Determining Theme

Julia overheard her classmates make plans to copy each other's classwork. They asked her to help, but she respectfully refused. Now, she had a tough decision to make. Should she keep quiet or alert the teacher? Julia made the tough decision to tell the teacher. When the other students found out that she had told the teacher, they were not happy with Julia at first. However, Julia didn't mind and she knew they would come around. She knew that she had done the right thing even though it had been difficult. Sure enough, her classmates approached her at recess the next day. They told her that they were sorry for getting upset at her. They had talked about the situation and realized she was right all along.

• Sometimes situations we dread turn out to not be that bad.

• Don't judge a book by its cover.

• It is not always easy to do the right thing.

• Going along with the crowd is necessary sometimes.

Everyone wanted to know about Carmen's bag of candy. There was a rumor that Katie had stolen it, but Katie denied it. Katie approached Carmen during recess. She looked her straight in the eyes and said, "I did not take your candy, Carmen. Here, you can search my book bag." "No Need," Carmen said. "I believe you." Some of the other students still thought Katie had taken it. Because of the rumor, other students thought that Katie was a thief. Together with Carmen, Katie worked hard to set everyone straight and let them know the truth.

• Rumors are harmful and can spread quickly.

• It is not always easy to do the right thing.

• What is on the inside is more important that what is seen on the outside.

• Friends can easily be bought with material objects.

Natalie and Cecilia preferred to work by themselves, so when their math teacher paired them together for a group project, they were a little hesitant. To get an A on the project, one students had to solve the problem, and the other student had to explain the steps to the class. Natalie was not a mathematician. She loved math, but it was not her strength. What she really loved was public speaking. Cecilia was shy when it came to talking in front of the class, but she was great with numbers. They put their strengths together, accomplished the task, and scored the highest grade they had ever scored on a project.

• Going along with the crowd is necessary sometimes.

• It is better to work alone than with a team.

• Sometimes situations we dread turn out to not be that bad.

• Working together is better than working alone.

My relationship with my sister would be so much better if she would be nicer. I've tried to explain this to her numerous times, but it has never helped. She would just tease me more or ignore me. However, just this morning something changed. When I gave her a hand-written card for her birthday, she absentmindedly tossed it on her bed as I expected. Later that night though, she came into my room and sat on my bed. She told me that she really appreciated the card and my kind words. She said she was sorry that she had been treating me so terribly this past year. She went on to explain how she was taking difficult classes this school year and it was stressing her out. After we talked, we hugged and made plans to watch a movie together. I have a feeling this is just the beginning of our new relationship. I am thankful that I was nice and patient even when she was not. It paid off!

• Friends can easily be bought with material object.

• Be kind even when others are not.

• Working together is better than working alone.

• It is not always easy to do the right thing.

In his mind, Paul the Peacock was the most attractive creature in the rainforest. He strutted around all day, showing off his bright and vivid feathers. He knew that he was very attractive and couldn't understand why he didn't have any friends.

While sitting alone one day, Paul the Peacock was approached by Randy the Raccoon. Randy the Raccoon was extremely popular and had many friends. Paul decided to ask for his help. Randy told Paul that he made friends by offering to help, being nice, and listening to their troubles.

It finally clicked, and Paul realized he was only showing his outside and not the peacock he was on the inside.

• Be kind even when others are not.

• Don't judge a book by its cover.

• What is on the inside is more important than what is seen on the outside.

• Sometimes situations we dread turn out to not be that bad.

Annie couldn't believe that she had broken he arm. Yesterday at soccer practice, she had tripped up and fell on her arm. She had never thought that something as simple as a fall could seem to ruin her life. The soccer coach told her that she would probably have to take a break from soccer. When they took her to the hospital and told her she'd need a cast, she cried. Her mom told her that it would be fine and would heal in no time. However, four weeks was a long time to Annie. Annie didn't want to go to school the next day. She dreaded what would happen when her friends saw her arm in the huge cast, but her mom made her. When she walked into her classroom, she was surrounded by people asking if she was okay and wanting to sign her cast. It made Annie feel. important, and she decided that maybe a cast wasn't so bad.

• Rumors are harmful and can spread quickly.

• Going along with the crowd is necessary sometimes.

• Don't judge a book by its cover.

• Sometimes situations we dread turn out to not be that bad.