Activity Overview
Several themes are present in the book. Students can pick a theme to explore and should support their choice with specific details or events from the text. One prominent theme is “friendship”. Henry and Mudge become great friends. They learn how much they really care about each other when Mudge gets lost. They learn that they never want to feel like they’ve lost each other again.
Friendship
Example 1
Mudge can't find his way home and Henry can't find Mudge. They are both very sad and miss each other, just like friends do.
- Mudge: "He whined a little, alone without Henry."
- Henry: "When Henry called and called but Mudge didn't come, Henry's heart hurt and he cried for an hour.”
Example 2
Henry and Mudge are happy when they see each other every day.
- "Every day when Henry woke up, he saw Mudge's big head. And every day when Mudge woke up, he saw Henry's small face. "
Other themes that can be explored are: responsibility, pets, problem-solving, companionship, family, life lessons, and loyalty.
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 Henry and Mudge. 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
Several themes are present in the book. Students can pick a theme to explore and should support their choice with specific details or events from the text. One prominent theme is “friendship”. Henry and Mudge become great friends. They learn how much they really care about each other when Mudge gets lost. They learn that they never want to feel like they’ve lost each other again.
Friendship
Example 1
Mudge can't find his way home and Henry can't find Mudge. They are both very sad and miss each other, just like friends do.
- Mudge: "He whined a little, alone without Henry."
- Henry: "When Henry called and called but Mudge didn't come, Henry's heart hurt and he cried for an hour.”
Example 2
Henry and Mudge are happy when they see each other every day.
- "Every day when Henry woke up, he saw Mudge's big head. And every day when Mudge woke up, he saw Henry's small face. "
Other themes that can be explored are: responsibility, pets, problem-solving, companionship, family, life lessons, and loyalty.
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 Henry and Mudge. 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 Identifying Themes in Henry and Mudge
Engage students with a group discussion about friendship themes
Gather your class and ask open-ended questions about what friendship means and where they’ve seen examples in their lives. Encourage students to share their own experiences before relating them to Henry and Mudge. This fosters connection to the theme and primes their thinking for deeper analysis.
Guide students to find text evidence together
Read key passages aloud and invite students to point out words or actions that show friendship. Jot these on the board as a class. This helps students practice citing evidence and reinforces close reading skills.
Model how to create a theme storyboard
Demonstrate each step of the storyboard assignment using a projector or chart paper. Choose a theme, find three examples, and draw quick sketches. This gives students a clear, visual example to follow.
Support students with brainstorming and sketching
Circulate around the room as students work on their storyboards. Offer prompts or suggest scenes if anyone is stuck. Praise creative ideas and encourage students to add details to their drawings and descriptions.
Facilitate sharing and reflection to deepen understanding
Have students present their storyboards to the class or in small groups. Lead a reflection on how different examples show the same theme in unique ways. This builds confidence and reinforces multiple perspectives on literature.
Frequently Asked Questions about Identifying Themes in Henry and Mudge
What are the main themes in Henry and Mudge?
Henry and Mudge explores themes like friendship, responsibility, companionship, family, loyalty, problem-solving, pets, and life lessons. Each theme can be identified through character actions and events in the story.
How can I teach friendship as a theme using Henry and Mudge?
Ask students to find examples of friendship in the story, such as when Henry and Mudge miss each other or are happy to be together. Have them discuss or illustrate how these moments show the importance of caring for friends.
What are some activities to help students identify themes in Henry and Mudge?
Engage students by having them create a storyboard, list examples of a chosen theme, and illustrate scenes from the book. They can also write short descriptions explaining how each example supports the theme.
Why is teaching about themes important in early elementary reading?
Understanding themes helps young readers connect stories to their own lives, build empathy, and develop critical thinking. It encourages deeper reading beyond just plot details.
What is an example of responsibility in Henry and Mudge?
An example of responsibility is when Henry learns to take care of Mudge and worries when Mudge is lost, showing he understands the importance of looking after a pet.
More Storyboard That Activities
Henry and Mudge: The First Book
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
