Theme

In a piece of narrative text, what is the "theme"?

• What the story is about
• The topic of the text
• A message the author is trying to get across to the reader
• Where and when the story happens

Which of these would be a good example of theme in a story?

• math is difficult
• if you steal, something bad will happen to you
• pets make people happy
• respect for others

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.8.2

During a baseball game, Tanner tried to tag a player leaving first base. When the umpire called the player out, Tanner immediately informed the umpire that he in fact did not tag the runner. Two weeks later, the very same umpire was at another one of Tanner’s baseball games. Tanner was playing short stop and tagged a runner as they approached third base. When the umpire called the player safe, Tanner didn’t say a word, but the umpire noticed the surprised look on Tanner’s face. “Did you tag the runner?” she asked Tanner. When Tanner told her that he did tag the runner, the umpire changed her decision and called the player out. The coaches and parents were furious, but the umpire stood by her decision.
What is the theme?

• You should cheat to win.
• Always work hard.
• It pays to be honest.
• Teamwork is best.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

In a spell of dry weather, when the Birds could find very little to drink, a thirsty Crow found a pitcher with a little water in it. But the pitcher was high and had a narrow neck, and no matter how he tried, the Crow could not reach the water. The poor thing felt as if he would die of thirst. Then an idea came to him. Picking up some small pebbles, he dropped them into the pitcher one by one. With each pebble the water rose a little higher until at last it was near enough so he could drink.
What is the theme?

• be persistent
• be honest
• always share with others
• respect your family

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.2

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

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

What is the theme of this story? 

• Slowly but surely wins the race.
• Don't be lazy. 
• We are stronger together than we are apart.
• If you try to go on your own, you will get eaten by a big fish.

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.1

CCSS.RL.4.2

What is the theme of this story? 

• Respect your elders.
• Look before you leap.
• Don't brag too much.
• Be polite.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5B

CCSS.L.5.5B

What is the theme of this story? 

• Don't steal. 
• Don't judge others. You don't know what they are capable of. 
• Being beautiful is the most important thing.
• Swans are prettier than ducks.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

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.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5B

CCSS.L.5.5B

What is the theme of this story?

• Respect your elders.
• Don't steal.
• Don't be lazy.
• Help others because what goes around comes around.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.4.5