Theme, main Idea, plot and summary

What is the best definition of THEME?

• A universal truth, moral, or idea that the author wants to express. 
• The location and time of the story
• The events that occur in the story
• The author's reason for writing a story

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.9

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

There are many fun things to do at the beach.  Swimming is one thing that can be done at the beach.  Snorkeling is another thing that can be enjoyed.  Playing beach volleyball can be a lot of fun.  It is also fun to look for shells.  Some people simply like to sunbathe.
What is the main idea?

• There are many fun things to do at the beach.
• It is also fun to look for shells.
• Some people simply like to sunbathe.
• Going to the beach to swim can be fun.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

Soccer players learn many skills when playing soccer.  Soccer players learn how to dribble and pass the ball.  They also learn how to control the ball so they can eventually score.  Most importantly, soccer players learn how to work together with their teammates.
What is the main idea?

• They also learn how to control the ball so they can eventually score.
• Soccer players learn how to dribble.
• They learn how to work together as teammates.
• Soccer players learn many skills when playing soccer.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

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.3.9

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

One summer, a grasshopper watched the ants work all day and all night storing seeds for the winter. "How boring," he said. "I will never work all day, I only want to play!" When winter came, the grasshopper looked and looked for food, but there was none around. He asked the ants for some food, but they told him that they worked hard for their food and they would not share any.

WHAT IS THE THEME OF THIS STORY?

• You should never share.

• You must work as well as play.

• You should always share.

• It gets cold in the winter.

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.9

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

There once was an old farmer who needed money. One day his goose laid a golden egg! For one week the goose laid one golden egg a day. The farmer now had more gold then he would ever need, but he wanted his goose to lay more eggs! He was sure that they must be inside of the goose, so he decided to cut them out. Unfortunately, there were no more eggs in the goose and now the goose was dead. The farmer would never get another golden egg again.

WHAT IS THE THEME OF THIS STORY?

• Take care of your pets.

• Gold is worthless.

• If you are greedy, than you will have nothing in the end.

• Never be a farmer.

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.9

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

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

• TRUE
• FALSE

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.9

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

Floods can cause tremendous damage.  They can ruin houses, roads and buildings. Floods can take down trees and cause mudslides. It often leaves mud, sand and debris behind.  It can take months to clean up after a flood.
 What is the main idea?

• Floods can cause a lot of damage.
• Floods cause mudslides.
• Floods damage houses and roads. 

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

Have you ever wanted to be a garbage collector when you grow up? Believe it or not, many children—especially young boys—respond with “trash man” or “garbage collector” when asked what they want to be when they grow up.
If you’re wondering why anyone would want to collect garbage for a living, remember that it’s all a matter of perspective, which is how a person sees things. Through the eyes of a young child, being a trash man can look quite attractive and appealing.
First, garbage collectors get to drive big, fancy trucks! Many preschool-aged boys find trucks and other large vehicles fascinating. Not only do these trucks look awesome, but many also have a large robotic arm extending from the side to pick up and dump large trash containers.
Some garbage collectors, called “step riders,” get to actually ride on a step on the outside of the garbage truck! They usually hold onto a bar on the back while the truck is in motion. When the truck stops, these step riders hop off and load trash into the rear of the truck before stepping back up and riding to the next stop.
To a small child, being a step rider looks like loads of fun!
-Which of the following statements is a key detail from the text?

• Some garbage collectors, called “step riders,” get to actually ride on a step on the outside of the garbage truck!
• Through the eyes of a young child, being a trash man can look quite attractive and appealing.
• First, garbage collectors get to drive big fancy trucks!
• Many preschool aged boys find trucks and other  large vehicles fascinating.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.3.1

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.1

Have you ever wanted to be a garbage collector when you grow up? Believe it or not, many children—especially young boys—respond with “trash man” or “garbage collector” when asked what they want to be when they grow up. 
    If you’re wondering why anyone would want to collect garbage for a living, remember that it’s all a matter of perspective, which is how a person sees things. Through the eyes of a young child, being a trash man can look quite attractive and appealing. 
     First, garbage collectors get to drive big, fancy trucks! Many preschool-aged boys find trucks and other large vehicles fascinating. Not only do these trucks look awesome, but many also have a large robotic arm extending from the side to pick up and dump large trash containers. 
     Some garbage collectors, called “step riders,” get to actually ride on a step on the outside of the garbage truck! They usually hold onto a bar on the back while the truck is in motion. When the truck stops, these step riders hop off and load trash into the rear of the truck before stepping back up and riding to the next stop. 
    To a small child, being a step rider looks like loads of fun!
- Which of the following statements describes the main idea of the text?

• Truck drivers have the best job in the world!
• A lot of young boys might like the idea of being a truck driver.
• Truck driving is a lot better than what it seems to be.
• It's all a matter of perspective.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2