Reading Theme

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 persistent

• be honest

• always share with others

• respect your family

What is the definition of theme?

• how an author reveals a character's traits

• time and place a story takes place

• character vs. self

• author's message about life or human nature

Matt was always mean to the other younger kids on the school bus. He would make fun of them and put sticky stuff in their seat. He was the oldest and “coolest” kid on the bus. After this year, Matt would be going to high school. He would not have to ride with these little kids anymore. The summer had passed and Matt was headed to high school. He was a little nervous getting on the bus. When he walked on, he could feel the older kids laughing at him. When he got into his seat there was chocolate sauce smeared all over his seat. What is the theme?

• Treat others the way you want to be treated

• Be yourself

• Money can buy friends

What do the hare and Mike have in common in these stories?

• They both like to nap along the way.

• They both lie to get what they want.

• They are both so over-confident that they end up losing the race.

• They are both slow and steady.

Which theme is about respecting and accepting others' differences?

• acceptance

• courage

• cooperation

Which theme is about never giving up even during difficult times?

• honesty

• perseverance

• loyalty

What is the theme of this story? 

• Necessity is the mother of invention.

• Don't steal.

• Respect your elders.

• Slowly but surely wins the race.

Which theme is about overcoming fear or accepting a risk?

• compassion

• cooperation

• courage

Which theme is about trusting each other and never betraying friends?

• honesty

• kindness

• loyalty

Which theme is about making people who are suffering feel better.

• kindness

• acceptance

• compassion