While reading a story, there are so many elements to analyze. Students are looking for symbols, imagery, conflict, and figurative language. In addition to this, students are learning how to find the theme of a story. There are so many possible messages that an author is sending students, so the class has to learn not only common themes but how to justify their 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 can find a story’s theme, they first need to know what a theme is. A story’s theme is the underlying message the author conveys to the reader. However, people often confuse a story’s main idea or summary with its theme. Therefore, it is vital to help students understand that the theme is not directly stated but is 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 upon the reading.
Once students know the definition of theme in a story, 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 three simple steps.
To understand how to find a story’s theme, 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’re versatile and 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, with three options for students to choose from. Students may select a one-word theme, a theme in sentence form, or write their own theme. Depending on the class and students, you can combine offerings to ensure each student works on appropriate assignments. The task cards even come with two pages of engaging ideas to practice finding the theme of a story! You can also print the cards or use them with Google Slides.
Students love competitions! When students play games, they get excited, engaged, and ready to discuss the content. However, creating games can be hard 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, and only one group answers each question aloud before moving to the next card. Students will have so much fun competing! This format is also great for test review because students discuss answer options with each other. They are also practicing vital test-taking skills, such as the process of elimination.
Scoot is the perfect way to get students up and moving while learning! Place one task card on each desk. Students complete the card in front of them and then “scoot” around the room with their answer sheet. Depending on how involved the task cards are, set a time limit for how long students stay at each desk. Because the cards include a good amount of reading, students may need a few minutes. Also, stick to this time to help ensure students don’t 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 move around, it will be vital to remind them to keep chairs pushed in to avoid anyone tripping and getting hurt.
Theme is such an important topic for students to learn. They will be asked about this concept from elementary school through high school, so they need to be comfortable not only knowing what the term means but also identifying themes. Students also need to 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 on lesson planning, head over to Kirsten’s Kaboodle to sign up for a freebie on teaching students to find the theme of a story
I am Kirsten Tulsian, an elementary educator with nearly 20 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!
