homework DateChapters to Read
11/13-19 chs. 1-3
11/20-26 chs. 4-7
11/27-12/3 chs. 8-11
12/4-10 chs. 12-15
12/11-17 chs. 16-19
12/18-31 chs. 20-23
1/1-7chs. 24-25 & Freak’s Dictionary
Related Assignments:
- Fishbowl Dates:
Chapters Discussed: / Date of Discussion:
1-3 (Group 1) / Monday, 11/27
4-6 (Group 2) / Wednesday, 11/29
7-9 (Group 3) / Monday, 12/4
10-12 (Group 4) / Monday, 12/11
13-15 (Group 1) / Wednesday, 12/13
16-18 (Group 2) / Monday, 12/18
19-21 (Group 3) / Thursday, 1/4
22-25 (Group 4) / Monday, 1/8
- Vocabulary Due Dates:
Chapters / Posters Due / Quiz
1-8 / Monday, 11/27 / Wednesday, 11/29
9-18 / Monday, 12/4 / Tuesday, 12/5
19-25 / Wednesday, 12/20 / ----
(all) / ----- / TEST Wednesday, 1/3
- Test Dates:
Weds, 1/3: Vocabulary Test
Thurs, 1/11: Freak the Mighty Test
- Unscheduled Quizzes & Notebook Checks:
Throughout the unit, be prepared for pop quizzes on reading & checks for answered discussion questions. Be sure to stay current with assigned chapters & even when absent, answer the discussion questions on your own (if you miss the fishbowl).
Related Assignments:
- As you read, you will be responsible for answering chapter questions. Most of these questions will be answered during class discussion, but you will also be assigned 6 particular chapters that you will be responsible for being an expert on during our “fishbowl” discussions. You will need to answer these questions ahead of time and be prepared to lead the class in discussion about them.
- You will also be responsible for learning the definitions of vocabulary words from that
chapter. We will group the vocab words into three sections (Chapters 1-8, 9-18, & 19-25). In addition to learning the words so as to truly appreciate their use in the novel, you will also be assigned 1 word to create a poster for.
Your Assigned Vocab Word: ______From Chapters: ____- ____
DUE: ______
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What is a Fishbowl Discussion?
A fishbowl panel is a small group of students who prepare answers to the same question in response to a prompt on a novel. You will then discuss your answers as the class observes and takes notes.
This type of assignment is geared toward allowing each of you to:
- Become an expert in a particular section of the text (6 chapters total)
- Present and discuss your viewpoints to an audience
- Engage in meaningful literary conversations
- Learn from your peers
When your group (panel) receives its question, everyone needs to work INDIVIDUALLY to prepare for the discussion. DO NOT discuss your individual question with the members of your group before the day of the discussion. To prepare for your fishbowl:
- Collect notes with citations (page #s) of passages that answer assigned discussion questions.
- Prepare an additional 2 questions/discussion points to pose to your panel. These could include anything you’re curious about from the chapters, didn’t understand, or have an opinion about.
- Be prepared for the class to follow along and write answers to your discussion questions as you and your group discuss. You may want to use note cards, book marks, post-it notes, etc. You may also take bullet-point notes on a sheet of paper, noting appropriate page numbers. Since your discussion is “unrehearsed,” organization is imperative!
Fishbowl Discussion Guidelines:
While the fishbowl panel members are talking, there is no moderator and the teacher does not intervene or participate at all. The discussion and flow is entirely up to the panel while the rest of the class observes and takes notes. Each member of the panel MUST participate or you cannot earn a grade!
- When you are NOT in the fishbowl, you MUST pay attention and answer the chapter discussion questions in order to receive participation points.
- Sporadic notebook checks (for a grade) will take place to ensure students outside the fishbowl are participating/paying attention.
NOTE:
- Each student will be on the fishbowl panel (leading discussion) 2 times.
- Each panel will discuss 3 chapters per discussion (6 chapters total).
Freak the Mighty Chapter Questions
Chapter 1
1)Discuss your first impressions of “Kicker” & “Freak”:
2)What is the point of view of the story (who is narrating)?
How might this affect the way the story is told?
3)How is Kicker characterized?
Why do you think he is described this way?
What is his opinion of himself thus far? How can you tell?
4)Who are Grim & Gram, and what is their role in Max’s life?
5)Analyze this quote: “Except later it was Freak himself who taught me that remembering is a great invention of the mind, and if you try hard enough you can remember anything, whether it happened or not.” (2) Who says this? What does this mean? Why is it important?
6)How is Freak characterized?
7)Who does Grim liken the narrator to? Is this a positive or negative thing? Explain.
Chapter 2
8)What is the “down under”? Why does Max like it there?
9)What is “ageism”?
How is Max a “victim” of ageism?
10) Describe the setting where Max lives. What can you infer about his neighborhood/family?
11) Who is the Fair Gwen? How is she characterized?
12) What is Max’s impression of Kevin after their first encounter in front of the duplex? Why does he think this? How is it ironic (opposite of what you’d expect)?
Chapter 3
13) Describe Max’s internal conflict on p.10-11.
14)Why does Max go over to Kevin’s backyard?
15)Why is Max surprised that Kevin is enjoying the ride in the wagon?
Chapter 4
1)Why does Kevin call his mother “Fair Gwen of Air”? What does this say about Kevin’s feelings toward his mother?
2)Why is Kevin so interested in King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table? What does this say about Kevin?
3)Analyze the quote: “Books are like truth syrum – if you don’t read, you can’t figure out what’s real” (19)
4)What does L.D. mean?
5)What does Max infer is the reason for Gwen running home with Kevin? How do you think he comes to this conclusion?
Chapter 5
6)Consider the title: What is a “spitting image”?
7)What is Max’s time out?
8)Why does Gram come to Max’s room?
9)Max says about Kevin, “He’s not a poor boy…You should hear him talk. I think the rest of him is so small because his brain is so big” (24) What does this reveal about Max’s thoughts and feelings about Kevin?
10) What is it about Max that startles Gwen when she first sees him? Explain the significance of this; how may this affect Max?
11) Why is Max crying at the end of Chapter 5? Explain the significance.
Chapter 6
12) What sort of mood is set at the beginning of the chapter?
13) What is the significance of Max getting to see the fireworks without supervision on the 4th of July?
14) Describe the conflict that occurs on the way to the millpond. How do Max & Kevin differ in their response to this conflict?
15) Why does Max put Kevin on his shoulders? What is Kevin’s response?
Chapter 7
1)How do the boys escape their pursuers? What are each of their roles?
2)Explain the significance of Max’s following quote, “I’m running right and then left, running blind and just letting Freak decide which way we should go because he must have a plan, a dude as smart as that” (36).
3)How do Max and Kevin get out of the pond?
4)When asked for their names, what does Kevin reply? Why does he reply this way?
Chapter 8
5)Explain the chapter title “Dinosaur Brain.”
6)How do Grim and Gram initially react to Max’s adventure? Why do they react differently later? What can you infer about Grim and Gram’s opinion of Max & how it changes?
7)What does the coffee symbolize?
8)How does Kevin change Max’s summer routine?Is this a positive or negative effect on Max?
Chapter 9
1)Chapter title: “Life is Dangerous.” What is so dangerous? Consider both real life & this fictional story.
2)What is the destination of Freak the Mighty in Chapter 9? Why do you think Kevin led Max here?
3)What is Kevin’s secret? Why don’t you think he wants anyone but Max to know about it?
Chapter 10
1)Define “grim.” How is this an appropriate nickname for Max’s grandfather?
2)Describe the next quest FTM will embark on. Is it an actual treasure hunt? Explain. How can it be defined as chivalrous?
3)Define “damsel” & “distress.” Why does Max say Loretta Lee is less a damsel IN distress and more a damsel who CAUSES distress? What might he be foreshadowing?
Chapter 11
4)Why doesn’t Gram want Max in the New Testaments? Describe the place.
5)What are Max’s instincts about Loretta Lee’s place?
6)How are Iggy & Loretta Lee characterized?
7)Describe the interaction between the Lees & FTM. What is your reaction? How are Max & Kevin physically and verbally assaulted? Which is worse? Why?
8)What do the Lees reveal about Max’s father?
9)Why are Kevin & Max eventually allowed to leave the Lees’?
10) Stop & Think: What do Kevin and Max each gain by being Freak the Mighty?
Chapter 12
1)Quote Analysis: “Good riddance to bad rubbish.” p. 73 What does Kevin mean when he says this? How does Kevin feel about his father missing from his life?
2)Why doesn’t Max like “back to school” time? Be specific.
3)Why is Max allowed to be in the same classes with Kevin?
4)How does Kevin restore order in English class on the first day of school? How does Mrs. Donelli respond? How does the class respond?
Chapter 13
1)By October, how are things going at school for Kevin and Max? Be specific.
2)Why is answering questions in English class difficult for Max? Why, then, is writing also difficult?
3)What happens first on Friday the 13th in October in Mrs. Addison’s office? How does Max react?
4)Why does Max think he must have hit the nurse? What does this imply about Max’s opinion of himself?
5)What happens in the cafeteria at lunch on the 13th?
6)On p. 87 Mrs. Addison says, “You’re going to be okay, Maxwell Kane. I’m sure of it now.” What makes her so sure now?
Chapter 14
7)Quote Analysis: “Shh! The Fair Gwen must not know of the plan. The very idea strikes fear into her heart.” p. 88 What “idea” is Kevin speaking of? What is your reaction to Kevin’s mother not being aware of this plan?
8)Describe the conflict between Grim & Gram. Whose side is Max on? Whose side are you on? Why?
9)What does Max promise Grim? Why is this important?
Chapter 15
10) Describe the mood during the Christmas scene in the opening pages of Ch. 15.
11) Quote Analysis: “I’m telling tales, my dear, not lies. Lies are mean things, and tales are meant to entertain.” –Grim p. 95 What does Grim mean? Do you agree or disagree? Explain.
12) What gift has Kevin made for Max? What does Max think of it? How is this ironic considering Max’s opinion of himself?
13) What happens during the night while Grim, Gram and Max are sleeping? Why is this important? Make a prediction.
Chapter 16
1)What is a “chip off the old block” (100)?
2)Why doesn’t Max yell for Grim or Gram (101)?
3)Is Max surprised to see his father? Why?
4)Quote Analysis: “They’re all just make-believe, this dream I was having for a long time, and now I’m awake again and he’s filling the room somehow, even though we’re outside.” p.102 Who are “they”? Why are “they” compared to a dream?
5)Why do they return to the New Testaments?
6) Do you think Killer Kane did or did not murder someone? Explain.
7)Killer Kane calls this an “adventure.” How does this adventure compare with Max’s other adventures with Kevin?
Chapter 17
8)Where do Max and his father stay on Christmas Eve? Why?
9)How is Max treated by his father? Why do you think his father treats him this way?
10) What does Killer Kane wake Max to say before daybreak? Do you believe what he tells Max? Do you think Max believes him? Explain.
Chapter 18
11)What are Killer Kane’s plans for the future? Why do you suppose Killer Kane plans this way? What do YOU think of this plan?
12) When Iggy comes the apartment, what does he report to Killer Kane?
13) What is Killer Kane’s response when his son denies stealing Loretta’s purse? Why is this important?
14)Quote Analysis: “Every now and then he [Iggy] sneaks a look at me like he’s trying to tell me something with his eyes, but I can’t figure out what.” P.121 What do you think Iggy is trying to say? Explain your answer.
Chapter 19
1)Describe the simile Kenny Kane uses on p.127. What are his feelings toward police?
2)Why do Max and his father leave the apartment?
3)Describe the setting where Killer Kane hides his son. What mood is set?
4)Why do you think Killer Kane makes Max go in front of him down the stairs?
5)Does Killer Kane trust Max? Why/why not?
6)Who comes downstairs to help Max first? Why?
7)Is Loretta a good or bad person? Explain your answer.
Chapter 20
8)How is Killer Kane described when attacking Loretta Lee.
9)What causes Killer Kane do to shift his attention from Loretta to Max?
10) What is Killer Kane’s solution to the problem of Max revealing what he knows?
11) Who defeats Killer Kane? How? How is this ironic?
Chapter 21
12) What is the extent of Loretta’s injury?
13) Describe Iggy’s appearance at the hospital. How does this change Max’s opinion of him? What’s different?
14) How is school different for Freak the Mighty after Christmas vacation? What is better? What is worse?
15) Grim says about Killer Kane, “The man is an accident of nature.” What does he mean by this? What is he trying to tell Max?
16) Why does growing up worry Max?
Chapter 22
1)On page 141, how does Kevin define remembering? Explain.
2)What two birthdays are being celebrated?
3)Kevin received a new computer as a birthday gift. Why does Max also receive one? What can you infer is the purpose of this unwarranted & very expensive gift?
4)How can you tell Kevin’s health is worsening? Be specific.
Chapter 23
5)Is Max allowed to see Kevin? Why or why not?
6)Describe Kevin’s current state at the hospital. Why isn’t he in the Medical Research Unit?
7)Quote Analysis: “I’m not coming home, not in my present manifestation.” P.149 What does Kevin mean when he tells Max this?
8)What does Kevin want Max to do with the book of blank pages? What does this tell us about Kevin? Why does Kevin say he can’t do it?
9)Why does Max’s visit with Kevin end?
10) Why do Grim & Gram say “Poor Gwen” when it is Kevin who is suffering? P. 152 Explain your understanding.
Chapter 24
11) How is suspense built in the beginning of Chapter 24?
12) How does Max know what ultimately happened to Kevin?
13) Quote Analysis: “I keep going, running around in circles like an accident of nature until finally there are so many of them on me, I can’t stand up anymore” p.155 Why is this simile an important comparison to Max? What is he suggesting?
14) According to Dr. Spivak, why did Kevin lie about being a bionic boy?
15) Max says about Kevin, “his heart just got too big for his body” (157). Does he mean this literally or figuratively? Explain your response.
Chapter 25
16) Quote Analysis: “For a long time I felt I was a balloon and somebody had let the air out of me. I didn’t care if I ever got the air back, because what does it really matter if we’re all going to die in the end.” Explain what Max is feeling/experiencing.
17) Quote Analysis: Loretta tells Max, “Nothing is a drag, kid.” (160) What does she mean? Do you agree/disagree? Explain.
18) Why does Max finally start to write the story of Freak the Mighty?
19) How does the story come full circle?
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