Lesson 2: Identifying the Theme of Realistic Fiction

​Finding the Theme

​Learning Objective: We are learning to identify the theme of a text.

Success Criteria:

1. I can define the term theme.

2. I can understand the common themes in a text.

3. I can determine the theme using text evidence.

Open Ended

In your own words explain what the word theme means.

On the next few slides you will answer some questions based on your prior knowledge.

​

Let's see what you already know about theme

Multiple Choice

The message or lesson that the author wants you to learn from the story is called the

• thesis

• summary

• theme

• plot

Multiple Choice

Where can a reader find the theme?

• It stated directly in the text.

• A character tells you.

• The reader must understand what the character has learned.

• Books or movies do not have themes.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a theme?

• sharing with others is caring

• money is the root of all evil

• hard work pays off

• love

Multiple Choice

The theme of a text is its

• summary

• message

• point of view

• answer

Multiple Choice

Kim had gone through her closet with her mom over the weekend. She remembered a new girl at school who always seemed to wear the same pants over and over. Kim wondered what she could do with the clothes. She handed the new girl a bag as she passed her in the hallway. What is the theme of this passage?

• sacrifice is difficult sometimes

• it's better to give than to receive

• friendship is the most important thing in life

Common Themes

• Be Prepared

• Actions Speak Louder Than Words

• Practice Makes Perfect

• Honesty is the best policy

• Appreciate what you have

• Cheaters never win

Multiple Choice

Three flies notice an overturned honey pot. Two of the flies decide to land in the honey and start eating it. But the oldest fly stays back. The two flies tease the older fly, but then get stuck in the honey.

What is the theme of this story?

• Some prizes aren't worth it.

• Overeating leads to illness.

• Insects value food over safety.

• Always send a tester.

Open Ended

Three flies notice an overturned honey pot. Two of the flies decide to land in the honey and start eating it. But the oldest fly stays back. The two flies tease the older fly, but then get stuck in the honey.

Theme: Some prizes aren't worth it.

Why was this a good theme for this passage. Discuss with your group then answer.

• a summary

• specific to a story

Theme is not..

• a life lesson

• something the reader can connect with

A theme is..

What is Theme?

​Let's read The Lion & the Mouse and see if we can determine the theme.

• Read The Lion and the Mouse with your group.

• After reading work with your group to determine the theme of the story.

Multiple Choice

What was the theme of The Lion and The Mouse?

• Behave in class

• You should always help little animals out

• Good deeds will be rewarded

• Honesty is best

Open Ended

What evidence and details from the story helped you to determine the theme of The Lion and the Mouse?

Multiple Choice

Which is an example of theme?

• One person can make a difference.

• Missy knew she would always be grateful.

• The donkey was stubborn and did not change.

• Sir John became famous for slaying the dragon.

Multiple Choice

What does theme add to a story?

• A sense of location.

• An important message.

• Motivation for the characters.

• Dialogue for the characters.

Multiple Choice

What is the theme of this story?

• Don't be lazy.

• Turtles are faster than rabbits.

• Our friends are always there for us.

• It is better to take your time and do it right then to rush and fail.

Multiple Choice

Once a cat was in a hurry. She ran across the street without looking. She narrowly escaped being hit by a car. 

• Don't Steal

• Look both ways before crossing the street

• Necessity is the mother of invention 

• One good turn deserves another

Multiple Choice

Ryan and Alicia both wanted the same part in the school play. The drama teacher, Miss Flynn, was new, and both Ryan and Alicia wanted to impress her. Ryan told Miss Flynn that he had starred in many plays already. Alicia told her that she had never been in a play, but she had been working hard every day to learn the lines of the part she hoped to get. When Miss Flynn mentioned Ryan’s drama experience to one of the other teachers, he laughed. “The only drama experience he has is the lie he told you,” the other teacher said. Alicia got the part.

• honesty is the best policy

• true beauty is on the inside

• choose your friends wisely

Open Ended

How did the actions or thoughts of the characters help you determine the theme?

Open Ended

Think about a story that you recently read. What was the theme of that story? If you can not think of a recent story, then explain in your own words the meaning of theme.

Poll

Self Assessment: How are you feeling about theme?

• I understand it and could teach it to someone else.

• I understand it.

• I think I get it, but I’m still getting some problems wrong.

• I don’t get it. I need help.

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