Transcript Theme - cloudfront.net

Please Enter Quietly
Today YOU WILL NEED:
1. Pencil
2. Paper for Cornell Notes
3, Positive Attitude
Copy the
AGENDA
down into your
planner!
Theme
The Search for Meaning
Essential Question
What is theme? How do
we identify theme in a
story?
What is Theme?

Theme: Theme is the story’s main message or lesson about
life that the writer wants to share.
In other words…
 Theme is what the story teaches readers.
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A theme is not a word, it is a sentence.
EXAMPLE: “LOVE” – “Love is eternal.”
You don’t have to agree with the theme to identify
it.
Think about the story of
Cinderella.
Topic/PLOT: a poor
girl marries a prince.
THEME: Good things
happen to good
people.
Theme Activity: Party Planners
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Students you are going to be party planners.
In a group of 4, you will plan a “pretend” party of your choice
and choose a Theme.
Brainstorm what types of possible parties you can plan such as
a Hawaiian theme, 4th of July theme, Super Bowl theme, 90s
theme, etc.
Think about the invitations, food menu, costumes/clothing,
props/decorations, and activities etc.
Share your party theme and details of the party with the class.
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Invitations
Food menu
Costumes/clothing
Decorations
Activities
Identifying Themes
• Themes are not explicit (clearly
stated).
• Themes are implied.
• Identifying a theme can be
difficult to detect at times and
may require some detective
work by using clues from the
story.
Themes are about the big picture…
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Themes are located everywhere (different types of
music, movies) but especially in the material you read.
Themes in reading materials are like the theme in their
parties with many details supporting a major big idea.
Small
World
of the
Story
Big World of the Theme.
Applies to the “Real” World.
THE UGLY
Duckling
As you watch,
think about the
topic and the
theme.
Link:
http://www.you
tube.com/watc
h?v=THmHFHB
WQZc
The Ugly Duckling
Topic
An ugly duckling is neglected by his
family, then finds a new family that
loves him in the end.
Theme (s)
BE
YOURSELF
Individuality.
Don’t judge others by their
appearance.
Be true to yourself.
Reviewing THEME
1.
2.
3.
Theme is what we can
learn from a story.
Themes must be inferred.
Themes are about the BIG
world.
The Tortoise and the Hare
Topic
Theme (s)
A tortoise and a Hare race to see
who can win a race.
A lesson in determination.
Hard work will overcome any
obstacle.
How to write your Theme Statement:
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Use complete sentences.
Think about what the author of the piece is
trying to tell you about life.
Think about what the character learns.
How does it apply to people in general?
Examples
Money can’t buy happiness.
Don’t judge people based on the surface.
It is better to die free than live under tyranny.