1. CHARACTERS AND THEME
THE LESSONS LEARNED

2. In every story...
a writer expresses an opinion or shows concern for a topic. This central idea is the author’s underlying meaning or lesson about life that he is trying to convey. Usually, the author wants us to learn about ourselves or about what it means to be alive. Characters change and evolve based on these lessons, too. (Think about fables, proverbs, wise old sayings from your granny…)

3. Examples of this lesson...
Love is blind.
Believe in yourself.
People are afraid of change.
Good will win over evil.
Friendship can survive any challenge.
“Don’t judge a book by its cover”

4. What is this poem’s theme?
Sport, show Squad, strive Smile, stand straight Silence simmers Step, stomp Shout, sing Solid stunts Synchronized sounds Supporting spirit...SCORE!
Sometimes, a theme can be obvious and RIGHT IN YOUR FACE. Or, the writer might want you to make deeper connections in your reading and understanding. (For example...The Hare and the Tortoise.)

5. Characters learn lessons, too!
Jinxy Jenkins and Lucky Lou
Oktapodi
What lesson do the characters learn in each of these films? What did you learn?