1. Objective:
Today I will… be able to determine the central theme of a text.

2. Theme
The Big Idea
The most important concepts students should learn from this lesson are:
Themes are the “big ideas” found in stories – not just the topic of the story, but the underlying message which can be summed up in a word or two.
Themes exist in almost all stories, whether they are books, movies, songs, etc.
Almost any story will easily have more than one theme, and themes often interchangeable (loyalty and friendship, patriotism and loyalty, etc.)
There is no definitive list of themes, but several themes (mentioned in this presentation) are very common and appear in many, MANY stories.

3. The Message
Theme is a message from the author. It’s something he or she wants you to notice, realize, or learn.
As you read, think, “What message is the author trying to send to me?”
Look for patterns and a series of details that fit together to make a point.

4. The author uses characters and their words and actions to show the readers what the theme is.
Think about the situation characters find themselves in.
What is the conflict?
How do they react?
What do they say?
How do they solve their problems?

5. Themes = Big Ideas Adventure Love Teamwork Many, many more! Bravery
Loyalty
Friendship
Home & Family
Heroism
Freedom
Adventure
Love
Independence
Teamwork
Many, many more!
Stress that there are many more types of themes; these are just common examples. You may also want to write these down and display them in your room as you continue to work with theme.

6. Examples: Spider-Man Lessons learned: What does it mean to be a hero?
Heroes have to put others before themselves
Themes: Heroism, Selflessness, Bravery
For each movie example there can be many more themes than just the ones listed. Encourage students to list more as they think of them.

7. The Wizard of Oz Lessons Learned: “There’s no place like home.”
Good can defeat evil even when good is weaker.
You can do whatever you believe you can do.
Themes: Home and family, believing in yourself, good vs. evil

8. Up Lessons Learned: It’s never too late to have adventure
Everyone has some way to help another person
Themes: Adventure, Friendship, Believing in yourself

9. Name the themes: Shrek Possible answers: Heroism Adventure Loyalty
Friendship
Believing in oneself
Individuality
Love
Acceptance
Prejudice

10. What’s that theme? Possible answers: Medal – bravery, war, adventure
Heart – love, friendship
Family – home & family, teamwork, growing up
Knight – adventure, bravery, loyalty
Bears – friendship, loyalty

11. Instructions For each song played, you must identify the theme.
1. You must give the song a THEME, and very briefly explain WHY it is appropriate.
2. You must identify at LEAST ONE figurative device from the song lyrics. You MUST correctly categorize the figurative device you choose.

12. Remember, Figurative Devices:
Metaphor, Simile, Metaphor, Personification, Allusion, Irony, Hyperbole, Idiom, Symbolism
THEMES:
Love, Acceptance, Identity, Overcoming Adversity, Good vs. Evil, Friendship, Unreturned Love, Ill-Fated Love, Loyalty, Heartbreak, etc.

13. Song: Katy Perry, “Firework”
00:15-1:15
Do you ever feel like a plastic bag, Drifting through the wind Wanting to start again? Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin Like a house of cards, One blow from caving in? Do you ever feel already buried deep? 6 feet under screams but no one seems to hear a thing Do you know that there's still a chance for you 'Cause there's a spark in you You just gotta ignite the light, and let it shine Just own the night like the 4th of July 'Cause baby you're a firework Come on, show 'em what you're worth Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh" As you shoot across the sky-y-y

14. Song: Bill Withers, “Lean On Me”
00:27-2:10
Sometimes in our lives We all have pain, we all have sorrow But if we are wise We know that there's always tomorrow Lean on me when you're not strong And I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on For it won't be long 'Til I'm gonna need somebody to lean on Please, swallow your pride If I have things you need to borrow For no one can fill those of your needs That you won't let show You just call on me, brother, when you need a hand We all need somebody to lean on I just might have a problem that you'll understand We all need somebody to lean on

15. Think Pair Share Each group will have two copies of the same fable.
You’ll have 30 seconds to read your card silently and write down on a piece of paper what the theme is.
When the teacher says pair, you will turn to your shoulder partner and share each of your ideas of theme.
When the teacher says share, as a pair you will decide the theme and share it with your other table members.
Then you will pass the card and get a new story.