Identifying the Theme

What is the theme of this story? 

• Slow and steady wins the race.

• Don't be lazy. 

• We are stronger together than we are apart.

• If you try to go on your own, you will get eaten by a big fish.

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.

Which of these things is not related to the "theme" in a story?

• how a character is feeling

• a "life lesson" the main character learns

• a big idea that people from any culture or any place can understand

• the moral of the story

The message or lesson that the author wants you to learn from the story is called the

• thesis

• summary

• theme

• plot

A lion was about to eat a mouse when the mouse pleaded, "Please, let me go, and someday I may help you." Laughing, the lion let the mouse go. Later, some hunters caught the lion in a trap. The mouse came along and chewed through the ropes and saved the lion's life.

What is the theme of this story?

• Slow and steady wins the race.

• Help others because what goes around comes around.

• Always tell the truth.

• It is okay to fail.

In a spell of dry weather, when the Birds could find very little to drink, a thirsty Crow found a pitcher with a little water in it. But the pitcher was high and had a narrow neck, and no matter how he tried, the Crow could not reach the water. The poor thing felt as if he would die of thirst. Then an idea came to him. Picking up some small pebbles, he dropped them into the pitcher one by one. With each pebble the water rose a little higher until at last it was near enough so he could drink.

What is the theme?

• Be honest.

• Always share with others.

• Be persistent.

• Respect your family.

There once was an ugly duckling. The other ducks laughed at her, and she felt ashamed. Years later, she grew into a beautiful swan and far surpassed all of the other ducks that once shamed her.

What is the theme of this story?

• Don't steal.

• Being beautiful is the most important thing.

• Swans are prettier than ducks.

• Don't judge others. You don't know what they are capable of.

What is the definition of theme?

• A life lesson, meaning, moral, or universal idea about life or human nature communicated in a story.

• The time and place of a story.

• The problem or issue in the story.

• The people, animals, or creatures who act out the action in the story.

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

• Skim through the story.

• Read the beginning of the story.

• Think about what the character has learned.

• Read the end of the story.

Jared's best friend is having a party Friday night, but he also has a baseball game that's been scheduled since the start of the season.  This is going to be a tough decision.  If he does not go to the game, he will let his team down. What is the theme?

• Being good at sports is the best way to get friends.

• It's important to never give up.

• It's important to be loyal and honor your commitments.

• Being a good friend is the first priority.