While reading a story, there are so many elements to analyze. Students are looking for symbols, imagery, conflict, and figurative language. In addition, students are learning how to identify the theme of a story. There are so many possible messages an author may be sending to students, so the class has to learn not only common themes but also how to justify their own thoughts. Finding the theme of a story can be really challenging for students to learn because, while there is a set definition of the term, there is not always one right or wrong answer.
Before students identify a story’s theme, they first need to know what a theme is. The theme of a story is the underlying message the author conveys to the reader. However, people often confuse the main idea or summary of a story with the theme. Therefore, it is vital to help students understand that the theme is not stated directly but implied. Common themes often include friendship, perseverance, compassion, and courage. However, there are endless possible themes! It will ultimately be up to students to select a theme that they can truly justify based on the reading.
Once students know the definition of a story’s theme, they are ready to begin finding a theme. Before utilizing a text they are reading, it can help to start with a well-known story, fairy tale, or fable, and take three simple steps.
To understand how to identify the theme of a story, students will need practice. To help build engagement in lessons, a few ideas include:
Task cards are great for early finishers, literary centers, stations, and independent work! They are so versatile and can work in any classroom. In this Theme of a Story Task Cards resource, students have 24 task cards to practice finding the theme of a story. This product is already differentiated by including three different options for students to answer. Students may select a one-word theme, a theme in sentence form, or write their own theme. Depending on the class and students, a combination of offerings can be used in order to ensure each student is working on appropriate assignments. The task cards even include two pages of engaging ideas for practicing finding the theme of a story! Additionally, the cards can be printed or used with Google Slides.
Students love competitions! By playing games, students are excited, engaged, and discussing the content. However, it can be hard to create games and take away valuable class time. By incorporating task cards and games, teachers and students are focusing on the content in a fun way! These task cards can be used to set up competitions between groups of students, such as girls versus boys or row versus row, and alternate between groups to compete for the win. Additionally, the entire group or row must agree on the answer to the question, and only one group answers each question aloud prior to moving to the next card. Students will have so much fun competing! Furthermore, this is the perfect format for test review because students discuss answer options with one another. Therefore, they are also working on vital test-taking skills, such as the process of elimination.
Scoot is the perfect way to get students up and moving while learning! One task card can be placed on each desk. Students complete the card in front of them, then “scoot” around the room with their answer sheets. Depending on how involved the task cards are, establish how long students stay at each desk. Because there is a good amount of reading on the cards, students may need a few minutes. Additionally, it is important to stick with this time to help ensure students do not feel pressured by classmates to move to the next spot. When the time is up, the teacher calls out “scoot,” and students move to the next card. While students are moving around, it will be vital to remind them to keep their chairs pushed in to prevent anyone from tripping and getting hurt.
If you need a quick baseline assessment or test-prep review for teaching theme, I’ve got you covered. Click on the image below to get a better look!
Theme is such an important topic for students to learn. It is a concept they will be asked about from elementary school through high school, so they really need to be comfortable not only with what the term means but also with how to identify themes. Furthermore, it is important that students learn how to justify their answers. The strategies above will help ensure students can identify a one-word theme, a theme in a sentence, and write and justify their own theme! To get started with lesson planning, download your FREE THEME activities HERE.
I am Kirsten Tulsian, an elementary educator with 18 years of experience as a teacher and counselor. My passion lies in empowering students to discover their inherent brilliance through the use of engaging, rigorous, and meaningful activities. I look forward to connecting with you!
