September 3-6, 2013

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What makes up a story?
What is the CENTRAL IDEA of this story?
(What is this story about?)
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What are the characters doing?
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What are they saying?
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What is the author saying about imagination?

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Theme-Life lesson the story is meant to present to the reader.
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(Think of it like a message in a fortune cookie that passes advice onto its reader in short, complete, thought.)
Every story has a theme. After reading a text, watching a movie, hearing a song, etc., ask yourself what you learned about life from it. THAT’S
THE THEME!
It must be universal-everyone should be able to learn something from it.
Video

Examples of Theme
Money can’t buy happiness.
Don’t judge a book by its cover.
Actions speak louder than words.
Don’t bite off more than you can chew.
Don’t put off tomorrow what you can do today.
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.
The pen is mightier than the sword.
You’re never too old to learn.

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Disney Themes
Cinderella- “Be kind and have faith and you will be rewarded.”
Snow White- “Always make the best out of a bad situation.”
The Little Mermaid- “Never give up going after your dreams, even in the face of hardship.”
Pocahontas- “The only way to have peace is to accept others.”
Mulan- “Anyone can be a hero.”
Beauty and the Beast- “Beauty is found within.”
Aladdin- “Always be yourself.”
The Princess and the Frog- “Never lose sight of what’s really important.”
Sleeping Beauty- “True love conquers all.”

Read the passage and determine its theme. Write your answer on a sticky note and place up on the board.
The Bundle of Sticks
An old monkey on the point of death summoned his sons around him to give them some parting advice. He ordered them to bring in a bundle of sticks, and said to his eldest son: “Break it.” The son strained and strained, but with all his efforts was unable to break the sticks. The other sons also tried, but none of them was successful.
“Untie the bundle,” said the father, “and each of you take a stick.” When they had done so, he called out to them: “Now, break,” and each stick was easily broken.
“You see my meaning,” said their father.

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With your table partner, complete the the theme practice worksheet
(handout) on another sheet of notebook paper. Hand one piece of notebook paper, for the two of you, in when you are finished.