Name That Theme
A young girl keeps practicing basketball every day even though she keeps missing shots.
Never give up, even when it’s hard.
Friendship
Not a theme
What is one way to find evidence for a theme?
Look for how characters overcome a challenge.
The Lion King
What the theme?
A shy student volunteers to lead a project and she learns she’s stronger than what she thought.
Believe in yourself
Friendships can overcome challenges
Why do we use text evidence when discussing a theme?
To prove our thinking and show how the story supports the theme.
Kung Fu Panda
Is theme specific to the story?
No. Theme is universal.
A student cheats on a test and gets good grades, but later feels guilty and confesses.
Doing the right thing is more important than winning.
Being honest build trust.
A theme
Which line best supports the theme hard work pays off?
a. "He gave up after losing".
b. "He practiced every night until he won."
B. "He practiced every night until he won."
Zootopia
Don't judge others based on serotypes.
Conflict
The main problem in the story.
A student is nervous to speak in front of a class but does it anyway.
Real bravery is facing what scares you.
Aliens attack the city.
Not a theme
How can a story's ending help you figure out the theme?
The outcome shows what lesson the character learned.
The Grinch
Love and kindness matter more than possessions.
Is theme usually stated?
No
A boy admits his mistakes and learns that telling the truth feels better than lying.
Honesty is the best policy.
Don't talk to strangers
What should you do if there's more than one possible piece of evidence that supports the theme?
Pick the strongest one!
Finding Nemo
Love means letting go and trusting others.
How do we determine the theme?
By using the characters, conflict and resolution!