1. Theme
Just as the cream filling is the hidden treat inside of a cupcake, the theme is the hidden message inside of a story.

2. The theme is the message of a story.
Usually the reader needs to infer the theme; it won’t be directly stated.
A story, especially a novel, can/will have more than one theme.
A theme is not a subject (one word); it is a statement!

3. If the subject was Family, the THEME might be:
Example
If the subject was Family, the THEME might be:
Family comes first.
Blood is thicker than water.
Families can come in different forms

4. If the subject was Love, the THEME might be:
Your Turn
If the subject was Love, the THEME might be:
Love is blind.

5. If the subject was Friendship, the THEME might be:
Your Turn
If the subject was Friendship, the THEME might be:

6. Other THEMES Stand up for yourself! Two heads are better than one.
You can’t stay young forever.
Stand up for yourself!
Appreciate what you have.
Two heads are better than one.
If at first you don’t succeed, try again.

7. Appreciate what you have.
Practice
Whole Class
Directions: As you watch the short video, try to find the “theme filling.” Use your theme cards to help you find a theme statement that is appropriate to the video.
Appreciate what you have.
For the Birds

8. Practice
Whole Class
Directions:
With the class, read the first passage in your notes, and try to find the “theme filling.”
Use your theme cards to help you find a theme statement and write it next to the passage.
Highlight evidence of the theme in the passage.

9. Practice
Small Group
Directions:
With the person next to you, read the passage below, and try to find the “theme filling.”
Use your theme cards to help you find a theme statement that is appropriate to the story and write the answer next to the passage.
Highlight evidence of the theme in the passage.

10. Practice Directions: Read the final passage on your own.
Find the theme of the last passage and write it next to the passage.
Highlight evidence of the theme in the passage.

11. On Your Own
Exit Ticket
Directions: Take out a notecard and answer the question below in the A.C.E. format.
Question: What is the theme of the third passage?

12. Real Life Application
Did you know that you can also find themes in paintings, music, TV shows, and more?
Let’s talk about MUSIC for a minute…

13. Themes in Music Let’s talk about music for a minute…
Think about the theme in “The Star-Spangled Banner”… there’s a reason it’s our national anthem.
Why does the song “Eye of the Tiger” get us pumped up to play a sport or work out?
Think about the songs you hear at church, weddings, funerals, parties, etc.
They all have themes that are appropriate to the occasion. The themes help us relate and make connections.
Let’s talk about music for a minute…

14. Your Theme Song
If you had to choose a song that would be considered your THEME song, what would it be?
To the right of your foldable…
Brainstorm a list of songs that
have personal meaning for you.
These should be songs to which
you can relate and connect. They
should represent you in some
way.

15. Your Theme Song
Now choose ONE and circle it on your paper.
Underneath your list, answer the following prompt in A.C.E. format. *For the citation you will need to remember some lyrics*
Prompt: Choose and explain your theme song.