Theme

A story can have more than one theme.

• true
• false

Where can a reader find the theme?

• It stated directly in the text.
• A character tells you.
• The reader must understand what the character has learned.
• Books or movies do not have themes.

What is another word for Theme?

• lesson
• main idea
• setting
• details

What is THEME?

• What happens in a story

• The lesson learned from a story

• Where a story takes place

• The different characters in a story

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.

Baylee wanted to be friends with Alexis. She knew Alexis loved dancing, so Baylee asked her if she wanted to make a dance routine up at recess. She thought if she pretended to like dancing that Alexis would like her better. Baylee tried her best, but dancing was just not her thing. Alexis could tell Baylee was not having fun, so she asked her if she wanted to go play tag. Baylee smiled with excitement. What is the theme?

• Loyalty

• Friendship

• Money can't buy happiness (or friends)

• Be yourself

Sandy had a huge Social Studies project do on Monday. She did not even start it yet, but she knew it would not take her long. So she decided to go out with her friends to the movie on Friday night and then sleepover her other friends on Saturday night. When she got home Sunday morning her stomach was hurting her. She did not feel quite right. Her mother felt her forehead, and it felt warm. She was coming down with something, and just could not concentrate on her Social Studies project. What was she going to do? What is the theme?

• Money can't buy happiness (or friends).

• Helping others

• Do the right thing and people will follow.

• Don't put things off to the last minute

Gary thought it would be funny to hide Tracy’s book bag. One day he took it from the back of the room and threw it behind the book case. At the end of the day Tracy was looking everywhere. The teacher started looking and asked the class if anyone has seen the book bag. Gary of course did not answer. After about ten minutes of searching the teacher called for the principal to come and help. Gary had told the teacher he did not know where it was, so what was he going to tell the principal? He should have just taken it out right away when Tracy was looking. What is the theme?

• Money can't buy happiness (or friends).

• Always tell the truth.

• Practice and persistence pay off.

• Don't put things off to the last minute

Ayya was moving to a new school. She was so sad to be leaving all her old friends. On the last day of school Ayys’s friends decided to throw her a party. She was so surprised she almost cried. They all made her cards and even bought her flowers. This was the best going away party ever. She knew that she would keep in touch with them, since they all gave her their cell phone numbers. What is the theme?

• Money can't buy happiness (or friends).

• Always tell the truth.

• Friendship

• Helping others

What is the theme of this story? 

• Don't steal. 
• Don't judge others. You don't know what they are capable of. 
• Being beautiful is the most important thing.
• Swans are prettier than ducks.