Theme

The best definition of theme is...

• The plot and setting. 

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

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.
  

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.

What is the theme of this story? 

• Don't be lazy.
• Have as much fun as you can before you die.
• Don't steal.
• Look before you leap.

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.9

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

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.3.9

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

Jorge had to go to the eye doctor and get glasses. At school the next day, he took them off for recess and left them outside. When he arrived home that day his mom asked where his glasses were and Jorge told her he lost them at school. She made him mow the yard and take out the trash to earn money for a new pair.

• Being honest doesn't always work
• Be responsible and thoughtful with your possessions
• Jorge should have been more responsible
• Parents can be too mean

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.9

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

Andrew worked all summer mowing yards. In the fall he raked leaves. He saved his birthday money. When he was sixteen Andrew bought a car with his earnings. His friends were jealous at first, but they remembered how hard he had worked. 

• Friends shouldn't get jealous
• Andrew is great at saving money
• Work is hard, but you do get rewards
• Slow and steady wins the race

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.9

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

Chris was walking home from the park when he saw an old man drop his wallet. His friends saw Chris pick it up and they told him to keep it. Without hesitating, Chris ran and gave the old man his wallet back. He offered Chris a reward but Chris said no. He didn't need a reward to do what was right. 

• People should offer to reward you for being honest
• Honesty is the best policy
• Chris should have kept the money and given back the wallet
• Always tell the truth

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.9

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

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.3.9

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

Jim was stacking boxes at work.  There was a certain height he had to reach.  He stretched his body, but could not reach to place the final box at the top.  Bill happened to see Jim struggling and came to his rescue, since he was a foot taller.

• teamwork can accomplish a goal
• tall people are the best
• work hard to reach a goal
• people can be like boxes

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.9

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9