1. Focusing Question Focusing Question | Mini Lesson | Writer’s Work Time | Lesson SummaryMini Lesson Writer’s Work Time Lesson Summary Objective: To find big ideas and themes in stories students read independently. Focusing Question: What theme statements can you create from the big ideas in your story? Strategy: To create a thesis or theme statement about a story by analyzing the author’s words, big ideas and messages. Find Big Ideas and Themes in Stories – Beginner

2. Focusing Question Focusing Question | Mini Lesson | Writer’s Work Time | Lesson SummaryMini Lesson Writer’s Work Time Lesson Summary We learn about life and human nature by thinking about what we read. Big ideas from stories can be crafted into theme statements by using: –general terms –complete sentences. The theme statements we choose should be important enough to write about. Mini Lesson

3. Focusing Question Focusing Question | Mini Lesson | Writer’s Work Time | Lesson SummaryMini Lesson Writer’s Work Time Lesson Summary 1.Watch DD’s Think Aloud: Find Big Ideas and Themes in Stories. 2.Work with a partner to review the characters, plot, conflict and resolution of the story. 3.Discuss the big ideas in your story and list 3-4 on your handout. 4.On your own, turn 2-3 of the big ideas into theme statements. 5.Ask yourself the guiding questions to determine whether your theme statements are appropriate. Writer’s Work Time

4. Focusing Question Focusing Question | Mini Lesson | Writer’s Work Time | Lesson SummaryMini Lesson Writer’s Work Time Lesson Summary What theme statements did you come up with? How does the theme statement connect to: your life? The author’s message? Lesson Summary