1. Good readers can identify the THEME of a story
Mini Lesson: Theme
Good readers can identify the THEME
of a story

2. The Five Literary Elements Found in All Fictional Literature
– Characters: who – Setting: where/when – Plot: how – Conflict: what –THEME: WHY!

3. A theme is not… A theme is… A “you” statement One word A summary
A message or idea
Expressed as a general statement
Stated in a sentence
An author’s observation about
human nature.
About the real world
Found in all literary elements
of a story: characters, setting,
plot, and conflict.
Can be backed up by text
Implied; not directly stated.
Applicable to multiple texts.
Example: Hard work results in
success.
A “you” statement
One word
A summary
About the characters in the book
Non-examples: “Diligence” or “You have to work hard.”

4. Popular Novel Examples
Harry Potter: love and friendship conquers all.
Hunger Games: there is power in numbers or just because something is the norm, does not mean it is right.
Pretty Little Liars: keeping secrets can be dangerous or the truth really will set you free.
USUALLY, THERE IS MORE THAN ONE RIGHT ANSWER!

5. Theme: Too much innocence can lead to being easily deceived
Little Red Riding Hood
What topics or big
ideas does the story
deal with?
What is the
author saying
about one of
these topics?
Put it into a
THEME
statement!
Deception
The author shows that the wolf is able to deceive Granny and Red because they are innocent
Theme: Too much innocence can lead to being easily deceived

6. Theme: Planning leads to success
Three Little Pigs
What topics or big
ideas does the story
deal with?
What is the
author saying
about one of
these topics?
Put it into a
THEME
statement!
Making Smart Choices
The author shows that planning ahead (building a brick house) is a smart choice
Theme: Planning leads to success

7. What’s the theme? Choose one.
Toy Story A Bug’s Life The Lion King Finding Nemo The Incredibles Mulan Hercules 101 Dalmations …or any other POPULAR, WELL-KNOWN Disney movie

8. Themes in Disney Movies
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9. Look for…
Symbols that reoccur Patterns in the story Details that stand out from the rest The title