For our family #Homeschooling was a lot of fun and we would think outside the box and study the unique and different things to keep Charlie from getting bored. When I found out September 22 was Hobbit Day #HobbitDay I knew this would be something Charlie and David would have enjoyed studying.
Since learning shouldn’t stop when our children graduate, I wanted to create a Lesson Plan and share facts on #HobbieDay for our family to look through. I put our Lesson Plan together; I thought you might want to check it out as well. I hope you enjoy our thoughts on #HobbitDay.
September 22, let’s celebrate National Hobbit Day by recognizing J.R.R. Tolkien’s most lovable and heroic characters. The date was chosen because September 22 is both Bilbo and Frodo Baggins’ birthday. Creatures I hadn’t heard of but creatures ie people and David knew about.
Did you know Hobbits are shy, yet capable of great courage; reluctant to leave their homes, yet thirsty for adventure; quiet and peaceful, yet eager to host parties? With such wonderful characteristics, Hobbits have endeared generations with their affable complexities.
Hobbit trivia: Tolkien envisioned these small people as a separate race, like the Elves and the Dwarfs. Therefore, Hobbit is always capitalized
This Dall, enjoy one of Tolkien’s classic written works and let your imagination take you on an adventure alongside Frodo and Bilbo Baggins. Just remember: “home is behind, the world ahead” – J.R.R. Tolkien.
Hobbit Day Activities
- Did you know Hobbits enjoyed as many as six meals a day? Let’s host a party and make sure your festivities include a good amount of food because Hobbit’s are known for their well-stocked pantries, which means Hobbits never miss a chance to sit down among friends and share a good meal and lively conversation.
- Represent one of the peaceful pursuits of Hobbits by giving gifts and sharing in the spirit of community giving creative gifts, including toys, jewelry and small musical instruments which are perfect tokens for the festivities.
- Throw caution to the wind today and step out from your cozy household and go on a walk and yes, it can be a short walk in a new neighborhood or a trip to Cambodia, experience the thrill of the unknown just like a Baggins and explore the world!
Film-making Magic Facts About “The Hobbit”
- “The Hobbit” crew used up all of the gold paint in New Zealand when creating Smaug’s lair. Later, they had to order more paint and get it flown in from Germany. Isn’t that crazy?
- ”The Battle of The Five Armies” holds the world record for the longest fight sequence in a film, at 45 minutes in the theatrical version.
- All of the Dwarfs’ beards and hair were made of real yak hair. Some of the wig and beard combinations cost the makeup department upwards of $10,000. Holy Cow that’s a lot of Moola.
- The first roar the audience hears from Smaug is actually a soundbite of the SFX Director’s seven-year-old daughter making a roaring noise. It was manipulated and corrected to sound like a Dragon in the movie. Who woulda even thought a 7-year-old could sound like a Dragon? Now me. How about you?
- During a midnight screening in Sao Paulo, Brazil, one of the cinema’s speakers broke after Smaug’s first roar.
Why People Love Hobbit Day
- In the land of Middle earth, filled with dragons, trolls, elves, magic and danger, there’s never an end to the fun and trouble a Hobbit may get into. Enjoy an adventure that will make your imagination explode!
- No matter the challenges that befall its characters, “The Hobbit” always stays true to its main theme – friendship. Through every turn, every test and every trial, Hobbits remain steadfast in their love and loyalty to one another.
- “The Hobbit” is a classic story about good versus evil. While those who fight for good certainly experience struggles and loss, their faith that good will triumph never waivers and, in the end, the Hobbits are victorious!
September 22 Hobbit Day #HobbitDay
Here’s a fun and engaging Hobbit Day lesson plan to celebrate September 22—the shared birthday of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings! Perfect for middle school or high school classrooms, this plan blends literature, creativity, and a touch of Middle-earth magic.
Hobbit Day Lesson Plan
Objectives
- Explore themes and characters from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
- Understand the impact of J.R.R. Tolkien’s work on fantasy literature.
- Engage in creative and critical thinking through activities and discussion.
Duration
1–2 class periods (45–90 minutes total)
Materials
- Excerpts from The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring
- Copies of Tolkien’s maps of Middle earth
- Art supplies (paper, markers, etc.)
- Access to internet or projector for videos
Activities
1. Warm-Up: Hobbit Trivia Challenge (10 min)
- Quick quiz on Tolkien’s world: What’s a hobbit? Who is Gandalf? What’s the One Ring?
2. Mini Reading & Discussion (20 min)
- Read a short excerpt (Bilbo’s birthday party or the riddle scene with Gollum).
- Discuss themes: adventure, courage, friendship, and home.
3. Middle-earth Map Exploration (15 min)
- Show Tolkien’s map and trace Bilbo’s or Frodo’s journey.
- Students mark key locations and reflect on the challenges faced.
4. Creative Activity: Design Your Own Hobbit Hole (20 min)
- Students draw or describe their ideal hobbit home.
- Include details like garden, pantry, and cozy features.
5. Optional Extension: Hobbit Feast Planning
- Students plan a hobbit-style menu (think: seven meals a day!).
- Discuss cultural elements of food and celebration in Tolkien’s world.
Bonus: Watch & Reflect
- Show a clip from The Hobbit or The Fellowship of the Ring (Bilbo’s birthday scene is perfect).
- Reflect on how the film portrays hobbits and their values.
Wrap-Up
- Students write a short reflection: “What would I do if I were a hobbit for a day?”
- Share responses aloud or post them on a classroom board with #HobbitDay.
Let me know if you’d like printable worksheets, a quiz, or a themed writing prompt to go with this! By leaving me a comment below and I will get to work on what you need.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
