Passages
A long time ago there was a king who wanted nothing but gold. He wished everything he touched turned into gold. A fairy made this wish come true. Then he tried to eat everything that turned to gold, so he starved to death.
What is "Don't be greedy"?
A one-word subject of conversation or discussion. (Examples: love, bravery, perseverance)
What is a topic?
Honesty
Honesty is always the best policy.
In this film, one of the many themes is "Christmas has less to do with presents, and more to do with being with others."
What is How the Grinch Stole Christmas?
There were once some hardworking ants and a grasshopper who hated to work. The ants gathered food all spring while the grasshopper played. When winter came, the ants had enough food, but grasshopper had nothing to eat. Since the ants had no extra food to give, the grasshopper starved.
What is "Always be prepared"?
Language not meant to take literally
What is figurative language?
Love
Love can be blind.
In this story, the topic of confidence is explored when the main character must learn to "believe in yourself" when she decides to pursue her dream and be in a national spelling bee.
What is Akeelah and the Bee?
There was once an ugly duckling. The other ducks laughed at her, and she felt ashamed. However, as she developed, they saw that she was not a duck at all. She was actually a swan, and she was beautiful.
What is "We are all capable of improvement"?
A comparison using 'like' or 'as' (EX: She was as brave as a lion)
What is a simile?
Friendship
A true friend is someone who knows your flaws and loves you anyway.
In this story, the topic of hope is explored when the main characters are faced with oppression and must remember the magic words and "keep faith during hard times and it will eventually work out."
What is The People Could Fly?
A liot was about to eat a mouse, when the mouse began pleading: "Let me go, please! Someday I might be able to help you!" The lion let the mouse go. Later on, hunters caught the lion in a trap. The mouse, seeing what happened, came and chewed the ropes that bound the lion. The kion escaped.
What is "Help other because what goes around comes around"?
A comparison NOT using 'like' or 'as' (EX: The classroom was a prison cell.)
What is a metaphor?
Selfishness
People who don't care about others often push others away.
In this myth, the main character learns a lesson too late, leading to his flaming death: "Always listen to your elders who have more knowledge of a situation."
What is The Flight of Icarus or Deadalus and Icarus?
There was once a tiny fish who was tired of being in the school of fish all the time. He picked a fight with a couple of the other fish and said, "I don't need you. I'm leaving." So he swam away, without the protection of the group, and was soon eaten by a bigger fish.
What is "United we stand, divided we fall"?
The message or lesson the author wants you to take away from the story
What is the theme?
Growing Up
Sometimes, as you grow up, you have to make tough decisions.
In this story, the topic of perseverance is apparent when the main character must "Keep pushing during tough times" when he is exposed such challenges as lack of oxygen, a two-faced dad, and the below-zero temperatures.
What is Peak?