Central Messages

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?

• share with your neighbor
• work before you play
• be respectful
• don't be greedy

What is the theme of this story?

• Don't steal
• Look both ways before crossing the street. 
• Necessity is the mother of invention. 
• One good turn deserves another.

What is Central Message?

• The Center of a book.

• The lesson or moral the author wants to teach you.

• Someone giving a note.

• A story.

It was a special day in Yosemite Elementary. Devon, a famous basketball player, was visiting the school and speaking to the third-grade students. Devon was also going to pick some kids for a weeklong basketball camp. That day, all the third graders behaved the best they could. Even the kids who never liked basketball, like Ty, tried to play. Ty wanted to look cool in front of his friends. Although he knew nothing about the game, he tried it. When Ty fell and nearly broke his arm, his teacher Mrs. Ramirez pulled him aside. "What are you doing, Ty?" Mrs. Ramirez asked kindly as she checked on his arm. "Oh, I was—trying—," Ty replied. He knew chess was his thing not basketball. "Ty, other famous people will visit your class," his teacher said. "Maybe we will have a chess player here one day. Don't try to be what you are not just to look cool." Ty knew that his teacher was right. From that day, Ty just wanted to be himself.

What is the lesson of this selection?

• It is best to always be yourself.

• Chess is not for everybody.

• Anyone can play basketball.

• You should not break your arm.

Tara and Millie wanted to have a snack after school. "I want chocolate ice cream!" Tara said. "Me, too!" Millie said. Both girls raced to the kitchen. Tara got the ice cream out of the freezer. Millie got the bowls, spoons, and ice cream scoop. When Tara looked into the ice cream container, she saw that there was only enough for one serving of ice cream. She really wanted the chocolate ice cream. It was her absolute favorite snack in the world. "You know, I think I would rather have cookies," Tara told Millie. She gave the ice cream container to Millie and got some cookies out of the cupboard for herself.

What is the moral of this story?

• Cookies are better than chocolate ice cream.

• Snacking before dinner will ruin your appetite.

• Think of others before you think of yourself.

• Do not give in if you want something badly.