1. Copy the AGENDA down into your planner!
Please Enter Quietly
Copy the AGENDA down into your planner!
Today YOU WILL NEED:
1. Pencil
2. Paper for Cornell Notes
3, Positive Attitude

2. Theme
The Search for Meaning

3. What is theme? How do we identify theme in a story?
Essential Question
What is theme? How do we identify theme in a story?

4. What is Theme?
Theme: Theme is the story’s main message or lesson about life that the writer wants to share.
In other words…
Theme is what the story teaches readers.
A theme is not a word, it is a sentence.
EXAMPLE: “LOVE” – “Love is eternal.”
You don’t have to agree with the theme to identify it.

5. Think about the story of Cinderella.
Topic/PLOT: a poor girl marries a prince.
THEME: Good things happen to good people.

6. Theme Activity: Party Planners
Students you are going to be party planners.
In a group of 4, you will plan a “pretend” party of your choice and choose a Theme.
Brainstorm what types of possible parties you can plan such as a Hawaiian theme, 4th of July theme, Super Bowl theme, 90s theme, etc.
Think about the invitations, food menu, costumes/clothing, props/decorations, and activities etc.
Share your party theme and details of the party with the class.
Invitations
Food menu
Costumes/clothing
Decorations
Activities

7. Identifying Themes Themes are not explicit (clearly stated).
Themes are implied.
Identifying a theme can be difficult to detect at times and may require some detective work by using clues from the story.

8. Themes are about the big picture…
Themes are located everywhere (different types of music, movies) but especially in the material you read.
Themes in reading materials are like the theme in their parties with many details supporting a major big idea.
Big World of the Theme.
Applies to the “Real” World.
Small
World
of the
Story

9. THE UGLY Duckling As you watch, think about the topic and the theme.
Link:
tube.com/watc h?v=THmHFHB WQZc

10. The Ugly Duckling Topic Theme (s)
An ugly duckling is neglected by his family, then finds a new family that loves him in the end.
Individuality. Don’t judge others by their appearance. Be true to yourself.
BE YOURSELF

11. Theme is what we can learn from a story. Themes must be inferred.
Reviewing THEME
Theme is what we can learn from a story.
Themes must be inferred.
Themes are about the BIG world.

12. The Tortoise and the Hare
Topic
Theme (s)
A tortoise and a Hare race to see who can win a race.
A lesson in determination. Hard work will overcome any obstacle.

13. How to write your Theme Statement:
Use complete sentences.
Think about what the author of the piece is trying to tell you about life.
Think about what the character learns.
How does it apply to people in general?
Examples
Money can’t buy happiness.
Don’t judge people based on the surface.
It is better to die free than live under tyranny.