Main Idea or Theme?

What is a theme?

• The main character of a story

• The lesson the author wants you to learn

What is the main idea of a story?

• the lesson in the story

• what the story is mostly about

What does the theme of a story usually NOT include?

• The moral or lesson the author wants you to learn

• Specific events or characters from the story

What can the theme of a story be applied to?

• one specific event in the story

• Other stories and real life

• only the book you are currently reading

True or False: The main idea can include characters and events from the story

• true

• false

Match the word with what it means

• what the story is mostly about

• main idea

• the message or lesson in the story

• theme

• who the story is about

• character

Which of the following is an example of a theme statement?

• The story takes place in a small town

• get to know someone before making a judgement about them

Which of the following is an example of a theme statement?

• Always keep working towards your goals

• the main character and his friend play soccer

Organize these options into the right categories

Groups:

(a) Theme

,

(b) Main Idea

• Welles helped a lot of people escape the Twin Towers on 9/11

• small acts of kindness can change the world

• being honest is always the best choice

• Peter Parker has to hide his identity to keep himself and the city safe

• family does not only have to be the people related to you

• do not judge someone before you get to know them

• Bike riding can be really fun in the fall with all the changing colors

• true friends will always help you be your best

• hardwork pays off

• I worked really hard to earn enough money to buy a new computer

• sometimes you have to work for what you want

• Elsa thought she had to hide her differences to protect her sister.

• Two friends go to a water park and help each other conquer their fear of heights

• Dori and Marlin went on an adventure to save Nemo