What's the Lesson?
During rehearsal, Mia kept bragging that she’d get the loudest applause. On performance day, she forgot her lines, and her friend helped her finish the scene. Mia thanked her afterward and learned to be humble.
Question: What’s the theme?
Be humble and appreciate others’ help.
How can a character’s words and actions help you find the theme?
They show what the character learns or values.
The class’s prop broke right before the show, but they found creative ways to act it out anyway.
Question: What’s the theme?
Be creative and stay positive when things go wrong.
At first, Noah thought the play was boring. After helping with costumes, he discovered he loved theater.
Question: What’s the theme?
Try new things—you might find something you enjoy.
What is a theme?
The message or lesson the author wants you to learn.
Liam wanted to quit the play after he made a mistake on stage. His teacher reminded him that everyone makes mistakes. Liam tried again and nailed it!
Question: What’s the theme?
Keep trying, even when you fail.
During the play, Evan forgot his line but made up a funny one that fit the scene. Everyone laughed, and the show went on.
Question: What can Evan’s actions tell us about the theme?
It’s okay to make mistakes—stay calm and keep going.
When the lead actor got sick, the understudy filled in. Everyone supported her and cheered her on.
Question: What’s the theme?
Believe in yourself and others will too.
Lily was scared to speak in front of others. After practicing, she became confident.
Question: What’s the theme?
Confidence grows with practice.
What’s one question you can ask to find a theme?
What did the character learn?
The cast worked hard all week. When their set broke before the show, they worked together to fix it.
Question: What’s the theme?
Teamwork helps solve problems.
Jenna saw her friend nervous before going on stage, so she held her hand and said, “You can do this.”
Question: What’s the theme?
Support and encourage others.
The group disagreed on the ending of their play. They listened to each other and voted on the best idea.
Question: What’s the theme?
Compromise and teamwork lead to success.
Ben always wanted to be the best, but after helping his group succeed, he realized teamwork was more fun.
Question: What’s the theme?
Working together is better than working alone.
Can a story have more than one theme?
Yes—stories can teach more than one lesson.
Sarah didn’t get the role she wanted, but she congratulated her friend and did her best in a smaller part.
Question: What’s the theme?
Be proud of others’ success.
What kind of character change usually shows the theme?
When a character learns a lesson.
During auditions, several students wanted the same role. One student gave up the part so a friend could shine.
Question: What’s the theme?
Friendship means putting others first.
Maria didn’t think she was talented enough for drama club. After trying, she learned that effort matters more than perfection.
Question: What’s the theme?
Believe in yourself and keep trying.
Why isn’t the theme the same as the main idea?
The main idea is what happens; the theme is what it means.
A group of students argued about who should be the star. In the end, they realized that everyone’s role mattered.
Question: What’s the theme?
Every person plays an important part.
At first, Toby didn’t want to share the spotlight. By the end, he realized that sharing made the play better.
Question: What theme fits Toby’s change?
Sharing and teamwork make things more enjoyable.
The students were nervous to perform for their parents, but once they started, they realized performing was fun!
Question: What’s the theme?
Face your fears—you might enjoy the challenge.
At first, the cast complained about memorizing lines. By opening night, they felt proud of their hard work.
Question: What’s the theme?
Hard work pays off in the end.
Read this: “The students learned that even small parts are important to the story.”
Is this a main idea or a theme?
It’s a theme—it teaches a lesson about value and teamwork.