1. What IS a big idea? It is something people from all walks of life experience. It can be seen from many different perspectives, felt in many different ways. It resonates with (matters to) many different kinds of people. It’s an idea, not a thing or an action

2. What are some big ideas? Acceptance Courage Perseverance Cooperation Compassion Honesty Kindness Loyalty Abandonment Alienation Ambition Coming of Age Death Family Freedom Grief/Loss Heroism Hope Search for identity Illness Isolation Justice Love Nature Oppression Parenting Pride Race Religion Science & Technology Suffering The power of one Community & Responsibility Choices & Possibilities Friendship The Big Trick The Big Mystery

3. What IS a big idea? “Oh, love!” her father said, and then added more quietly, “It’s better to learn to say goodbye early than late, Jo.” … Because Dad’s had to learn, why must Johnny, she thought bitterly. She got into the front seat and leaned across the wheel, without any attempt to stop crying. Then, as the sobs let up, she pounded the wheel. “No, sir!” she said aloud. “I won’t learn! I refuse to learn! I’ll be an exception!”

4. What IS a big idea? “We stand there with this big smile of respect between us. It’s about as real a smile as girls can do for each other, considering we don’t practice real smiling every day, you know, cause maybe we too busy being flowers or fairies or strawberries instead of something honest and worthy of respect... you know... like being people.”

5. Interpretation When we interpret a story, we are explaining its theme, which is the author’s message, observation, or comment about a big idea.

6. Theme is the author’s comment, observation, or message about a big idea. Big Idea Loss Pride Prejudice Theme The challenge in life is to face loss with grace and strength, not bitterness. Taking pride in others’ achievements is more mature than selfish pride. Sometimes it is up to you to shine a different light on someone if you wish to see them well.

7. Theme is the author’s comment, observation, or message about a big idea. Big Idea Loss of Innocence Pride Poverty Theme In the process of growing up, sometimes we have to lose our naïve way of seeing the world and face hard truths. Taking pride in others’ achievements is more mature than selfish pride. Poverty is cruel and unfair, not noble or character-building.