Novelinks
Maniac Magee: Discussion Questions
Why did they say that? What did they mean? How did they feel? Using the six levels of Bloom's Taxonomy, challenge your young readers to answer the comprehension questions about chapters 41 and 42 of Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli. Each...
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Textual Analysis Lesson: Segregation: Past or Present?
Are your scholars reading Jerry Spinelli's Maniac Magee? If so, use this textual analysis packet and lesson guide to drive deeper thinking about the characters, create personal connections, and apply historical contexts to the text....
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Maniac Magee: Picture Book Strategy
Who would have thought to explore the concept of race through children's literature? After reading Bell Hooks' picture book, Skin Again, and chapter sixteen of Jerry Spinelli's Maniac Magee, class members consider whether skin color...
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Maniac Magee: Problematic Situation
As part of their reading of Jerry Spinelli's Maniac Magee, class members consider what it would take to survive living on their own. Using the provided worksheet, individuals list their needs and decide where they would seek shelter.
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Maniac Magee: A 5th Grade Literature Guide
There's no need to run around trying to plan a unit for the book Maniac Magee, the work has already been done for you. Through a series of whole class, small group, and independent lessons and activities, students practice synthesizing...
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Maniac Magee: Fishbowl Discussion
Split the class into two groups for a fishbowl discussion using of Jerry Spinelli's Maniac Magee. The first group initiates the conversation by reviewing the important points of Chapter thirteen while group two members are listening,...
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Genre Lesson: Realistic Fiction
As scholars begin identifying stories as realistic fiction, its important they see many examples to solidify their concepts of this genre. Readers begin with a personal connection, thinking of television shows they like and determining...
Storytelling World
Maniac Magee
Add to children's enjoyment of the award-winning novel Maniac Magee with this fun collection of resources. From sequence of events and fact or fiction worksheets, to writing newspaper articles and creating advertisements based on the...
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"Knot" the Whole Truth: Writing a Modern-Day Story with a Tall Tale's Voice
Beyond Paul Bunyan and his blue ox, tall tales can be a great way to teach young writers about word choice and voice in their writing. Using Jerry Spinelli's Maniac Magee and the Six-Trait Writing process, they begin to write their own...
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Lesson 4: Theme Matters
This useful approach to determining themes based on specific details from a book is aimed at readers of Jerry Spinelli's Maniac Magee. It could also easily be adapted for use with other books or readings. The class identifies recurring...
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Maniac Magee Lesson Ideas
Here are ideas and activities to include in a "Maniac Magee" novel study.
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Identifying Plot Conflicts
Fifth graders determine plot conflicts. In this plot conflicts lesson plan students read Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli. Students search for 'Character vs. Character' and 'Character vs. Self' conflicts within the story.
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Lesson 5: Character and Relationship Changes
In this reading comprehension lesson, 5th graders, after reading the novel, Maniac Magee, by Jerry Spinelli analyze characters and their roles in other peoples lives. Students interact with plot conflicts and character relationships....
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Maniac McGee: Find Your Match
Students explore similarities and differences between people. For this diversity and literacy lesson, students read Maniac McGee and consider character traits. Students play a game in which they locate classmates with similarities and...
Curated OER
Maniac Magee
Seventh graders read Mania Magee as a shared literature experience. This lesson plan presents some ideas to use after certain chapters in the book as a way of supplementing student learning and involvement in the story.
Scholastic
Scholastic: Maniac Magee
Have you ever read "Maniac Magee" by Jerry Spinelli? Use this resource to learn more about this book. An educational resource with discussion questions, extension activities and more.
TES Global
Blendspace: Maniac Magee: Introducing the Book
A three-part learning module including links web sites to use when introducing the novel Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli.
Books in the Classroom
Carol Hurst's Children's Literature Site: Maniac Mcgee by Spinelli Review
This is a good site for teachers. Find a review of Jerry Spinelli's "Maniac Magee" as well as lesson plans and activities for the book.
Scholastic
Scholastic: Maniac Magee Literature Response Journal [Pdf]
This printable resource offers suggestions for both writing and discussion, as well as a look at symbols, tone and hyperbole. PDF (requires Adobe Reader).
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Holt, Rinehart and Winston: A Guide to "Maniac Magree"
Four page guide offers summary, post-reading activity suggestions, additional reading and a brief bio of the writer.
Varsity Tutors
Varsity Tutors: Web English Teacher: Jerry Spinelli
Web English Teacher has put together a comprehensive resource filled with links to lesson plans, teaching guides and activities featuring the work of Jerry Spinelli.
Ducksters
Ducksters: Kids Books Authors: Jerry Spinelli
Kids learn about Jerry Spinelli's biography author of children's books such as Maniac Magee on this website.
Scholastic
Scholastic: Jerry Spinelli
If your looking for a biography on author Jerry Spinelli, you've come to the right place at Scholastic.com. The site also offers student reviews of his books and an interview transcript. Fun facts for kids.