Beyond the Book: A Freak the Mighty Book and Movie Analysis Socratic Seminar

Let’s be honest—November in middle school ELA is pure survival mode. Between shortened schedules, holiday programs, and students who’ve already checked out for Thanksgiving, it’s hard to plan something that’s both engaging and standards-aligned.

That’s why I’m so excited to share my free 2–3 day Freak the Mighty Book and Movie Analysis Socratic Seminar—part of the Movie Marathon for ELA collaboration with 10 other amazing teachers.

Because yes, you can show a movie… and still hit RL.7 and SL.1 beautifully.

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Why this works (and why I made it)

As a teacher, I used to dread “movie days.” They felt like wasted time, or I’d get the dreaded “Do we really need to analyze this?” look from students.

But then I realized—movies aren’t the easy way out. They’re another text.
Additionally, students can compare tone, mood, characterization, and author/director choices with just as much rigor as any novel study.

That’s exactly what this free mini-unit helps you do.

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What’s Inside the Free Mini-Unit

✅ Lesson 1 – Analyzing Interpretive Questions
Students learn what makes a strong interpretive question and then create 3–5 of their own that connect the book and movie.

✅ Lesson 2 – Movie Viewing Guide
Guided questions keep students focused on tone, character portrayal, and structure as they watch.

✅ Lesson 3 – Socratic Seminar
Students lead a discussion using their interpretive questions, supported by textual and film evidence.

✅ Teacher Answer Keys + Rubrics
Sample interpretive questions, discussion starters, and rubric alignment to RL.7, SL.1, and W.9.

🎬 Download your free Freak the Mighty mini-unit

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How to Use It

This Analysis Socratic Seminar unit is flexible—so you can use the full film (The Mighty) or select key scenes.

Here’s a simple pacing guide:

• Day 1: Build interpretive questions
• Day 2: Watch and annotate using the Movie Viewing Guide
• Day 3: Conduct the Socratic Seminar + reflect

You’ll hit reading, speaking, and writing standards in under a week, while keeping students engaged and discussion-centered.

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A Note for Teachers Who Love Book-to-Film Lessons

If you’re like me, and you dream of teaching a “Books & Movies” class someday—or already do— you’ll love this freebie. It’s the same approach I use in my own elective. You can peek behind the scenes of that class here:

📚 How I Teach My Books and Movies Class →

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The Movie Marathon Collaboration

Additionally, this mini-unit is part of the Movie Marathon for ELA collaboration with 10 other secondary ELA teachers.

In fact, together, we’ve created lessons around some of your favorite classroom-friendly films— with each designed to make your November movie days meaningful, standard-aligned, and fun.

“Are you ready for a little more ELA movie magic? Then you have to know, I’ve teamed up with TEN secondary ELA teachers to put together a full Movie Marathon in ELA to help you get through the craziest school days of the year with lessons that are fun and aligned to the standards (so that you can actually get away with it).”

🎥 See the full Movie Marathon round-up here

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Final Thoughts

In summary, you don’t need to feel guilty for showing a movie in class.
You just need to make it intentional.

So, this Freak the Mighty mini-unit gives you the structure, standards, and support to make those “movie days” just as powerful as any novel study.

🎬 Grab your free Freak the Mighty Movie Socratic Seminar →

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Are you ready for a little more ELA movie magic? I’ve teamed up with TEN secondary ELA teachers to put together a full Movie Marathon in ELA to help you get through the craziest school days of the year with lessons that are fun and aligned to the standards (so that you can actually get away with it). Grab the entire collection of Movie Marathon ideas at Mrs. McManus ELA’s blog