Theme Statements

Theme

mini lesson

Class Objective

• Identify topics within a text

• Create theme statements based on those topics

Multiple Choice

The theme is the same as the subject of a work of literature.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

The theme is generally presented in a complete sentence at the end of introduction of a story.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

The theme ties together other elements of the narrative, including the characters and the events of the plot.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

The theme is a common idea or observation that the reader can relate to.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Sometimes the reader must infer the theme based on the theme topics and events in the plot.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

The theme could be a moral or life lesson.

• True

• False

Theme

Theme is stated as the message the author is trying to teach me.

Steps to finding theme

• Read the entire text

• Review the topics of the story

• Ask yourself: What is the author trying to teach me about these topics

• Create a theme statement

• Provide evidence to support my theme

Open Ended

Kelly ran into her homeroom. She could not wait to tell her friends what she's overheard about another girl in the class, Melissa. As she huddled with her friends, repeating the unfortunate details of the embarrassing incident that involved Melissa, another group of girls walked into the room, giggling. One of them, Chantal, strolled over to Kelly. It is true? Kelly assumed Chantal was talking about Melissa and replied, "I know, I can't believe she did that. How will she even come to school again?" Chantal cocked her head slightly. "What are you talking about? I mean, is it true you just showed up at Melissa's sleepover, even though you weren't invited, and cried until your mom picked you up?" Kelly was shocked. She couldn't believe people were talking about that. She felt her face go red as the girls began to laugh at her.

What would be a topic (big idea) of this scenario?

Open Ended

Sam's brother, Rob, asked him to hold on to his birthday money for him. "Keep it safe," Rob said. "If I hold onto it, I'll just spend it, and I want to save money for a new skateboard." At first, Sam borrowed just a dollar or two so he could get an extra cookie at lunch. Then, one Saturday, his friends asked him to go to the movies. Having no money of his own, Sam borrowed a bit of Rob's money. After a few months, none of Rob's money was left. Sam felt a bit guilty, but he also assumed he's be able to pay it back when he got his own birthday money. When Sam's birthday arrived, he did, as he's predicted, receive quite a bit of cash. He announced that evening, "I'm taking my money to the skate show tomorrow. I've jas my eye on a new skateboard." Rob perked up. "I'll go to! With the money you're holding for me and the money I've earned during chores the past few months, I finally have enough to buy a new skateboard too!"

What would a topic be for this scenario? (Big ideas)

Poll

I feel confident in identifying a stories theme.

• Yes

• No