Finding the Theme of a Story

The theme only applies to the characters in the story. It means nothing to the reader.

• True

• False

A theme is universal, which means

• It comes from space

• It only matters to the characters in the story

• It can relate to all people.

• There is only one theme in a story

You and your friend found two different themes. You can both be right if

• Your teacher is nice

• Both themes have the same subject

• The author agrees with you

• You both have evidence to support them

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

• Skim through the story

• Just read the beginning of the story

• Think about what the character has learned

• Read the ending of the story

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

Mark had so many toys, but he would not share with his sister. He hid all his toys in his closet so she could not play with them. When his mother came looking for Mark and his sister, she could only find his sister. She handed her a plate of cookies to enjoy. Mark was sure his sister would not share the cookies since he was not sharing his toys. But his sister knew the right thing to do was to share. Mark was so happy that his sister gave him a cookie, that he shared his toys with her. What is the theme?

• Friendship

• Helping others

• Do the right thing and people will follow.

• Practice and persistence pay off.

A book can have many themes, but there is usually one that sticks out. Choose the main theme from Wonder.

• Be yourself.

• If you have the choice, choose kind, always.

• Bullies never win.

• Sometimes life is hard.

In Hatchet, Brian finds himself trying to survive in the middle of the wilderness after a plane crash. What could a theme for Hatchet be?

• No one likes the outdoors.

• Sometimes bad things happen.

• Expect the unexpected.

• Life is worth living, even when it is hard, because tomorrow is not promised.

In "Thank You Ma'am" by Langston Hughes, a boy learns a valuable lesson after trying to steal a purse from a neighbor. What is the theme of the story?

• Making a negative choice will always come back on you.

• You should work hard.

• Stealing is wrong.

• Be careful of the weidos in your neighborhood.

What is the difference between theme and main idea?

• Main idea is what the text is mainly about and theme is the lesson or moral in the story

• Theme is what the text is mainly about and Main idea is the lesson or moral in the story

• Theme is specific to characters in the story and main idea is not