Exploring the Central Message or Theme

The video tutorial teaches how to identify the central message or theme of a story. It explains that the central message is a big idea or lesson that can be learned from reading and thinking about the story. The tutorial covers three central messages: family, working together, and accepting change. It provides examples and practice exercises to help students recognize these themes in different stories. The video concludes with a review of the central message concept and encourages students to apply their learning.

What is the central message of a story?

• The name of the main character

• The setting of the story

• A big idea or lesson from the story

• A minor detail in the story

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Which of the following is NOT one of the three central messages discussed?

• Overcoming fear

• Family

• Working together

• Accepting change

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What do stories with a central message about family often focus on?

• Achieving personal goals

• Adapting to new situations

• The members and activities of a family

• The importance of teamwork

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

In stories about working together, what do the characters usually do?

• Ignore each other

• Work together to complete a task or achieve a common goal

• Compete against each other

• Work alone to achieve their goals

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What is a common theme in stories about accepting change?

• Change is unnecessary

• Change should be avoided

• Important things stay the same despite changes

• Change is always bad

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

In the example where a boy's best friend moves away, what is the central message?

• Overcoming fear

• Family

• Working together

• Accepting change

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Why is the central message of the story about a boy's best friend moving away 'accepting change'?

• Because the boy works together with his friend

• Because the boy learns that some things change but important things stay the same

• Because the boy overcomes his fear

• Because the boy spends time with his family

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

In the example where two characters carry a heavy object together, what is the central message?

• Family

• Working together

• Overcoming fear

• Accepting change

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Why is the central message of the story about carrying a heavy object 'working together'?

• Because they are both holding one side of the object and can only carry it together

• Because they are family members

• Because they are overcoming a challenge

• Because they are adapting to a new situation

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What should you do after identifying the central message of a story?

• Change the story

• Forget about it

• Think about how it applies to your own life

• Ignore it

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2