Theme

One way you could figure out the theme is to...

• Look for the main idea.

• Think about what the character has learned.

• Read the begining, middle and end of the story.

• none of these are ways to find a theme.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Which of the following is an example of theme?

• The old lady was upset the boy ate her cookies.

• Regret

• Don't judge people by outward appearances.

• Always share what you have.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Which of the following are questions readers can ask themselves to determine the theme of a story?

• What did the characters learn?

• What was the problem in the story?

• What was the solution to the problem in the story?

• All of the these

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

A well written theme includes character names, problem and resolution.

• True

• False

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

A dog, to whom the butcher had thrown a bone, was hurrying home with his prize as fast as he could go. Crossing a narrow bridge, he looked down and saw his reflection in the quiet water as if in a mirror. But the greedy dog thought he saw a real dog carrying a bone much bigger than his own. If he had stopped to think he would have known better. But instead of thinking, he dropped his bone and sprang at the dog in the river, only to find himself swimming for dear life to reach the shore. At last, he managed to scramble out, and as he stood sadly thinking about the good bone he had lost, he realized what a foolish dog he had been.

What is the theme?

• Never stop trying to achieve goals you set for yourself.

• Always share your things with others

• greed

• Being too greedy and not appreciating what you already have can lead to negative consequence.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

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.
  

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

One summer's day, a merry Grasshopper was dancing, singing and playing his violin with all his heart. He saw an Ant passing by working hard to store food for the winter. “Come and sing with me instead of working so hard,” said the Grasshopper “Let’s have fun together.” “I must store food for the winter,” said the Ant,“ and I advise you to do the same.” “Don’t worry about winter, it’s still very far away,” said the Grasshopper, laughing at him. But the Ant wouldn’t listen and continued to work. When winter came, the starving Grasshopper went to the Ant’s house and humbly begged for something to eat. “If you had listened to my advice in the summer you would not now be in need,” said the Ant. “I’m afraid you will have to go without supper,” and he closed the door.
What is the theme?

• its good to share with your neighbor.

• Working and saving helps you avoid feeling stressed and unhappy later

• The starving grasshopper begged the hard working ant for food.

• If you are a hard worker, it doesn't mean you should be greedy.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Themes are not:

• a main idea

• written in a sentence

• a message or life lesson

• universal

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

It was a beautiful spring day and Ben was walking home from school. As he wandered down the sidewalk, he spied a 100 dollar bill on the ground. He couldn't believe it! He looked around to see if anyone was watching him and then he picked it up and bolted straight to the store and picked out a ton of new, designer clothes and a pair of shoes. When he finally got to the register and presented the cashier with the 100 dollars, she said it was FAKE. Ben was so upset and left immediately completely devastated by the turn of events.

What message is the author trying to convey in this story?

• some things in life are too good to be true

• never buy things you cannot afford

• disappointment

• some things just aren't meant to be

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

I snuck into her room and silently decorated her desk with all her favorite things! Drinks, snacks, and cute stickers were spread all over it. I quietly left the scene and locked the door. No one would ever suspect anyone, especially me, was ever there. I wanted it to be a total surprise, and it was!! The next day, I saw my teammate walk into her classroom, see all the treats, and squeal with joy! It made me so happy to see how happy she was! To this day, she never knew it was me who made her day, and I was perfectly fine with that!

What is the theme of this short story?

• Making a teacher's day is a kind gesture that will never go unnoticed or unappreciated.

• A kind gesture might just change someone’s spirit!

• It was a teacher Halloween surprise!

• Always do kind things for others.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2