what does the author want me to learn from reading this story?

What does the author want me to learn from reading this story?

In this lesson you will learn to determine the theme of a story by asking “what did the author want me to learn from reading

this story?”

Let’s Review

We’ve just finished reading “The Reformation of Jimmy Valentine-

Safe Cracker”

?

A Common Mistake

Theme

Theme

Core LessonCore LessonTheme:

the author’s message or what he/she wants the reader to learn.

Life lesson

Not specific to a story A story can have one, more than

one, or none at all..

Core LessonCore Lesson

What is the theme of “The Reformation of Jimmy Valentine-Safe Cracker?”

Love conquers all?What comes around goes around?People can and do change ?

Core LessonCore Lesson Theme: People can and do change for the better.

Jimmy Valentine:Beginning: End:

Sneaky bank robber who only cares about himself.

Honest businessman who cares more about his family than about Det. Price watching him crack a safe.

Core LessonCore Lesson Let’s Check Our Theme:People can and do change for

the better.

Life lesson

Not specific to a story A story can have one, more than

one or none at all..

Theme Test:

Core LessonCore Lesson

Review the text.1

2 Ask: What does the author want me to learn?

3 Test and record your theme.

In this lesson you have learned how to determine the theme of a story by asking what did the author want me to learn from

this story?

Guided Practice A second possible theme:“Love conquers all”

Life lesson Not specific to a story. A story can have one, more than

one or none at all..

Theme Test:

Guided Practice

Jimmy Valentine:Beginning: End:

Theme: Love conquers all.

Guided Practice

1 Review the text.

2 Ask: What does the author want me to learn?

3 Test and record your theme.

Extension Activities

Group Extension:Working with your class or your group, go through the three steps to determine the theme or author’s lesson for a short story or novel that you have completed reading.

Extension Activities

Individual Extension:Use the three steps to determine theme or what the author of your independent reading book wanted his/her reader to learn. Record your work on a sticky note or in your reader’s notebook.

Quick QuizQuick Quiz

Quick Quiz: What is one possible theme of “The Dream Opportunity for Redheads?”

Write a sticky note with a possible theme and one piece of evidence from your “theme test.”