Activity Overview
In this activity, students will identify a theme of the novel, and support their choice with details from the text. Several themes are present in the novel, and students could also display how these are present by giving an example of each theme.
Maniac Magee Theme Examples
Abandonment
Jeffrey Magee is repeatedly abandoned:
- His parents die in a trolley accident
- Grayson dies in his sleep
- The East End community does not accept him
Family
Jeffrey desperately wants to be a part of a family who cares about him.
Race
Two Mills consists of the East End, for blacks, and the West End, for whites. Jeffrey does not see these color differences and embraces the individuals who are open to racial differences.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in Maniac Magee. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) from Maniac Magee you wish to include and replace the "Theme 1" text.
- Create an image for an example that represents this theme.
- Write a description of each of the examples.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Theme(s) | All themes are correctly identified and described. | Some themes are correctly identified. | No themes are correctly identified. |
| Examples of Theme(s) | All examples support the identified theme(s). | Most examples fit the identified theme(s). | Most examples do not fit the theme(s). |
| Illustrate Theme | Images clearly show connection with the theme(s). | Some images help to show the theme. | Images do not help in understanding the theme. |
How To Connect Different Themes in Text
Identify Themes
Ask the students to identify themes in the text first. It is possible that there are multiple themes in the novel but there is always one central or main theme in the plot. Students can also list down these themes for better help in the future.
Make Connections
After listing the themes, students can make connections among different themes. Teachers can help them during this process by teaching them how they can identify such connections and the importance of these connections and sequences.
Use Cause and Effect
In order to make connections, students can use the method of connecting by cause and effect. They can see if the plot of one theme has an effect on another. For example, the theme of abandonment has an effect on the theme of familial relationships.
Use Venn Diagrams
Teachers can first introduce the concept of Venn diagrams to students. Students can then use this concept to create a visual illustration of the similar and contrasting elements in different themes.
Analyze and Reflect
After collecting all the information from the text, teachers should encourage students to apply critical thinking and make different connections. For this purpose, students can also try to think from the author's perspective and recognize the author's intent.
Frequently Asked Questions About Understanding Theme in Maniac Magee
Which themes are evident throughout the novel "Maniac Magee"?
The primary themes of "Maniac Magee" are racism, abandonment and homelessness, belonging, friendship, and the value of removing social boundaries.
How can we understand racism as a theme in the story?
The obvious separation between the East End and West End neighborhoods, one of which is predominately white and the other African American, is evidence of racism. Magee had to face many barriers and issues because of this racism and it had an everlasting impact on his life. In order to show how racism affects the community, Maniac Magee challenges these racial barriers in his friendships and relationships.
How can the audience and readers relate to these themes in real-life situations?
The themes of "Maniac Magee" are relevant to contemporary concerns including racial conflicts, homelessness, and the value of forging bonds between individuals from various backgrounds. The book pushes readers to take on these issues and advance understanding in their own neighborhoods. Especially, for children who study in diverse environments should be more understanding of others' circumstances regardless of their race or ethnicity.
How does the author express the topics through storytelling?
The narrative that follows Maniac's journey and the experiences he has with various persons serves as an effective means for the author to explain the topics. Readers learn about the effects of racism and homelessness on people and communities via these experiences.
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