Identifying Themes in LiteratureCreated by David Hunter

In preparation to analyze the development of theme in a text, students will review what theme is and how to identify theme in stories.

Preparation GuideLesson RubricLesson Plan
ActivityActivity TypeDescription
hookObserve a Problem or a ChallengeHow do you find the theme in a story?
  • What is the problem or challenge students will observe to get hooked?How do you find the theme in a story?
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    informWatch a Video or DemonstrationTheme VS central idea
    • Title of what students will watch:Theme VS central idea
    • Directions for studentsPay attention for how you can find theme in a story
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    practiceShareStudents will share their initial ideas about how to determine theme. They will share with a group.
    • What will students share?Students will share their initial ideas about how to determine theme. They will share with a group.
    • Directions for studentsIn a group, share 3 main ideas about how you would determine theme in a story. Be ready to share with the class.
    • What do you anticipate students will think during this practice? (optional)Students might get stuck on the topics of stories, instead of the theme. Students might have really complicated ways of explaining theme.
    • How can you respond to engourage student learning? (optional)Make sure students look at themes as "life lesson". Also, make sure students work on simplifying their directions.
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      applyCreate SomethingCreate a poster on how to find themes in literature
      • Describe what the students will need to createCreate a poster on how to find themes in literature
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        1. Standard Not Met2. Approaching Standard3. Standard Met4. Exceeding Standard
        RL.7.2.A - Reading: LiteratureDetermine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text;
        Did not interpret a theme or central idea from the text.
        Identified evidence of how the theme or central idea developed in the text, but did not explain how it developed.
        Examined and explained how the theme or central idea developed in the text.
        Examined and explained how the theme or central idea developed in the text AND evaluated its effect.

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