Theme Part 1

Theme

Objectives​

• I can ​identify what the character learned.

• I can ​identify how the character changed.

• I can identify the lesson/message of the story. ​

Theme

We will be inferring the theme of short films.

Multiple Choice

Theme is the _______ of a story.

• setting

• problem

• life lesson, moral, or message

• chicken

Multiple Select

Click on two examples of a theme (life lesson).

• I really like chickens. They are the best!

• In order to succeed, you must work hard.

• Always be yourself.

• The story is mainly about chicken and how they change the food industry.

Main/central idea is what the story is mainly.

Ex.

-The story is about how to bake chocolate cookies.

-The story is about Paul Revere and how he helped in the Revolutionary War.

​

Theme is not central idea

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a synonym for theme?

• message

• moral

• life lesson

• fable

Multiple Choice

Which is that?

• Theme

• Main/central Idea

Draw

Read and highlight.

Multiple Choice

Gina could not believe it. She had barely passed her science class again. She took the report card home and felt sad for days. Although she had done well in the other classes, science was just not her thing. "Mom, I need help," Gina said one day. "I have tried, but I can't get better in science." "I knew you were struggling, but I didn't know you were having such a hard time," Gina's mom said lovingly, "Of course, I will help you!" So, Gina spent two hours every day studying her science book. She asked her mom any question she had trouble with. Gina even stayed after class to learn more from her science teacher. Gina was surprised to know that she started understanding things better. When it was time for the next science exam, she felt ready. Before she knew it, Gina made a A on her science exam.

What is the conflict?

• Gina got a B on her science exam

• Gina and her mom don't get along

• Gina was failing science

• Gina didn't like her teacher

Multiple Choice

Gina could not believe it. She had barely passed her science class again. She took the report card home and felt sad for days. Although she had done well in the other classes, science was just not her thing. "Mom, I need help," Gina said one day. "I have tried, but I can't get better in science." "I knew you were struggling, but I didn't know you were having such a hard time," Gina's mom said lovingly, "Of course, I will help you!" So, Gina spent two hours every day studying her science book. She asked her mom any question she had trouble with. Gina even stayed after class to learn more from her science teacher. Gina was surprised to know that she started understanding things better. When it was time for the next science exam, she felt ready. Before she knew it, Gina made a B on her science exam.

How does Gina try to solve the conflict?

• Gina quit science class.

• Gina took the report card home.

• Gina reached out to her and her teacher for help. Gina spent two hours every day studying.

• Gina was surprised to know that she started understanding things better.

Multiple Choice

Gina could not believe it. She had barely passed her science class again. She took the report card home and felt sad for days. Although she had done well in the other classes, science was just not her thing. "Mom, I need help," Gina said one day. "I have tried, but I can't get better in science." "I knew you were struggling, but I didn't know you were having such a hard time," Gina's mom said lovingly, "Of course, I will help you!" So, Gina spent two hours every day studying her science book. She asked her mom any question she had trouble with. Gina even stayed after class to learn more from her science teacher. Gina was surprised to know that she started understanding things better. When it was time for the next science exam, she felt ready. Before she knew it, Gina made a A on her science exam.

What best shows the theme of the story?

• Always be brave and face your enemies

• It is important to be thankful for your gifts

• If we work hard, you will succeed

• Never judge a person by his or her looks

Multiple Select

Gina could not believe it. She had barely passed her science class again. She took the report card home and felt sad for days. Although she had done well in the other classes, science was just not her thing. "Mom, I need help," Gina said one day. "I have tried, but I can't get better in science." "I knew you were struggling, but I didn't know you were having such a hard time," Gina's mom said lovingly, "Of course, I will help you!" So, Gina spent two hours every day studying her science book. She asked her mom any question she had trouble with. Gina even stayed after class to learn more from her science teacher. Gina was surprised to know that she started understanding things better. When it was time for the next science exam, she felt ready. Before she knew it, Gina made a A on her science exam.

Check three evidence that supports the theme. (Choose 3)

• Gina's mom said lovingly, "Of course, I will help you."

• She asked her mom any question she had trouble with

• Gina even stayed after class to learn more from her science teacher

• She had barely passed her science class again. She took the report card home and felt sad for days.

• Before she knew it, Gina made an A on her science exam.

Open Ended

Gina could not believe it. She had barely passed her science class again. She took the report card home and felt sad for days. Although she had done well in the other classes, science was just not her thing. "Mom, I need help," Gina said one day. "I have tried, but I can't get better in science." "I knew you were struggling, but I didn't know you were having such a hard time," Gina's mom said lovingly, "Of course, I will help you!" So, Gina spent two hours every day studying her science book. She asked her mom any question she had trouble with. Gina even stayed after class to learn more from her science teacher. Gina was surprised to know that she started understanding things better. When it was time for the next science exam, she felt ready. Before she knew it, Gina made a A on her science exam.

What theme does Gina learn? Use text evidence to support your answer.

​Sometimes you may need to look for the actions of the characters to find the theme.

Multiple Select

What is a possible theme for the short film? (choose the two that apply)

• The key to happiness is getting what you want.

• Successful people keep trying even when they fail.

• Use your resources to be successful.

• Not everyone is who they seem.

Multiple Select

What is a possible theme for the short film? (choose all that apply)

• Think through your choices before you act.

• Don't be afraid of bullies.

• You can't please everyone so just be true to yourself.

• Fears are overcome by facing them.

Draw

Read and highlight

Multiple Select

What is the theme of this story? (Choose two that apply)

• Never trust someone who lies

• True friends are very hard to find

• Great friends look out for each other.

• real happiness is found at home

Multiple Select

.

Check the evidence that best supports the theme. (Choose two)

• "One morning, as Ali was on his newspaper route, he tripped over a rock."

• "Ali was the friendliest boy in town"

• "Days went by and only Sam from across the street came to see Ali."

• "Although Ali had been nice to everyone at school, only one person cared about him."

Open Ended

What is the theme of the story? Use evidence to support your answer.

Multiple Choice

"You can do it!" shouted her father, as he pushed Chloe and let go. She was going on her own, but suddenly fell. She cried, but said, "Again, daddy!" This time she went farther but fell into the ditch. A few moments later, she was riding down the street, smiling from ear to ear.

Which best represents the theme or moral?

• You should sacrifice for others.

• Give up when things are tough.

• When you are greedy, you will fall down.

• You should never give up.

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.

Which best represents the theme or moral?

• Having fun will always pay off

• Play before you work

• Be respectful

• Being prepared helps your future.

Poll

I feel confident in identifying a stories theme.

• Yes! Mr. Mena, I am super confident, and I make you proud!

• I am sort of confident identifying the theme, and I am working hard!

• I know what theme is, but it's hard to find it.

• I don't even know what theme is.