Activity Overview
Themes, symbols, and motifs come alive when you use a storyboard. In this activity, students will identify a theme from the book and support it with evidence from the text.
One theme is family. The main characters are brother and sister, and Saxonberg is their grandfather. Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler becomes their honorary grandmother.
Three examples of evidence for this theme are:
- "What happened was: they became a team, a family of two.There had been times before they ran away when they had acted like a team, but those were very different from feeling like a team."
- "He must have thought STAY PUT exactly hard enough, for Claudia did just that.They never knew exactly why she did, but she did."
- "Well Saxonberg, that's why I'm leaving the drawing of Angel to…your two lost grandchildren that you were so worried about. Since they intend to make me their grandmother, and you already are their grandfather, that makes us—oh, well, I won't even think about it."
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 a theme in Mixed-Up Files. Illustrate examples and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify a theme in the story and write it on the row.
- Find three examples of the theme in the text and describe one in each cell.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
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. |
Activity Overview
Themes, symbols, and motifs come alive when you use a storyboard. In this activity, students will identify a theme from the book and support it with evidence from the text.
One theme is family. The main characters are brother and sister, and Saxonberg is their grandfather. Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler becomes their honorary grandmother.
Three examples of evidence for this theme are:
- "What happened was: they became a team, a family of two.There had been times before they ran away when they had acted like a team, but those were very different from feeling like a team."
- "He must have thought STAY PUT exactly hard enough, for Claudia did just that.They never knew exactly why she did, but she did."
- "Well Saxonberg, that's why I'm leaving the drawing of Angel to…your two lost grandchildren that you were so worried about. Since they intend to make me their grandmother, and you already are their grandfather, that makes us—oh, well, I won't even think about it."
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 a theme in Mixed-Up Files. Illustrate examples and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify a theme in the story and write it on the row.
- Find three examples of the theme in the text and describe one in each cell.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
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 Tos about Themes in The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
How to facilitate a class discussion on family themes in literature
Encourage students to connect the theme of family to their own experiences by prompting them with open-ended questions and examples from the book. Fostering personal connections makes literary analysis more engaging and memorable.
Introduce the theme with a relatable question
Start by asking students, "What does family mean to you?" or "Have you ever felt like part of a team?" This invites everyone to share and sets a welcoming tone for deeper discussion.
Highlight key moments showing the family theme
Guide students to identify scenes where characters support each other or solve problems together. Use quotes and illustrations from the book to make examples clear.
Encourage students to compare the book’s family to their own
Prompt students to reflect on similarities and differences between the story’s family and their own lives. Making personal connections deepens understanding and builds empathy.
Wrap up with a creative activity
Invite students to draw or write about a time they felt like part of a family or team, inspired by the book. This solidifies the theme and gives every student a chance to express their perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions about Themes in The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
What is a central theme in The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler?
Family is a central theme in The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. The story explores how Claudia and Jamie, siblings, grow closer and form their own 'family team' during their adventure, and how relationships with adults like Mrs. Frankweiler and their grandfather deepen the sense of family.
How can students identify a theme in The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler?
Students can identify a theme by looking for repeated ideas and character interactions throughout the book. For example, they can find scenes where Claudia and Jamie support each other or where family connections are highlighted, and use these as evidence of the family theme.
What are some examples of the family theme in The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler?
Examples include Claudia and Jamie becoming a team, Mrs. Frankweiler acting as an honorary grandmother, and Saxonberg being their real grandfather. These moments show how family bonds are formed and strengthened throughout their journey.
How do you create a storyboard to illustrate a theme from a novel?
To create a storyboard, choose a theme, find three scenes that show it, and draw or describe each one in a separate cell. Add short captions explaining how each scene relates to the theme. This helps students visually connect evidence from the text to key ideas.
Why is understanding themes important for students reading The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler?
Understanding themes helps students analyze characters, recognize important messages, and connect the story to their own lives. It also supports critical thinking and comprehension skills, making reading more meaningful and engaging.
More Storyboard That Activities
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
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