Theme

Theme

Universal Message

What is theme?

A theme is the big idea in a story. It's the message about people or the world that the author is trying to get across. Themes are universal, which means they are true in all times and all places. They apply to many different types of people.

Multiple Choice

Themes only apply to one types of person.

• True

• False

Let's watch this flocabulary

https://www.flocabulary.com/unit/theme/video/

As the reader what should I ask...

• What does the author really want me to know?

• What is the story truly about?

• What is at the heart?

• Was there a lesson I learned?

As the reader what should I ask...

• What is my character's problem(conflict)?

• How are they reacting to it?

• What might the author be teaching me about this topic?

• 
  

Multiple Choice

What is theme?

• how the reader feels about the story
• What the main character learns 
• the title
• central message or moral of the story

Multiple Choice

Can theme be found in fiction and nonfiction? 

• True 
• False 

Remember a theme is:

as the universal idea or message about life that an author expresses in a story. 

The story:

Rohan triumphantly lifted the trophy above his head. Despite all the obstacles, he had won. Beneath his cheerful exterior, he felt a twinge of the constant pain he’d learned to live with. Almost unconsciously, Rohan removed one hand from the trophy and rubbed the thin red scar that snaked around his ankle. He thought back to the surgery and the weeks spent lying in his bed, unable to compete. The months of exercises to strengthen his leg. “Rohan!” he heard the crowd scream, as if in slow motion. A smile broke across Rohan’s face, shattering his thoughts. He returned his hand to his trophy, firmly grasping it.

What is most likely the theme of this story? 

R.A.C.E.

RESTATE AND ANSWER:

The Theme of this story is through determination, you can overcome big challenges.

R.A.C.E.

CITE EVIDENCE:

According to the passage, "Despite all the obstacles, he [Rohan] had won." Details also suggest that Rohan has shown determination through a long struggle. He has a scar, he had surgery and he spent weeks lying in bed and months strengthening his leg.

R.A.C.E.

EXPLAIN:

We can infer that a theme is through determination. you can overcome big challenges because of Rohan's actions and thoughts in the story. 

Multiple Choice

What could be a theme of the following: 
In 1946, Robinson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers.  He became the first African American to play basball in Major Leagues.  Robinson's first game was opening day of the 1947 season. He faced the Boston Braves.  He also faced a hostile crowd. 

• Join the Dodgers 
• Fish out of Water 
• Follow your dreams 
• Always play baseball 

Multiple Choice

What could the theme be?

• Be an alert passenger when others are driving.

• Don't text and drive when traffic is heavy.

• When you make a mistake, admit it.

• Reckless behavior can hurt you and others.

Multiple Choice

What could the theme be?

• Cheating can have negative consequences.

• Follow directions given by a coach.

• Cross-country is a difficult sport for some kids.

• Don't let others influence you into making bad choices.

Multiple Choice

One summer's day, a merry Grasshopper was dancing, singing and playing his violin with all his heart. He saw an Ant passing by working hard to store food for the winter. “Come and sing with me instead of working so hard,” said the Grasshopper “Let’s have fun together.” “I must store food for the winter,” said the Ant,“ and I advise you to do the same.” “Don’t worry about winter, it’s still very far away,” said the Grasshopper, laughing at him. But the Ant wouldn’t listen and continued to work. When winter came, the starving Grasshopper went to the Ant’s house and humbly begged for something to eat. “If you had listened to my advice in the summer you would not now be in need,” said the Ant. “I’m afraid you will have to go without supper,” and he closed the door.
What is the theme?

• share with your neighbor
• work before you play
• be respectful
• don't be greedy

Multiple Choice

A novel can have more than one theme.

• TRUE
• FALSE

Multiple Choice

What is the theme of this story? 

• Don't be greedy.
• Work together.
• Respect your elders. 
• Don't steal.

Multiple Choice

What is the theme of this story?  

• Eat your vegetables.
• Don't brag. Be modest. 
• Don't talk to strangers. 
• Necessity is the mother of invention.

Multiple Choice

What is the theme of this story? 

• Necessity is the mother of invention.
• Don't steal.
• Respect your elders.
• Slowly but surely wins the race.

Multiple Choice

What is theme?

• how the reader feels about the story
• What the main character learns 
• the title
• central message or moral of the story

Multiple Choice

Can theme be found in fiction and nonfiction? 

• True 
• False 

Open Ended

List the thinking steps to finding the theme of any story?