Understanding Theme

The best definition of theme is...

• The lesson the author is teaching. 
• The message the author is sending.
• A word that summarizes the story.
• The character's main problem.

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CCSS.RL.3.9

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What is the main difference between THEME and MAIN IDEA. 

• Theme is a universal lesson, and main idea is what a story is about.
• Theme is what a story is about, and main idea is the universal lesson it teaches.
  

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CCSS.RL.3.9

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True or false. The theme of the text is always stated.

• True, authors tell you the lesson of the story.

• False, the theme of the story is usually implied based on what characters experience

• False, most stories do not have a theme

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CCSS.RL.3.9

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A theme should be a statement, not just one word. 

• TRUE
• FALSE

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CCSS.RL.3.9

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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.

• sacrifice is difficult sometimes
• it's better to give than to receive
• friendship is the most important thing in life
• it's important to be honest

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CCSS.RL.3.9

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There was a ragged old woman following behind me as I walked down each aisle.  She had a strange look on her face, as her missing teeth distorted her smile.  I rushed to try to avoid her, as I was a little nervous about what she might do.  Come to find out, I dropped some money and she was trying to return it to me.

• Old people are always mean
• don't judge a book by its cover
• you should be aware of others
• it takes courage to stand up to bullies

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CCSS.RL.3.9

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"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.

• you should sacrifice for others
• your family will do anything for you
• when you are greedy, you will fall down
• you should never give up

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CCSS.RL.3.9

CCSS.RL.4.2

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The theme is a lesson learned; the moral of the story.

• True
• False

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CCSS.RL.3.9

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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 

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CCSS.RL.3.9

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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.

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CCSS.RL.3.9

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9