Theme

What is theme?

• message about life that the author expresses

• the time, location, and mood of a story

• sequence of events

• the main events

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

A story's main theme might be difficult to figure out because:

• Authors rarely want the reader to figure it out

• It has little to do with plot, characters, and other story elements

• Only complicated, adult stories have themes

• It is rarely stated explicitly

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.3.9

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.5.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.3.9

My best friend was having a party Friday night, but I also had a baseball game.  This was going to be a tough decision.  If I do not go to the game, I will let my team down.

• It's important to be loyal
• Your friends are the most important things in life
• Being good at sports is the best way to get friends
• it's important to never give up

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

She sobbed for hours trying to think of a way out of having to tell her father she wrecked her new car.  After stewing over it for quite some time, she called her father on his cell phone.  "Thank you," he said.

• Sometimes crying is good for you
• it's important to be honest
• Driving a car is a big responsibility
• expereincing loss/grief is difficult

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

Ben knew his friend was about to receive a check for not being prepared for class.  This would have been the third day in a row he would have to stand out from recess.  Ben gave the pencil to Tim.  Later, Ben received a check and had to stand out from recess.

• it's hard to stand up for your friends
• it takes courage to help your friends
• don't judge a book by its cover
• sometimes sacrifice is necessary to help others

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

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

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

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

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

"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

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.4.9