Activity Overview
Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary terms and allusions aids in overall comprehension and retention. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates terms and allusions (references to actual people, places, literature, items and events) found in the book Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick. Teachers can have students define 3-5 words of their choice per chapter or provide a list of words they may be unfamiliar with before beginning the novel or chapter.
Examples of Terms and Allusions from Freak the Mighty
The New Testaments: Biblical reference used to describe the rundown tenements where Iggy and Loretta Lee live
King Arthur: Freak often references the legendary British King and the knights of the round table
Lady Guinevere: Freak gave his mother Gwen the nickname "The Fair Gwen" after King Arthur's beloved Guinevere
Darth Vader: Freak dresses up as the villain from the Star Wars movies when he and Max go on a quest
Arnold Schwarzenegger: Max says that Freak pulls out his dictionary the same way that Arnold Schwarzenegger pulls out his weapon in a movie
abduction: the criminal act of carrying someone away by force
albino: a person with white hair, light skin, and light or pink eyes
archetype: something that serves as a model
avarice: reprehensible acquisitiveness; insatiable desire for wealth
bionics: application of biological principles to engineering systems
cretin: a person of subnormal intelligence
damsel: a young unmarried woman
distress: a state of adversity
fair: free from favoritism, bias, or deception; also as in the case of "The Fair Gwen", beautiful, lovely
fealty: the loyalty that one owes to a country, sovereign, or lord
fiend: an evil supernatural being
hulking: of great size and bulk
humanoid: an automaton that resembles a human being
ignorance: the lack of knowledge or education
illiterate: not able to read or write
injustice: the practice of being unfair
invincible: incapable of being overcome or subdued
kin: a person related to another or others
tenement a run-down apartment house
Morquio Syndrome: Morquio syndrome is a rare genetic condition that affects development of bones, spine, organs, and physical abilities of a child. Children with this condition don't produce enough enzymes that break down sugar chains our bodies naturally produce.
nanosecond: one billionth of a second; one thousandth of a microsecond
ornithopter: heavier-than-air craft that is propelled by the flapping of wings
prodigy: an unusually gifted or intelligent person
quest: the act of searching for something
seizure: the taking possession of something by legal process
sobriquet: a familiar name for a person
strut: walk in a proud, confident way
tracheotomy: an operation to allow air to flow through the windpipe
trajectory: the path followed by an object moving through space
unvanquished: not conquered
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a spider map that defines and illustrates key vocabulary from Freak the Mighty.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the vocabulary terms you have chosen.
- In the description boxes, write the definition or description of the term.
- Create an illustration for each term using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements: Must have 3 vocabulary terms, correct definitions or descriptions, and appropriate illustrations for each that demonstrate your understanding of the words.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | The definition is correct. | The definition is partially correct. | The definition is incorrect. |
| Visualizations | The storyboard cells clearly illustrate the meaning of the vocabulary words. | The storyboard cells relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words, but are difficult to understand. | The storyboard cells do not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words. |
How To Teach Complex Vocabulary in Freak The Mighty to ELA Students
Recognize Proficiency Levels
With a diverse set of students in class, it is important to be aware of the proficiency levels of different students present. Teachers can take an initial assessment to recognize the level students are at currently and organize lectures and lessons based on that information. If teachers are aware of the type of difficulties each student faces while learning, they can customize their activities and lesson plans according to their understanding.
Teach Before Reading
Make a list of the major vocabulary terms that are likely to be difficult for the students before beginning the story. It will be easier for students to comprehend the story if they are aware of the key terms beforehand. Give each term a simple definition, a context-based sentence, and a picture or any other background information such as the origin of the word or if it is used in any other languages.
Encourage Journaling
Encourage your students to establish a vocabulary log or diary where they may record new terms they come across while reading. Definitions, synonyms and antonyms, word nuances or connections with the term should all be included.
Teach Application
Discuss with the class the many settings in which new terms are used once you've introduced them. Give students writing assignments where they have to use the newly learned words in context. For instance, using the words to tell a story about their life or just carry out a basic conversation with their desk mate.
Maintain Flexibility
Teachers can give the students some freedom to decide how they want to learn new things. For instance, do they want to focus more on interactive activities or planned class lessons? When students are more involved in lesson planning, they will be more motivated to learn.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vocabulary & Allusions in Freak the Mighty
What sort of complex vocabulary was used by some characters in the story, especially Kevin?
Kevin uses terms like "ornithopter," "opiate," "unvanquished," and "aesthetically" as examples of his sophisticated vocabulary. Kevin's broad vocabulary and sharp mind can be recognized because of the complex vocabulary he uses. Through this vocabulary, readers can also judge that Kevin is smart and it becomes a recognizing trait of his personality.
Any special allusions in "Freak the Mighty" that stand out in particular?
Yes, there are several substantial allusions to King Arthur, Don Quixote, and the Holy Grail quest throughout the book. These allusions emphasize the concepts of bravery, camaraderie, and setting forth on noble missions. With the help of allusions and historical references, readers and better understand the story and the characters.
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