Theme

What is theme?

• the main idea

• the characters

• the message or lesson

• the setting

Kevin wasn't worried about his book report. He had three whole weeks to get it done. There was no reason to start right away, because he just got a new video game.

Two weeks passed and Kevin still hadn't picked out a book. By the time he finally got to the library, there wasn't enough time to read the book and write the report. Kevin failed the whole assignment.

• Kevin should have done his report first.

• Don't put things off until the last minute.

• School work is more important the playing.

Kara chose a difficult piece to play for her piano recital. Her teacher told her to pick an easier one, but Kara knew she could do it.

Kara practiced every day after school. When her friends called to see if she could play, Kara told them she couldn't.

The night of the recital arrived. She walked onto the stage and began to play and she knew the piano piece so well. She had played perfectly!

• Hard work pays off!

• Kara practiced a lot and did well.

• It takes a lot of practice to play the piano.

Sarah didn't play with Laila, the new girl in her class, at recess. No one did. Laila had come to their school after winter break. She wore strange clothes and she spoke with an accent.

One day the teacher put Sarah and Laila together as partners on a class project. Sarah was nervous to work with Laila but then they began to talk. She found out the both had little brothers and the both loves to collect seashells.

The next day, Laila invited Sarah over for dinner. The food was different but tasted really good. The girls became good friends.

• Sarah and Laila became good friends.

• Don't judge people before you get to know them.

• Friends are important.

Cassie was having a wonderful time at summer camp. She made friends with all the girls in her cabin. One day her mom sent her a box of 12 of her best homemade chocolate chip cookies. The girls in her cabin asked if the could share and have some. Cassie decided not to share the cookies with anyone and kept all 12 cookies for herself.

Cassie at all the cookies, but then from now on no of the girls in the cabin wanted to be her friend anymore.

• You should always share everything.

• Cassie did not share her cookies.

• Selfishness leads to unhappiness.

Benny and Danny were twins. Each week, they both got five dollars in allowance. Benny always spent all of his money on candy and small toys. Danny saved most of his money in a piggy bank by his bed stand. Sometimes, Danny did extra work around the house for extra money.

Months passed by and soon it was summer vacation. On day, Danny asked his parents to take him to the bike store. He had saved enough money for a new bike! Danny spent the summer riding his bike with his friends and Benny spent his time home alone.

• You can buy more if you save your money.

• Danny is smart than Benny.

• You should not spend all your money of on candy.

Which sentence is a theme?

• I like ice cream.

• Shaw is a great school.

• Be happy with what you have.

Which is NOT a theme sentence?

• Always tell the truth.

• Accept others differences.

• He likes math the best.

• Family is important.

What sentences is the lesson or theme sentence below?

• The boy rode his bike.

• A girl loved red tulips.

• The family worked hard.

• Appreciate what you have.

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