Activity Overview
There are many themes present throughout the novel One Crazy Summer. Students can explore this by identifying a theme themselves or, in an “envelope activity” being given a theme to track throughout their reading. Then in this activity, students will create a storyboard illustrating the examples of that theme from the novel.
Examples of Themes in One Crazy Summer
- Racism
- Civil Rights
- Family
- Friendship
- Identity
- Abandonment
- Poverty and Economic Justice
- African Americans in the Media
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 storyboard that identifies recurring themes in One Crazy Summer. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from One Crazy Summer you wish to include and write them in the title box.
- Create an image for an example that represents this theme using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short description of each of the examples.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Requirements:
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
---|---|---|---|
Identify Theme(s) | All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story. | Some themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or do not make sense with the story. | No themes are correctly identified. |
Examples | All examples support the identified themes. Descriptions clearly say why examples are significant. | Most examples fit the identified themes. Descriptions say why examples are significant. | Most examples do not fit the identified themes. Descriptions are unclear. |
Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the themes and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the themes, but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the themes. |
Activity Overview
There are many themes present throughout the novel One Crazy Summer. Students can explore this by identifying a theme themselves or, in an “envelope activity” being given a theme to track throughout their reading. Then in this activity, students will create a storyboard illustrating the examples of that theme from the novel.
Examples of Themes in One Crazy Summer
- Racism
- Civil Rights
- Family
- Friendship
- Identity
- Abandonment
- Poverty and Economic Justice
- African Americans in the Media
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 storyboard that identifies recurring themes in One Crazy Summer. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from One Crazy Summer you wish to include and write them in the title box.
- Create an image for an example that represents this theme using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short description of each of the examples.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Requirements:
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
---|---|---|---|
Identify Theme(s) | All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story. | Some themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or do not make sense with the story. | No themes are correctly identified. |
Examples | All examples support the identified themes. Descriptions clearly say why examples are significant. | Most examples fit the identified themes. Descriptions say why examples are significant. | Most examples do not fit the identified themes. Descriptions are unclear. |
Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the themes and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the themes, but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the themes. |
How Tos about Themes in One Crazy Summer
Organize a classroom discussion to deepen theme understanding
Gather students and facilitate a conversation about the book’s major themes. Encourage students to use evidence from the text and share personal connections. This helps build critical thinking and respectful listening skills.
Assign students to small groups for theme brainstorming
Divide the class into mixed-ability groups to brainstorm examples of different themes. Each group can focus on one theme and jot down moments from the novel that illustrate it. This promotes collaboration and deeper analysis.
Guide students in creating theme posters
Have each group design a visual poster that represents their assigned theme using quotes, drawings, and key scenes. Display these posters around the classroom to reinforce theme recognition throughout the unit.
Encourage students to present and explain their posters
Ask each group to present their poster to the class, explaining why they chose certain scenes or symbols. This builds speaking confidence and allows classmates to learn from one another’s interpretations.
Wrap up with a reflective writing prompt
Invite students to write a short reflection on which theme they found most meaningful and why. This encourages personal engagement and helps consolidate learning about thematic analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions about Themes in One Crazy Summer
What are the main themes in One Crazy Summer?
The main themes in One Crazy Summer include racism, civil rights, family, friendship, identity, abandonment, poverty and economic justice, and African Americans in the media. These themes help students explore social issues and character growth throughout the novel.
How can students identify and track themes in One Crazy Summer?
Students can identify and track themes by noting recurring ideas, character actions, and important events as they read. Using activities like the envelope activity or storyboarding helps students visually organize and illustrate examples of each theme found in the book.
What is a storyboard activity for themes in One Crazy Summer?
A storyboard activity asks students to choose themes from the novel and create illustrated panels that show examples of each theme. Below each illustration, students write a short description explaining how the scene connects to the theme, making learning interactive and visual.
Why is it important to teach themes like racism and civil rights in middle school literature?
Teaching themes such as racism and civil rights in middle school literature helps students understand historical context, encourages empathy, and promotes critical thinking about social justice and equality in society.
What is the envelope activity for exploring themes in One Crazy Summer?
The envelope activity involves giving each student or group a specific theme to track while reading One Crazy Summer. Students gather and discuss examples related to their theme, promoting deeper analysis and engagement with the text.
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