1. Reading Class Interactive Notebook
Theme Notes
Page 12

2. Page 12: Theme
Theme—the truth or central idea a story reveals about life; expressed as a statement (not just a phrase or in a few words)
It is a moral, life lesson, message, or meaning.
It is a debatable opinion.
It is implied, not stated.
ANY theme can be considered valid IF you can support it with text evidence!

3. Theme Notes
Theme — the truth or central idea a story reveals about life; expressed as a statement (not just a phrase or in a few words)
Examples:
Friends are not always trustworthy.
Gossip can cause serious damage to a person’s reputation.
Courage allows people to attempt difficult tasks in their lives even when there is a chance of failing.

4. Notes – Record these on the left hand side of the page.
Text Evidence - information from a text which supports a thesis. A quote from a text which supports a thesis. A paraphrase of a quote. Something that is very clearly stated in a text.
There are three main ways to use evidence or examples from a text to illustrate your own points in an essay:
Making a reference to the author or the text
Paraphrasing the author by telling about the ideas or story in your own words
Directly quoting from the text

5. Iditarod: A Tough Journey for Dogs
Watch this video from Discovery
After the video:
Brainstorm the topics (big ideas) covered in the video clip. (ex: LOVE, FRIENDSHIP)
Record these on the trunk of your tree

6. Iditarod: A Tough Journey for Dogs
Watch the video a second time and pay close attention to what the central idea is of the clip
On your tree branches:
Record as a statement the theme of the clip.
On your tree leaves:
Record text evidence that supports your theme.