Theme
What is the theme of this fable: A boy keeps lying about a wolf, and when one actually comes, no one believes him?
Honesty is important / Lying has consequences.
What is the main idea of this sentence: Rainforests are home to thousands of animals and plants that depend on each other to survive.
Rainforests support many living things.
What is an author’s claim?
When the author tries to persuade the reader by using reasons and evidence.
What does compare and contrast mean?
Compare means to find similarities; contrast means to find differences.
What is the difference between fact and opinion?
Facts can be proven; opinions are personal beliefs
What is the difference between theme and main idea?
Theme is a lesson about life; main idea is what the text is mostly about
How do key details help support the main idea?
They give facts or examples that explain it.
If an author writes, "Schools should have longer recess times," what is their claim
Schools should extend recess time
What is a problem and solution text structure?
It describes an issue and how it is solved
Can a theme be just one word? Why or why not?
No, it needs to be a full idea, like "Hard work leads to success," not just "Hard work."
Read this short passage. What is a possible theme?
Ryzen loved painting but always compared his work to others. “Mine will never be as good,” he thought, putting his brush down. One day, his teacher said, “Art isn’t about being the best—it’s about expressing who you are.” Ryzen decided to paint for himself, not for perfection. As he added colors to the canvas, he felt something new—pride. His art was his own, and that was enough
Don't compare yourself to others/ nobody's perfect/ be proud of yourself
Read this paragraph. What is the main idea?
Pizza can be made with a variety of toppings to suit any taste. Some people enjoy classic choices like pepperoni and cheese, while others prefer unique options like pineapple, barbecue chicken, or even seafood. Vegetables like mushrooms, peppers, and olives add extra flavor, and some pizzas even have unusual toppings like honey or eggs. With so many possibilities, pizza can be customized for everyone’s preferences.
Pizza can have many different toppings to match different tastes.
How can you tell if an author’s claim is strong?
It has evidence and reasoning to support it.
Read this sentence: "Dogs and cats are both popular pets, but dogs need more exercise." What is one similarity and one difference?
Similarity – both are pets; Difference – dogs need more exercise.
If a story’s main idea is about friendship, what could be a possible theme?
True friends support each other, friends will always have your back, trust in your friends
Can a story have more than one theme? Explain.
Yes! Different readers may find different lessons.
The main idea is Dogs can help people in many ways. Give three key details that support this idea.
Guide dogs for the blind, police dogs, therapy dogs, etc.
Read this paragraph. What is the author’s claim?
Respecting your teacher is important for a positive learning environment. When students listen to their teacher, follow instructions, and show kindness, it helps everyone learn better. A respectful classroom is one where ideas are shared, questions are welcomed, and everyone feels safe. Treating your teacher with respect makes the class run smoothly and helps you succeed.
Students should be respectful to their teacher for a better learning experience.
Read this paragraph. What solution does the author give for the problem?
Many kids today don’t get enough sleep at night, which makes them tired and less focused during the day. The solution is to set a regular bedtime, avoid screens before bed, and create a calming bedtime routine. Getting enough sleep helps kids feel better, concentrate in school, and have more energy for the day.
Setting a regular bedtime and creating a bedtime routine.
How do key details help prove an author’s claim?
They provide facts, examples, and reasons.
What theme do these two stories share?
Faith always came in last at track meets, but she refused to give up. Every morning before school, she ran extra laps, pushing herself to get stronger. While others rested, she trained harder. On the day of the big race, she sprinted with confidence, crossing the finish line in first place. Her hard work had finally paid off.
Xane struggled with math and felt like he would never understand it. Instead of giving up, he stayed after school for tutoring and practiced every night. Slowly, he started improving. By the end of the semester, he earned an A on his test. His effort and determination had made the difference.
Hard work pays off, dedication and perseverance lead to success
How can you tell if a detail in a passage is important to the main idea?
Important details are directly related to the main idea and help explain or support it. Irrelevant details do not connect to the central point of the passage.
Give one piece of evidence to support this claim: "Video games can improve problem-solving skills."
Many games require critical thinking, strategy, or teamwork.
Read this sentence: "Many students struggle with staying organized. Using a planner can help them keep track of assignments." What is the problem?
Students struggle with organization.
Explain how a theme and an author’s claim are different.
Theme is a life lesson in fiction; an author’s claim is an opinion in nonfiction.